The Poetteer

Hello Poetteers, Before you even write balance life and poetry. I leave writing for when it doesn’t take me away from an experience. I know I feel ready to write when I’ve accepted the situation that I’m writing about, the lesson is learned and there is positivity. I love a poem that shows the whole story. I want to see a piece have a balance of both sides. For example: if you share something dark, add something light. if it's negative, add positivity. if you're searching for something, share it being found.  The format matters too. Break up run on sentences to fit the format and remain consistent with the rest of the poem. It can look too heavy or too small compared to the rest of the piece. Also, remain consistent with the poetic devices you used.  Don't be afraid to question your poetry to pull out what's necessary for it. How do you know you've written a well balanced poem? stay inspired, Fida

Gold Gift Every time I look down at my wrists and see the bracelets I see their hands, I am reminded of both women who wore it before me I hope to embody their strength. Behind the Poem This poem is from Her Durian. I wrote it after my mom gave me her bracelet that she had gotten from her mother. In the moment it felt casual. She slipped on my wrist to give me some arm candy before our trip to Malaysia. My own grandmother didn't recognize it yet thought it was beautiful. This memory will always be attached to the bracelet and poem. Signed paperbacks are now available for purchase. 

Hello Poetteers, Positive affirmations help you believe in your goals and propels you towards action.  Affirmations for Editing My writing is strengthened by editing notes from others. I can visualize the improvement editing makes on my poetry.  I trust in the editing process. I will take my time with my poetry. It's good to write slowly. I will carefully look over my poetry. Action Items Reach out to beta readers and sensitivity readers Hire an editor. Both can offer an outside perspective.  Notice if critiques highlight similar issues. Keep it in mind for future editing. Take breaks between writing and editing. Also have breaks between each editing round. Doing so will help you look at your work from a clear headspace.  Read it aloud, read it backwards. Ask your poetry questions. Don’t rush/force writing specific stanzas. You don't want to over edit. Be vocal about the voice you want to portray in your work.  Stay inspired, Fida  I'm a poetry editor. Inte...

Hello Poetteers, A table of contents helps your readers navigate a book and find the poem that calls out to them. There are two styles I like to use. Option 1 is to add all the chapter titles. Option 2 is to add all the poetry titles. It depends on the length of the book and how the poems are organized. How to Make It On Google Docs and Pages go under the insert tab and the option will be there. When it pops up there will be instructions on how to create it. Whatever text you want to go on the table of contents should be in the paragraph style called 'Heading'. Message me when your poetry book is ready to be edited. Stay inspired, Fida