The Poetteer

Hello Poetteers, While writing or editing a poem there are specific questions you should ask yourself.  Struggling with POV Who are you writing about? Who are you writing this for? Struggling with Verb Tenses When did the specific situation happen? Struggling with the story What was happening? What caused it to happen? What did your surroundings look like? What were you feeling about the specific situation? What message do you want to emphasize? Lastly : Read the poem aloud. I always tell you to ask your poem “what” but you should also ask your poem “why”. You can see this play out in depth when you work with me. Are you struggling with your poetry? I have spots open for editing clients. Message me to get started. Stay inspired, Fida

Hello Poetteers, Brought to Life Driving by a beautiful sight seeing the dead trees covered in snow they wait to be brought back to life I listen to prayers and praise of God my heart yearns for Him. Behind the Poem I would share here what inspired the poem but I write about the inspiration in the poem. I was with my mom after a bookstore date. We chose to drive down a scenic route. I was specifically listening to a recitation of the prayers of the last prophet. We talked about how beautiful and calming both the view and recitation was. I can tell you how I felt. I was moved to tears. Has something moved you to tears? Stay inspired, Fida

Hello Poetteers, When I first got into poetry I wrote about my cultural experiences but as I moved forward in my poetry journey I explored different themes. It feels good to come back. As I was working on this collection there was a lot of self doubt. I worry that I may be wrong or that I’m not worthy of sharing such pieces. I worry about being controversial and over stepping boundaries. I love all your guesses: Growing Soul Thriving Soul Nourishing Soul Colorful Soul The alternative title I was thinking of was ‘Rooted Soul’. But the more I thought of it I came up with a title that better fit the collection. Roots is about building a community, home and foundation while rise is about learning and growing from that foundation. From an identity crisis and being naive about my beliefs, this collection is about growing up in a multicultural and Muslim home, accepting my identity and understanding the depth of my faith.  That title is ‘Rising Soul’. This wil...

Hello Poetteers, We are reaching the last week of 2018. I wanted to share my thoughts on the last few poetry books I’ve read. I love vulnerable poems that share personal experiences. I’m tired of vague poems about love. You’ll see that below. November From 14 to 41 by Suzanne Purewal 3.5 stars Some pieces were sweet and empowering. I love the pieces about nature and can relate to some of the sorrow. Though, the romance isn’t my style. I also enjoyed the imagery in the poems and the illustrations. December Shame Is an Ocean I Swim Across: Poems by Mary Lambert 5 stars This is powerful and heartbreaking as Mary shares personal thoughts and experiences about heavy topics. I appreciate the glimpses of self love. Soft Thorns by bridgett devoue 3. 5 stars This feels like an average collection filled with vague love poems. The pieces that stood out to me are the ones of heartbreak and healing. What are you cu...

Hi Poetteers, You are probably writing a poem or book right now. First and foremost, when you’re done writing take a break and step away from it. Look at it later with fresh eyes. Save the older draft if you want to go back to it. Here are some editing tips. Read your poem aloud. Read it without the first line. Read it without the first stanza. Read your poem without the line or stanza you feel unsure about. Read your poem backwards. Last but not least, get a second/unbiased opinion. Do you want to work with me? Check out my poetry services page and fill out the form. stay inspired, Fida

Hi Poetteers, We love writing our free verse poetry but at times we get too comfortable and maybe even stagnant. To get ourselves out of that, we have to challenge our poetry. Here’s a few ways ti do that: Try a new poetry form. For example: haiku, epigram, and cinquain. Try a new poetic device you never used before. For example: alliteration, juxtaposition, or imagery . Use a unique writing prompt. For example: check out my book, Journey to Healing . Write a poem on a topic you never covered before. For example: look at older poems, maybe you never written poems about your body or about something spooky. Once you figure out what it is, write it. It’s okay if it’s bad and you don’t like it. At least you tried. It’s about challenging you voice and looking for your voice. Write a poem opposite from what you usually write. For example: if you write light poems, write a dark poem. Set a word or time limit. For example: write a poem in 5 mins or write a poem in ...

Hello Poetteers, There are several poetry misconceptions and annoyances floating around social media. I want to talk about a few top ones. Poetry needs to be romantic. No, it doesn’t. It can be any emotion. Poetry needs to include rhyme end words. No it doesn’t. You can have your poem be rhythmic in other ways. Vague self love/positivity poetry: It sounds like a piece anyone can write. Make it specific with your own experience. Male “she” poets: It’s frustrating that male poets are writing about women’s trauma. I already shared my thoughts in this instagram post . Men should not be writing about female trauma or beautifying mental illness. “insta” poets: Poets on instagram is not any different from poets who don’t use social media. I like what Lang Leav said about this label, “This new and dynamic movement is sometimes referred to as ‘instapoetry.’ A label I personally believe is silly and makes no sense. Using a social platform to define a genre of writing is ...