Crafting Poems that Speak to Both You and Your Audience

by Kevin Watt, Allpoetry founder

Who do you write for?

As poets, we often find ourselves wondering about our target audience - ourselves or our fans. The answer, my friends, is both. Crafting a poem that resonates with a reader on a deeper level also helps it resonate with yourself.

As you continue to write, you'll find that your own connection to the craft grows stronger. The process of crafting effective, resonant poetry becomes a form of self-reflection, allowing you to explore your own thoughts and emotions in a way that's both therapeutic and fulfilling. And as you do, you may find that your writing becomes more evocative, more impactful, and more meaningful to your readers.

So, how does our audience inform our growth as poets? 

Feedback from readers is invaluable, offering us insight into how our work is received and helping us refine our craft.

What kind of feedback is most helpful? 

Constructive criticism that sparks new ideas and encourages us to take risks is particularly valuable. So, the next time you receive feedback, don't be afraid to take it as an opportunity to grow and evolve as a poet. 

Here are a few tips for incorporating this feedback without getting defensive:

• Approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

• Identify the specific elements of the feedback that resonate with you and use them as inspiration for future work.

• Don't be afraid to disagree or politely decline suggestions that don't align with your artistic vision.

• Remember that feedback is an opportunity, not a criticism of your worth as a poet.

By embracing our audience and the feedback they offer, we can continue to grow and evolve as poets, creating work that inspires and resonates with readers. I hopes these insights have been helpful in your own writing journey.

About the Author

Kevin Watt is a Renaissance Man who loves poetry, painting, photography and web-programming. In 1999, he founded Allpoetry, the largest poetry community on the internet.