National Poetry Month started as a national celebration in the US back in 1996 as an initiative of the Academy of American Poets but has become something that is celebrated more and more internationally, with not just publishers but bookstores, schools, libraries, and poets themselves joining in the celebrations. As you know, I’m a poet, so I’m absolutely in favour of all of that.
As the month progresses, I’ll be sharing some of my poems with a bit of context about why they were written and how I went about crafting my initial idea into a poem that delivered the message I wanted to put out there. I’ll also be sharing some of my favourite poems that I’ve loved for a long time, and introducing you to some new poets that you may not yet have heard of.
If you’re not into poetry, don’t worry – my blog posts won’t be exclusively poetry related. I hope to share some more insights about writing and social media for authors, too.
To encourage you to get involved in small ways, I have compiled a list of ten ways in which you can celebrate Poetry Month this April. Choose one, or choose all– it’s up to you.
- Read a poem that is new to you.
- Memorise a poem, or part of one.
- Support a poet by following their blogs or websites. Follow my blogs – here and at WordyNerdBird Writes where you can read my new writing, including recent poems and one or two from each of my books.
- Support a poet on social media by following and sharing their posts. I’ll be posting some more suggestions in the coming week about where you might like to start, but for now, my social media links are at the bottom of the post!
- Support a poet by buying a book of poetry. I’ll be posting some suggestions in a day or two, but you can check out last year’s suggestions here! They’re all really good.
- Participate in the Dear Poet project, even if just by enjoying the fantastic videos on the website.
- Subscribe to Poem-A-Day, where you will receive a brand new poem and some insights from the poet each day.
- Put the National Poetry Month poster image on your social media, website, notice board, shop window or anywhere else you think it might make a good impression.
- Write your own poem for someone special.
- Listen carefully to songs on the radio. You might be surprised how many of them are poetry set to music.
WordyNerdBird 
Reblogged this on Plaisted Publishing House and commented:
We are always on the look out for poets…
I’ve enjoyed each of your poetry collections!
I think I am fairly literate, but poetry has always been outside of my realm of understanding. I don’t get it, I cannot write it. Sometimes I appreciate it, but more often I am just left scratching my head and saying, “huh???” I give big kudos to those who can and do, but the best ol’ Filosofa can come up with is an occasional (rare) limerick, and those are often slightly off-colour. 😉
I think if it’s too lofty, there’s not much point. And it’s true that it may not be for everyone. We all have our preferences.
I am, I think, far too pragmatic … political commentary and analysis is my forte, and when I try to step out of that, I fall flat on my face. But, we each have our niche, I think … the key is finding that niche and understanding our limitations.
Check out my next post – it might help.