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Author
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Comment
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Lizzi
Unregistered User
(10/19/02 11:44:02 am)
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Fairy tale poems
I'm taking a creative writing course at university; module 1 lets us discover poetry.
What motivates those of you who write poetry based on fairy tales? Any general or specific hints, tips or exercises you can give to a beginner like me would be welcome.
Also, if you have any useful poetry writing references you can recommend I would also be grateful, particularly to analysis.
(I'm a bit behind as I have 10-month daughter who has just started to crawl properly in the last few weeks so I really need to get the creativity flowing beyond just thinking about it. I need to get the pen to paper.)
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DonnaQ
Registered User
(10/19/02 10:15:05 pm)
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Re: Fairy tale poems
Hi Lizzi
In case you haven't already, check out Anne Sexton's classic collection of fairy tale poems titled "Transformations." I always find them inspiring and there are a number of critical responses to her work that are available - which will help in regard to analysis of the poems.
Re: motivation and creation -
For a start, I read whatever I can get my hands on. (The Endicott Studio, for example, has a treasure trove of great poetry on its site.) After ingestion, there's digestion - how does the poem make you feel? what aspects jump out at you? a particular character? or scene? or situation? (And so on....) Then there's generation. Sometimes I transport the characters from "Once Upon a Time" into today's reality. Or I take up the point of view of one of the characters and go from there. Or I fill in the blanks - what happens in between the lines. Or, or, or...
There are so many approaches, really. And there are a ton of talented people here to give suggestions...
Next!
Edited by: DonnaQ at: 10/19/02 10:21:08 pm
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Kerrie
Registered User
(10/20/02 11:18:12 am)
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Words...
I focus on the words in the stories, the details that are key elements to the tale: colors, props, costumes, settings, numbers, etc. Almost like in theater, I guess, the actor/character, is not the only one telling the story.
One writing exercise I sometimes use is from "Room to Write," by Bonni Goldberg, on altars/shrines. We all have them- trophies, dolls, model boats, books- anything that means something to us. Think of what might be in a character's shrine- is it something you would identify with them right off, or something that only has meaning for the character?
I also use the big question, "WHAT IF...?" You can come up with all kinds of scenarios by simply asking this question. Change a character, change a setting, change a prop, etc. What is the outcome?
Here are links to a couple of old posts that may help:
www.surlalunefairytales.c...plans.html
www.surlalunefairytales.c...cises.html
Let me know if you want any more suggestions!
Forest frosts,
Kerrie
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