TIPS FOR WRITING RHYMING
POEMS AND STORIES

 

Writing in rhyme is not easy.
But that should not discourage you.

Here are some tips for beginners.

 

1. Start with a short poem first.

Once you have some practice writing shorter poems you can go on to longer stories.

2. Decide on a topic.

Will the poem be fiction or nonfiction?

If you want to write fiction (made up story)
will it be reality fiction or fantasy fiction?

Write down in prose sentences what you want to say in your poem. What happens first, second, and so on .

3. Think of words that relate to your topic.

Make a list of words you might use.
Make a list of words that rhyme with the first list of words.

Which of these words might end a sentence?

4. Decide on a rhyming pattern.

Will the pattern have 4 lines with alternate
sentences rhyming?
Will the pattern have two lines with the last
words in each sentence rhyming.

5. Write the first stanza (first poem paragraph).

Do not worry about rhythm at this point.
When you have a lot of experience writing
simple sentences in rhyme, you can then think about improving the rhythm.

6. Write the second staza and continue on until
the poem is finished.

Your poem is finished when you have written everything you intended to say in your original plan.

 

THIS IS ONLY YOUR FIRST DRAFT.
Most poets make corrections and changes. This is called EDITING.

 

7.Read the poem out loud. Ask someone else
to read it to you. See how it sounds.

NOTE: SOME POETS LIKE TO WRITE POEMS WHICH DO NOT HAVE A SPECIAL MEANING.THEY SIMPLY WANT TO PUT BEAUTIFUL WORDS TOGETHER. THIS IS A FORM OF ADULT POETRY. CHILDREN'S POEMS USUALLY HAVE AN IDENTIFIABLE MEANING.

 

When you have become used to writing short poems, you will be ready to write rhyming stories. Follow the same tips.

It is important to know what you want to say in the story.

1. Write down what the story will be about.

2. Write down the names of the characters.

3. Write the story in prose first.

4. Change the wording so that the story can be partially, or totally in rhyming sentences.

 

REMEMBER, WRITING IN RHYME IS DIFFICULT.

IT IS ALSO A LOT OF FUN.