Chapter 14: What to Do With Your Growing Collection of Poetry
After you have collected more than a few poems, you may want to consider how to keep them organized. This applies if you have been putting your final drafts on loose sheets of paper or printing them out on the computer.
You can compile it in a three-ring binder. Will that keep the pages from tearing every time you turn them? It probably will not, so sheet protectors could be used. If the poems are not more than one page in length each, then two of them will fit into one sheet protector by placing them back-to-back. They are relatively inexpensive and found at office stores and some department stores.
Lamination is another option. It completely protects the page that is laminated. However, unless you own a laminator, access to one can be limited. Office stores offer this service for a fee.
Sharing Poetry
Another reason for organizing your growing poetry collection or portfolio is so you can share it. You can decide which ones to share or keep to yourself. Some poets do not share any of them. By sharing, I mean reading them aloud or reciting them.
Poetry Readings Or Recitals
Poetry readings are the best place to share your poems. Typically, they are held on a regular basis by local coffeehouses, writers’ groups, or poetry groups. The Internet or the local paper will have listings for them in your area. They are usually held weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on the group. Some are on weekends, but more than likely on weeknights.
Poetry Groups
You can feel free to join an existing poetry group or start your own. One advantage of starting a new group is that you will have more authority in determining when and where to meet. Typically, though, that is something agreed upon by a majority of members in the group. Another advantage to new groups is that you can invite non-poets to join. Who knows whether they may be moved to become poets as well?
As for the crowd, some gatherings cater to a certain generation while others have a wide range of poets. There are groups for older people, some for teens, and others just for women. You can always create one to suit your liking. The same information applies to writers’ groups.
Writers Groups
Writers’ groups are open to any type of creative writer, so that certainly includes poets. You will usually meet other poets there as well. The great thing about a writers’ group is that any of the members or attendees might know of another group that may interest you. It is also possible to start a new group based on things in common with some of the people there. Some writers’ groups exist online to accommodate great distances between members.
Some writers’ groups are involved in civic activities like volunteering or teaching community classes. They also tend to be active in holiday and cultural events. You may even get tips on how to get your work published.
Poetry Contests
These can be an outlet for your completed poems. Like the websites, they are organized by age for minors, geographical regions (city, county, state, or country), the type of poem, or a topic. There are usually cash prizes or other compensation involved.
Publishing
There are many ways to do this. A poet with only one poem can be published in an anthology. Be careful, though: many of them charge a fee, and minors cannot enter into contracts. In exchange, you receive a copy of the book, which will contain the work of up to hundreds of other poets.
For about the same price, you can publish an entire book of poetry. It can contain just one poet’s work or the work of an entire poets’ group. Schools often do this type of thing.
Local print shops can do this for even less. Ask around.
Also, research companies that publish for free. The Internet is a wonderful place full of answers for the most unbelievable questions.
Recap
There is no shortage of venues for your poetry collection. Poetry groups, writer’s groups, and publishing all await you. You may discover that you have a following once you share your work with others.
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