How Poetry Contests Draw Us Into Conversation with Our Own Creative Process

Let us assist you with some strategies to help you think more deeply about the poems you enter in poetry contests – and then better connect with your audience! Poetry contests, especially those hosted online, are a stage where one’s emotions, experiences, and creativity converge and are projected to a vast audience. Yes, it’s all about creating something that impresses the judges and connects with readers, but beyond just writing verses, these contests serve as a doorway to a unique kind of dialogue. Creating any form of art entails a back-and-forth with oneself, and while the notion might sound somewhat silly, it’s the fastest way to introspect and pursue a creative vision or goal. If you are looking to enter a few poetry contests this year, there are several questions you can ask yourself, and answer, that will help you focus your efforts.

What Do I Wish to Get Out of Entering Poetry Contests?

Believe it or not, your motivation for entering poetry contests may influence your poem. Before penning down your masterpiece, think carefully about what drives you and why you enjoy poetry contests. For some, It’s about validation as an artist; others seek to grow professionally and would like exposure. Perhaps you’re after personal development and refining your skills, or maybe all of the above. If you define your goals clearly, they will guide your approach and will shine through in what you convey in your piece. Whether you wish to win that final prize, improve your writing skills, or share your voice with the world, clarifying your intentions will give more meaning to the journey.

What Do I Want My Audience to Feel?

When entering poetry contests, you are putting your work out into the world to be judged, and you can expect that your piece will cause the reader to feel something. Before writing, ask yourself what emotions you want to evoke, and be aware that there are no real bad emotions. Whether you aim to stir empathy, inspire introspection or action, or get your audience to re-evaluate something, you can infuse your verses with sentiments that create a connection that lingers in the readers’ minds for a long time after they read your words.

How is My Poem Different From Others in the Same Genre?

Originality sets exceptional poetry apart, but how does one cultivate a unique perspective with everything under the sun already written about? It would be a combination of factors, such as the genre you choose, the tone, the type of unconventional imagery and symbolism you utilise, and brutal honesty not often openly expressed by others. When you strive to break away from clichés and predictable tropes, you have already won half the battle, and the next step is to show your readers the world through a fresh pair of eyes – yours.

How Much of My Experiences, Thoughts, and Opinions Will I Inject Into My Poem?

You must consider the depth of personal content you incorporate into your poems. Poetry contests celebrate all experiences, and they don’t necessarily need to be yours. You can invent an experience, sentiment, or feeling or you can delve into something real and close to your heart. Drawing from personal experiences always adds authenticity but requires vulnerability and courage. Or you can flex your creative muscles and build an entirely new story, creating characters and scenarios within one poem. The choice is all yours.

How Will This Challenge Change Me for the Better?

Participating in poetry contests presents a challenge that can provide the opportunity for personal transformation and significant growth as a writer. As an artist, you will naturally evolve if you are attuned to your surroundings and introspect often, but poetry contests are like catalytic chambers that speed up the change process. So, if you’re feeling stuck with your writing style, poetry contests are the way to go. Before choosing which competition to enter, think about how it will challenge and fulfil you, the kind of effort you wish to put in, and what you want to achieve.

When asking yourself these questions, the answer does not always have to be the most perfect, optimal, or productive. This is your writing journey; you can go at it your way. If you want some inspiration on the kind of poems that do well in poetry contests, such as The AVBOB Poetry Project, look at our library here.