Tag: creative-writing

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The Rituals of Writing

Every poet has little rituals that bring them closer to the page. Maybe it’s a steaming cup of coffee before dawn, or the habit of drafting longhand with a favorite pen. Some poets read a poem aloud before writing, while others light a candle, put on music, or take a walk to clear their mind.

These rituals aren’t just quirks—they’re part of the creative process. They remind us to slow down, create space, and signal to our brains: it’s time to write.

Why Rituals Matter

Rituals create a bridge between the everyday world and the imaginative one. They help us shift gears, leaving behind distractions and entering a mindset where words can flow more freely. A ritual can also provide comfort. On days when writing feels intimidating, returning to a familiar routine—pouring that cup of coffee, arranging your desk just so—can make the process feel approachable again.

Examples of Writing Rituals

Writers throughout history have relied on their own unique rituals:

  • Maya Angelou rented a hotel room to write, bringing only a dictionary, Bible, deck of cards, and a bottle of sherry.
  • Virginia Woolf wrote while standing at a desk.
  • Toni Morrison famously described watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee before writing, saying the ritual helped her “enter the day and the world with confidence.”

Your rituals don’t need to be elaborate. It might be as simple as setting a timer, opening your notebook, and breathing deeply three times before beginning.

Creating Your Own Ritual

If you don’t already have a writing ritual, experiment with building one this week. Here are a few ideas:

  • Set the mood: Light a candle, play instrumental music, or sit by a window.
  • Use a special object: A notebook, pen, or mug you only use while writing.
  • Mark the time: Write at the same hour each day, even if only for ten minutes.
  • Transition in: Read a favorite poem aloud before starting your own draft.

The Takeaway

Rituals are about creating consistency and connection. They don’t guarantee brilliance, but they do invite presence. Over time, your brain will begin to recognize the signals—this is writing time. And in that space, the words often come more easily.

So this week, ask yourself: what’s your writing ritual? If you don’t have one yet, perhaps it’s time to discover the small, steady practices that will carry you into your next poem.

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Reviving Your Poetry Writing in the Spring

Spring brings a sense of renewal—a perfect time to breathe new life into your poetry. The season invites us to step outside, embrace change, and rediscover the inspiration around us. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just getting started, spring offers countless opportunities to reignite your creative spark. Here are a few ways to revive your poetry writing this season, brought to you by the Kentucky State Poetry Society (KSPS).

1. Step Outside and Observe the World Around You

Spring is a feast for the senses. The sound of birdsong, the scent of blooming flowers, the sight of green buds on trees—it’s all brimming with potential for poetry. Take a walk in the park, sit by a creek, or just observe the change in your own backyard. The more you allow yourself to absorb, the more you’ll have to write about.

Prompt: Write a poem inspired by the first flower you see this spring. Describe it in detail, but focus on what it makes you feel or remember.

2. Start a Poetry Journal for the Season

Journaling is a great way to track your creative thoughts and build new poems over time. Spring is a perfect season to start this habit. Keep a small notebook with you and jot down everything that catches your attention. You may find unexpected inspiration in your daily life or from new encounters during the season. Review your journal at the end of the month and pick out your favorite bits to turn into full poems.

Prompt: Write about a moment from your day that made you smile, whether big or small. Let your words bloom as you reflect on it.

3. Experiment with New Forms

Spring is all about growth, so why not try something new with your writing? If you usually write free verse, try experimenting with forms like haiku, sonnets, or villanelles. The constraints of these forms can be challenging, but they also push you to think outside the box. Plus, you might discover a new favorite way to write.

Prompt: Choose a form you’ve never tried before and write a poem using that structure. For example, try a haiku inspired by the spring weather.

4. Read More Poetry

Reading the work of others is an excellent way to reignite your own writing. You’ll gain new insights into different styles and techniques, and sometimes reading another poet’s words can spark your own creativity. You can anticipate our new issue of Pegasus on April 15, but for now, maybe dive into our fall 2024 issue.

Prompt: Read a poem that speaks to you, and then write a poem that responds to it. It can be a direct conversation, a reinterpretation, or simply a poem inspired by the feelings the piece evokes.

5. Join a Writing Group or Workshop

If you’re looking for motivation, community can help. Sharing your work with others can encourage you to keep writing, and constructive feedback will help you grow as a poet. KSPS offers opportunities for poets to connect, and getting involved with the community is a great way to reinvigorate your writing practice. This April, we have two open mic nights: a virtual one on April 15 and an in-person one on April 28 at Loudoun House.

Prompt: Attend a local poetry event or virtual workshop. Afterward, write a poem reflecting on the experience and how it made you feel.

6. Celebrate the Natural World

Spring is the season of growth, and that extends beyond plants and trees. It’s a time to reflect on personal growth and renewal as well. Incorporate themes of growth, transformation, and nature into your work. Let the season inspire you to explore new emotional depths in your writing.

Prompt: Write a poem that compares your growth as a poet to the growth of something in nature. How do you bloom, just like a flower?

7. Break Away from Perfection

Sometimes the hardest part of writing is the pressure to make each poem perfect. Spring is about letting go of what no longer serves you—don’t let the idea of perfection hold you back. Write freely, without worrying about whether it’s “good” or “bad.” The more you write, the easier it will be to refine your work.

Prompt: Write a poem in a single sitting, allowing your thoughts to flow freely without editing. Focus on letting go and trusting the process.

8. Find Inspiration in Spring Holidays

Holidays like Easter, Earth Day, and May Day can offer unique prompts for creativity. Think about how these occasions make you feel, or write about the traditions and celebrations associated with them. Use these moments to explore deeper meanings or simply reflect on their significance.

Prompt: Write a poem about your favorite spring holiday, focusing on the sensory details or emotions it evokes.

We encourage you to share your spring-inspired poems with us! Submit your work to Pegasus, send them to our Instagram, and don’t forget to join KSPS to stay connected with the vibrant Kentucky poetry community.

Happy writing, and may your poetry bloom this season!

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KSPS Weekly Blog #2: Poetry Reading, Student Poetry Contests, and the Upcoming Pegasus Edition

Spring is in the air, and with it, exciting literary events and opportunities are blooming here at KSPS. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry lover or a budding writer, we have something for everyone this month. From an inspiring poetry reading to upcoming student contests, plus the highly anticipated release of the next Pegasus edition, March and April are shaping up to be a celebration of poetic creativity and talent.

Tom Hunley Poetry Reading: March 18

Next week, we’re looking forward to a poetry reading from poet Tom Hunley. Tom will be sharing his poetry and insights with us on March 18 at 8 p.m. on Zoom as a continuation of our ongoing poetry reading series, Kentucky Voices. Whether you’re interested in writing or simply want to immerse yourself in the beauty of language, this poetry reading is a must-attend event. Mark your calendars and register here!

Student Poetry Contests

We’re also excited to announce the student poetry contests for 2025! KSPS is committed to nurturing young talent, and these contests are the perfect platform for students in grades 3-12 to showcase their creativity and passion for poetry. The contest is open to all students, including homeschool students and those outside of Kentucky.

Here are the details and guidelines for the contest:

  • Submission Format: Submissions should be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Each submission must include a cover page with the following information:
    • Student Name / Age / Grade / School / Email
    • Teacher Name / Email
    • Parent or Guardian Name / Email / Mailing Address
  • Submission Limit: Up to 5 poems can be submitted per document. Each poem should start on a fresh page. All submissions must be unpublished, original work.
  • Submission Email: studentcontestksps@gmail.com.
  • Eligibility: The contest is open to students in grades 3-12. This includes homeschool students and those from outside Kentucky.
  • Deadline: May 18th – Don’t miss out on your chance to participate!

Pegasus: April 15 Release

But that’s not all – the next edition of Pegasus is right around the corner! Set to be released on April 15, this upcoming edition promises to be a stellar collection of poetry, prose, and visual art created by local talent. Pegasus is the perfect platform for poets to share their work with a broader audience, and we can’t wait to showcase the diverse and innovative pieces we’ve received.

This edition will feature a range of voices, styles, and themes, from the personal to the universal. Whether you’re submitting your own work (submissions are still open!) or eagerly awaiting the release, you won’t want to miss this vibrant compilation of creative expression.

Join Us in Celebrating Poetry and Creative Expression!

We’re thrilled about the opportunities ahead and hope you’ll join us for the March 18 poetry reading, get involved in the student poetry contests, and stay tuned for the upcoming release of Pegasus. Let’s continue to celebrate the power of words, the beauty of language, and the creativity that thrives in our community.

Stay connected with KSPS for more updates and announcements. We can’t wait to share these exciting events with you!