Inspired To Write Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, and Almost Anything:

As a poet or writer, you know what it means to be inspired, but, as you have probably discovered by now, inspiration sometimes seems to come and go.

To better understand inspiration and maybe even receive more of it in your writing life, consider the word that’s the direct opposite of inspire: Expire!

Expiration means to run out of time or to be lifeless.

Inspiration breathes in the everlasting breath of God.

How? With prayer, Bible study, meditation, devotion, inspirational reading and worship, you draw closer to God.

A key word to remember, too, is the first word of the Shema, the central prayer in the Jewish prayer book and in Jesus’ life: Hear!

“Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God is one, and you shall love the LORD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,” Deuteronomy 6:4-5.

In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke Jesus quoted that poetic command, extending the Shema to include“with all your mind.”

So, to be truly inspired to write manuscripts of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for any age group of readers, first, listen. Then:

Engage your heart.

Engage your soul.

Engage your mind.

Engage your strength.

And breathe!

How To Write More Poetically, Regardless Of What You Write:

Imagine an image. Let a relevant object re- present a theme you present. i.e., Bible poetry uses such symbols as a rock, shield, or water to show what God is like.

Re-vise by re-visioning. As you write, do not fret over metaphor (this is that) or simile (this is like that), but when you revise, look again. See again. Think again.

Let your re-vision envision a fresh comparison to show what you mean.

Play with words. Let words be your tools for playing with sounds and meaning.

A dictionary definition (denotation) will help you to say just what you mean. Obviously, clarity and precision are crucial in writing a how-to book, nonfiction article, or children’s picture book text. Precise word choices add to the readability and credibility of your poems and fiction too. However, to turn this into a poetic quality, choose words that not only say exactly what you mean but that have the echoes you want for a lyrical sound.

Listen to the music. Attune your ear to the musicality of your manuscripts as you read each version aloud. To enhance the poetic sound, increase the alliteration by selecting words that repeat the consonants and vowels occurring within a line.

Occasionally, use words with multiple meanings (connotations) to add interest or mystery. Layers of meaning can add up to humor in your nonfiction as you play with words. Connotations also add interesting possibilities to dialogue in a script or novel.

Read your fiction and nonfiction aloud like you read your poems. As you hear the words you have written, you’ll notice if anything sounds “off” in the rhythmic flow of your dialogue or lyrical lines of your article.

Listening to your work can help you to become more poetic. If you also want professional feedback on your nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or children’s picture book text, see Getting Feedback for information and pricing on a critique.