1. Everything will fall in place, hold on to your words when things get unbearable and release them when things are uncertain.

2. Read those who have written before you and are writing with you. You will get into an influence, but remember there’s always something new that hasn’t been said in the way you can.

3. Begin from scribbling words to stanzas and have patience. Just because the world is running fast, you don’t have to. Poetry is patience, so breathe.

4. There are various types of poetry in different forms. Every language has developed a certain kind, so learn new forms.

5. You don’t have to post daily to become a poet. If you can feel the unsaid and observe the unseen you already are a poet.

6. Validations are harmful at times and criticism is necessary. How will you grow if you do not fall?

7. Take things easy. Social media is toxic. Understand. Go with your emotions. Read if you can. Don’t force. Breathe.

8. If you can’t write, do not. If you can try writing, give it a try. A line or two goes a long way.

9. Always make a draft of thoughts you want to express even if you are blocked or numb. You can always go back to them.

10. Remember what your emotions are telling you, memorize them. You may not always have a pen or screen to write on.

11. It’s okay if you feel you lack something. No one can attain perfection, good things take time. Hold on.

12. The way to improve yourself is that you need to understand poetry first. Begin with anything you find is easy, attempt forms you find difficult but don’t force. Take it easy, really easy.

13. You can be a successful and a better poet without having a follower count of thousand or millions.

14. Be with those who help you grow in terms of expression.

15. Don’t forget to sit with yourself without pen and paper, just let things escalate.

© Sameera Mansuri 2020.

The blog post first appeared on The Poetic Elixir.