6 Reasons to Write Fictional Poetry
From classic epics to modern poetry books, poets have taken a fictional approach to writing throughout history. If you’re struggling to write poetry from an autobiographical point of view, add some fiction for a refreshing change of pace.
Unsure whether this approach is right for you? Here are some reasons you should consider writing fictional poetry.
Fiction provides escapism
Similar to reading a novel, writing your own fictional poetry stories allows for escapism into other worlds. Whether you’re writing a fantastical tale or a story based on an experience that isn’t your own, fiction allows you to momentarily escape from life’s pressures and worries.
Easier to write about personal experiences
Add depth to your fictional poems by applying your personal experiences to your characters’ lives. When you’re creating characters, it can be easier to communicate your own challenges and to recall painful memories through this process, as fiction provides a barrier by which to more comfortably share your story.
Can feel more universal
Fiction can often feel more universal and therefore more relatable to a wide range of readers, since you can explore several scenarios in your poems. If you wish to write poetry that connects with many people from different walks of life, creating fictional poetry stories is a smart way to go.
Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources
Writing fiction can also allow you to pull inspiration from a variety of sources, such as yourself, family and friends, iconic public figures, or even movies. Whether you’re exploring infidelity, romantic heartbreak, depression, the loss of a loved one, or a failed venture, fiction writing encourages you to astutely observe your environment or the creative media you consume.
Endless creativity and storylines
Because fiction relies on storytelling, your creativity is boundless. Perhaps you’ll focus on a tumultuous relationship—romantic or not—between two people. Or, maybe you’ll create your own sci-fi or fantasy-inspired world that follows a specific character’s journey throughout multiple poems or even an entire collection.
Expands your craft
Writing fiction can challenge you to expand your craft by learning new skills, such as storytelling and character development. Since poetry is much more concise than a novel, you’ll discover poignant and effective ways to story tell in a short format. You never know where this journey might take you—perhaps you’ll even create a series of collections that explore one story.
Want some quick prompts and exercises to get you started? Read below:
- Tell a fictional summer romance story throughout three poems based on sunny season months—June, July, and August.
- Watch a favorite movie (or one you’ve never seen!) and write a poem from a character’s perspective.
- Imagine a character lost in a foreign land or, for a sci-fi angle, time. In poems, explore what their journey might be like.
We hope these reasons have convinced you to express your poetic creativity through fiction. If you’re looking for even more ways to expand your craft, check out our guide on lyric essay writing.
