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I’ve always loved poetry. There’s just something about it—the way a few lines can convey so much, the way it captures emotions you didn’t even realize you were feeling. But over the years, I’ve learned to see poetry as more than one thing. For me, it exists in two very different but equally powerful realms: spoken word and written poetry.
And honestly? I adore both. The Power of Spoken Word Have you ever been in a room, hearing someone recite a poem out loud, and gotten chills? That’s the magic of spoken word. It’s poetry that dances, in every possible meaning of the word. The poet’s voice, their physicality, their pauses, their passion — you feel it all. Poetry comes alive in spoken word. It’s bold. It’s emotional. This form regularly addresses genuine and impactful themes such as identity, inequality, heartbreak, or healing. This connection reaches people on a deeply personal level. People are drawn to the experience because it provides them not only with words but also with direct access to someone's authentic emotions. The art of spoken word shows me that poetry exists not only for reading but also to be shared with others. The Magic of Written Poetry Written poetry exists as a companion for those who enjoy a cozy reading session complete with a comforting cup of tea. It’s softer, maybe, but no less powerful. The ability to decelerate through written poetry is what I appreciate most. I read the same line repeatedly while underlining it and writing notes in the margins. I discover new elements in it when I return to it days after my initial reading. Written poetry creates an intimate dialogue between you and the poet. Written poetry creates room for reflection and breathing while allowing words to settle as you consider them. The silence between poetry lines allows me to hear my voice, which makes it incredibly valuable to me. Why We Don’t Have to Choose Here’s the thing: it’s not about better or worse form. They’re simply different doors to the same room. Some poems demand to be shouted out from a stage; others wish to be whispered across a page. And some? Some do both. Both forms have allowed me to make sense of myself and the world around me. They’ve made me laugh and cry and think and heal. And that’s why I think spoken word and written poetry belong in our hearts — and our shelves. So whether you’re clapping in a crowded space after a performance that hits you in that special way, or quietly steeping in a poem at 3:00 a.m., remember: poetry is doing what it’s always done, connecting us, one word at a time. This blog post was written by Gwen.
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The internet has turned book lovers into trope analysts, with entire communities dedicated to celebrating (or roasting) the familiar storytelling patterns we encounter again and again. Some tropes inspire passionate fandoms, endless TikTok edits, and tumultuous Goodreads debates - but which ones actually deserve the hype?
Let's start with what the internet collectively adores: "Enemies-to-lovers" reigns supreme across BookTok and beyond, with readers living for that delicious tension when two characters who initially despise each other fall helplessly in love. Then there's "found family," where misfit characters create their own supportive clan, tugging at our collective heartstrings when chosen bonds prove stronger than blood. The "morally gray protagonist" has dethroned the perfect hero, with readers now preferring complex characters who make questionable choices for compelling reasons. And who could forget "there was only one bed" - that moment when two characters (usually fighting their attraction) must share cramped sleeping quarters, sending fanfiction writers into a creative frenzy. But my personal favorites? I'm absolutely weak for a well-executed "slow burn romance." There's something magical about watching characters circle each other for hundreds of pages, exchanging meaningful glances and almost-touches that build unbearable tension before they finally come together. The payoff feels earned in a way that instant attractions never quite manage. I also adore "ordinary person discovers hidden magic/powers" stories, particularly when they explore how this discovery transforms their understanding of the world. This trope speaks to that universal desire we all harbor - that there's something special within us waiting to be uncovered, that the world contains more wonder than we've been led to believe. What about you? Are you team enemies-to-lovers or do you prefer friends-to-lovers instead? Do you live for the chosen one narrative or would you rather follow an ensemble cast? The beauty of tropes is how they evolve while remaining comfortingly familiar - giving us the stories we didn't know we needed. This blog post was written by Isha Popat. Poetry is more than just words arranged in rhythm and rhyme—it is a vessel for human
emotion, a canvas where feelings take shape and come alive. Whether expressing love, grief, joy, or despair, poetry allows poets to externalize their feelings in a way that resonates deeply with readers. In this blog post, we’ll explore how poetry enables the expression of emotions and why it’s essential for emotions to be infused into poetic works. How Poetry Conveys Emotion Poetry is unique in its ability to translate raw emotions into art, and it does so through several key techniques: 1. Vivid Imagery and Metaphor Poets use imagery to create powerful emotional connections. Instead of stating an emotion outright, they paint pictures with words. For example, rather than saying “I am heartbroken,” a poet might write: "The moon hangs low, a silver tear in the night’s weary eye." This metaphor not only conveys sadness but also evokes a sense of solitude and longing, allowing readers to feel the emotion rather than simply understand it. 2. Rhythm and Sound The musicality of poetry plays a crucial role in emotional expression. The rhythm, rhyme, and even the sounds of words contribute to the mood. Soft, flowing lines with gentle consonants may create a feeling of peace, while abrupt, sharp syllables can generate tension or urgency. Consider how the difference in pacing between a sonnet and free verse alters the emotional experience. 3. Word Choice and Tone Every word in a poem carries weight, and poets carefully select words that embody the emotions they wish to express. A poem about loss might use words like fading, silent, withered, while a poem about excitement could be filled with bursting, soaring, electric. The tone—whether melancholic, hopeful, or passionate—guides the reader’s emotional response. 4. Structure and Form The way a poem is structured can also amplify its emotional impact. A rigid, structured form like a sonnet may represent control over turbulent emotions, while free verse can reflect spontaneity and rawness. The use of line breaks, spacing, and punctuation further shapes how emotions are conveyed. Why Emotion Is Essential in Poetry A poem without emotion is like a song without melody—it may have meaning, but it lacks depth and resonance. Here’s why emotions are a crucial part of poetry: 1. Authenticity and Connection Readers connect with poetry when they sense genuine emotion behind the words. When a poet writes from the heart, their emotions become tangible, allowing readers to see their own feelings mirrored in the lines. This connection fosters empathy and understanding. 2. Catharsis and Healing For both the poet and the reader, poetry serves as an emotional release. Writing about pain, love, or hope can be therapeutic, helping to process complex emotions. Similarly, reading a poem that captures one’s own feelings can be comforting, providing solace and validation. 3. Expression Beyond Language Some emotions are too profound to be spoken plainly. Poetry allows for the expression of emotions that may otherwise be difficult to articulate. Through metaphor, symbolism, and rhythm, it reaches beyond the limits of everyday language to convey the depth of human experience. 4. Lasting Impact Emotionally rich poetry lingers in the mind and heart. A powerful poem can leave a lasting impression, evoking feelings long after it has been read. It becomes a shared experience between the poet and the audience, transcending time and culture. Final Thoughts At its core, poetry is an emotional journey. It transforms feelings into art, creating a space where emotions are felt, understood, and shared. Whether you are a poet pouring your soul onto the page or a reader finding solace in another’s words, poetry serves as a timeless bridge between hearts. So the next time you write or read a poem, embrace the emotions it carries—because that is where its true power lies. This blog post was written by Gwen. Every writer faces the same fundamental question: how do I get from a blank page to a finished story? The answer, it turns out, is as diverse as the writers themselves. Two prominent approaches stand out: plotting and pantsing.
A plotter meticulously plans their story before writing. They construct detailed outlines, character arcs, and scene breakdowns. Think of them as architects, drafting blueprints before laying a single brick. Plotters know where they're going, with defined milestones and a clear roadmap. This structured approach allows for intricate world-building, complex plot twists, and consistent character development. On the other hand, a pantser (from "flying by the seat of your pants") prefers a more spontaneous approach. They dive into the story with a general idea, allowing the narrative to unfold organically. They're explorers, charting unknown territories as they go. This method fosters creativity, allowing for unexpected twists and genuine character reactions. The story evolves as the writer writes, often leading to surprising and fulfilling outcomes. Neither approach is inherently superior. The "ideal" method depends entirely on the writer's personality and creative process. Plotting is beneficial for writers who:
This blog post was written by Isha Popat. |
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