What's your favorite poem?

Introducing April's talking point, and wrapping up March's.

Readers respond about their writing motivation

For March, we asked you to share the things that motivate you to keep writing. What keeps you putting words down?

We can relate to lots of different reasons and practices, like pep talks, goal-setting, or even being the kind of person who works well under pressure and loves a good deadline. Those internal forces pressure us in the best kind of way to stick with what we’ve started. Then there’s external influences, like apps, daily writing challenges, being accountable to others in a writing group. We always say, writing is solitary, but being a writer is communal!

Beverly said, “My characters motivate me—as much as I created them, and want them to fulfill their lives to the max.” Continuing to breathe life into characters you’ve created, to follow them where they lead, is a great motivator.

Beverly added, “My husband is also an author (Sci Fi) and his encouragement is invaluable.” Again, the community aspect is critical for a lot of people, especially when that community—even if it’s just one person—is supportive and someone you trust.

Thanks to our commenters, and may your motivation persist and be fruitful.

April talking point: What’s your favorite poem?

April might be “the cruelest month,” but it’s also National Poetry Month, so we have a simple question for this month’s talking point: What’s your favorite poem?

We aren’t all poets, sure, but most of us writers can probably remember a bit of verse from childhood, or remember hearing a poem read aloud in school or in a film.

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?…

I’m Nobody, who are you?…

Hold fast to dreams…

Once upon a midnight dreary…

You may write me down in history…

I celebrate myself, and sing myself…

If you read these or any other opening lines to famous poems and remembered the second line, then the third, and so on, share with us that poem’s impact on you. Where did you first hear it? Why do you think it’s stuck with you since then? What does poetry mean to you?

You can post a link, share a few favorite lines, or simply post the title and author, but let’s turn the comments thread into a list of must-read poems this month.

And if you want to write poetry (or fiction, or nonfiction) with us, the next six-week session of online writing mentorship starts April 14. Learn more about Center mentors and our generative writing sessions.

If you haven’t already, subscribe to get reviews, author Q&As, craft talks, writing advice, personal essays, tarot readings for writers, and more every Wednesday, plus a motivational quote by a literary great every Monday and a new writing prompt in your inbox every Friday. Come write with us.