What I learned during 30 in 30.

Every year during National Poetry Writing Month (April) I try to challenge myself to write 30 poems in 30 days. This was the first year I was able to complete them on time, without haiku-ing my way to 30 "poems". There are a lot of people who make a habit of posting what they write onto social media websites. I am not that brave with my words. This year I tried to see it more as an experience in understanding how to refine my own process of writing more than a social occasion.

In years past I've tried to share everything and felt a weird pressure to write something great the first time. I am not good at great the first time. This year I tried to think of it more like a lot of first drafts coming out however they are. I tried to move out of my comfort zones and really push through the work until the idea was complete, even though none of the poems would be. Just in thinking of them as first drafts to be fixed at a later date made it easier to get the poems written. No one should expect perfection out of their first draft.

I'm hoping to take that same attitude towards the blog this year. Instead of spending five months not giving it any time because I don't feel I've got something worth hearing in me, I'll take more time saying whatever it is I'm going to say. If I let my draft's goal be completing the idea, then I'll be able to complete the work when I go back to reflect on the idea.

Planned posts on the horizon: Buellmageddon and how to survive it, Getting lost on my commute to work, and more than a few poetry posts?