Coming of Age as a Poet

I asked my mutuals on Threads how they found their writing style. Most of them said they didn’t have one or that they learned what they liked/disliked and went from there. A few even said that they refuse to commit to a singular style.

I, however, am stuck on this idea that I have to find my style before I release my magnum opus.

And I’m going to let you in on a little secret, I want my magnum opus to be my first full-length poetry book because that project is near and dear to my heart and the real reason I write. I could go on and on about it for hours. And I will, just not today. This one’s going to stay under wraps for a little while longer, until I’m closer to being done.

Creative style and writing style is something that I’ve been thinking about heavily. What characteristics makes my poetry MY poetry? Why do people listen to/read my work? What about the way I write makes it unique to me?

All of these questions and probably even more circle my thoughts day in and day out. So I thought why not write about it? And I did, a bunch. It filled my journal pages, it littered my one-liners note, I had conversations about it, and I still don’t have any answers.

Finally, I decided to just channel all of that energy and frustration and whatnot into a single piece to be published on here. Of course, I didn’t think I’d release it any time soon but that’s just the way inspiration struck.

THE PIECE

I am awaiting my great masterpiece
The Poem that stands out from the rest
And is free of difficulties
Created with rhythm that flows,
My matured writing style will show.
It's message will live outside the pages
That words are otherwise chained to
And develop meaning deeper than when created
With analysis, becoming more complex than I intended to.
And it'll be littered with imagery to set the scene
Embodying most, if not all of my core themes.
Except, I’m yet to find myself and my writing style
I only just discovered I had a voice that could be heard
Sharing my every thought and holding my breath after each word.
It’ll take some time for me to get used to this
Having even the slightest of an audience
‘Cause I’m so used to my voice being lost in the noise
That I became friends with the silence.
Speaking barely above a whisper
Afraid of actually being noticed
I long for when I’ll scream from rooftops
With no desire of being observed
Yet still confident in the usage of each term.
Satisfied with my newfound expression
I’ll articulate everything, not just my depression
When I finally find my writing style.

JOURNAL ENTRY

One of my main goals for 2025 is to build my brand as a writer. I feel like I’ve established myself as a poet through this podcast, and while I will continue to update this bi-weekly, I don’t want it to be my only writing outlet.

Don’t get me wrong, poetry has my heart! I love being able to freely write about my feelings and what’s going on in my life without feeling pressure to meet a word count or format it a certain way for the readers. What I feel is what I write which is what y’all get.

But I have so many ideas and stories to tell so I want to get back into fiction. I also want to try journalistic writing and experience first hand how storytelling shapes the narrative. I want to write personal essays. I believe I’ve had some interesting and common experiences that people would benefit from reading about in some capacity.

There’s just so much I want to try and 2025 is the year that I attempt to do it all!

THE PROMPTS

• Poetry Prompt: Describe the tension between longing to be heard and the fear of being noticed.

• Poetry Prompt: Write a piece about the relationship between silence and self-expression.

• Writing Prompt: Personify your writing style as a character you’re getting to know. What do they say, and how do they act?

• Journal Prompt: Think of a time when you hesitated to share your work or thoughts. What held you back, and what helped you move forward?

• Journal Prompt: What role does vulnerability play in your creative process? What would it look like to create without fear of judgment?

• Journal Prompt: Explore the concept of a "masterpiece" — what does it mean to you, and how might you recognize it when it's created?

RECOMMENDED MEDIA

• Coming of Age as a Poet by Helen Vendler

• i could write my magnum opus or i could simply go to bed by Savannah Brown

As always, take what resonates and leave what doesn’t!

With love, always

Natasha K