Poets! Do at Least One "Poetry Thing" Every Day

As poets, we probably know it's important to write every day. But even while understanding such a wise guideline, if you're like me, you probably don't write every single day. Whether it's because of work, commuting, childcare, domestic duties, or keeping up with friends and extended family, the time you need to sit down without distractions to write may be limited. Sometimes I don't even feel like writing. I'd rather work on artwork, read or catch up on the latest on Netflix. Or perhaps take a much needed nap.

So I made this new rule for myself. If, on a certain day, I don't work on a poem, I vow to at least accomplish one "poetry thing" that day.  Wait. What is a "poetry thing?" In my estimation, it could be one of the following:

~ Read poetry from a poetry collection or magazine

~ Submit poetry to a publisher

~ Attend a poetry reading, live or virtual

~ Edit an old poem

~ Promote your latest published poem or poetry collection on social media

~ Promote your fellow poets' latest published poem or poetry collection on social media

~ Give a reading at a live or virtual open mic

~ Attend a virtual poetry event

~ Attend an online poetry workshop

~ Do research and/or write ideas/notes for a new poem

~ Comb your personal journal for ideas for new poems

~ Go to the library to check out the new poetry collections

~ Follow a writing prompt from an outside source or a book to start a new poem

~ Select poems you've written that might make up a new poetry chapbook or full collection

~ Or just write a new poem 

Why do any or all of these "Poetry Things?" If you call yourself a poet, you need to live a poet's life! And life is lived every day! Can you name another "poetry thing" that doesn't appear on the list above? Please share. I'd like to hear from you. With so many options, there's no reason not to do at least one "poetry thing" every day! 

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Poets! Do at Least One "Poetry Thing" Every Day

Frugal poet's guide to "Happy Hour" dining

From selling floor to the slam, from cubicle to podium. Where to go in between? Happy hour!
As a frugal poet, my dinners were usually eaten at my kitchen table, as were breakfasts. Lunches were brown bagged, unless the current employment powers that be would pop for an occasional pizza party or barbecue. But what happens when you want to catch a poetry reading relatively soon after work? Take in happy hour!

Frugal poets likely haven’t the cash flow to treat themselves to downtown dinners. There may be no time to stop home, but you don’t want your stomach to growl and be heard over the P.A. system during your reading at an open mic.

Happy hours at the local pub/grill, usually starting anywhere as early as 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and lasting to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. or so depending on the venue, can make the joyful transition between you and hunger on those nights you can’t and don’t want to hurry home to eat. When the poetic muse of the night calls and you don’t want to accept the invitation in a cranky mood from lack of calories, you may find yourself at an outdoor café noshing "happy hour" specially priced tidbits to hold you over, watching the urban hoopla whisk by.

Better yet, look for citified venues that offer happy hour and are also situated by a river, lake or ocean. During your brief, but happy, respite, you’ll be front row to the exact same views residents in nearby apartments or homes pay dearly for.

Happy hour! Drinks are certainly discounted. And when else might you get 10-cent chicken wings, dollar tacos or burgers, $2 bar bites or beers, and even $3 complete meals? The bewitching happy hour may take place on certain nights of the week, sometimes every week night, depending on the establishment. Find yourself there, frugal poet!

Chicagoans might want to read 11 Happy Hour Specials to Try in Chicago Now.

As well, find out more frugal poet ways to live an elegant life on little in my nonfiction creativity guide, memoir and reference, Frugal Poets' Guide to Life: How to Live a Poetic Life, Even If You Aren't a Poet. ◦

Frugal poet's guide to "Happy Hour" dining