Should I arrange my book of poetry with a theme, or should I just put a random bunch of my poems into a collection? I thought about it a lot before starting this project. Many questions came to my mind such as, would a collection based on a theme be pretentious or insincere? Would working within a theme cause my writing to be forced and not as good as I would like it to be? Would it compromise my focus?
NO THEME?
It is easy to just randomly put a bunch of your favorite poems into a collection and title it something. I suppose there are times where that is O.K. Maybe random poems can be the theme of your book. A collection of favorites might not have a theme and might be fine.
PROS
There are a lot of good reasons to work within a theme.
There are reasons to not give the collection a theme.
(c) Adron 2/17/18NO THEME?
It is easy to just randomly put a bunch of your favorite poems into a collection and title it something. I suppose there are times where that is O.K. Maybe random poems can be the theme of your book. A collection of favorites might not have a theme and might be fine.
PROS
There are a lot of good reasons to work within a theme.
- A theme will give the collection unity and the reader will have expectations as they travel through the collection.
- A theme will give it a place in the market.
- A theme makes it easier to explain what the collection is all about.
- A theme will help the reader know what to expect.
- A theme will give the collection structure.
- A theme is more engaging and offers the chance to explore a subject in diverse ways.
There are reasons to not give the collection a theme.
- You may run out of interest or inspiration.
- A themed collection requires more commitment.
- The subject of the theme may require a lot of research.
- Whenever you have inspiration you can write without worrying if it fits the theme.
- You need to know the subject well or your collection will be laughable.
- You might get done and wish you had chosen a different theme.
- You might never get done.
- Everybody is writing about the same theme.
- Maybe no one is interested in the theme you choose to write about.
YES
After giving it much thought I choose to base this collection on a theme. I felt passionate about the theme of God's comfort. There are a lot of hurting people in the world, people whom God loves. I believe we should use our gifts and talents for good whenever we have the opportunity. So, I chose to make this collection about comfort and hope in God during times of personal darkness.
Time may judge my wisdom.
If you would like to read a sample poem choose the link below for the website.
After giving it much thought I choose to base this collection on a theme. I felt passionate about the theme of God's comfort. There are a lot of hurting people in the world, people whom God loves. I believe we should use our gifts and talents for good whenever we have the opportunity. So, I chose to make this collection about comfort and hope in God during times of personal darkness.
Time may judge my wisdom.
If you would like to read a sample poem choose the link below for the website.
