In the new age of post-pandemic life, the opportunities just aren't there to share new work in person and get the feedback needed to grow as a writer. Gone are the days of open mics, poetry readings, and other physical events for the foreseeable future. Poets and writers must become even more creative in how they share their art.

Thankfully, the online community for poets is ever-growing and very welcoming to new talent. There are numerous opportunities for budding rhymesters and sonneteers to carve a path and grow an audience.

By sharing your work online, you open yourself to more profound possibilities. You're able to connect with countless mentors and other writers who can inspire you, help you find your voice, and hone your craft.

Here are a Few Tips for Sharing Poems Online

If you are relatively new to the world of poetry and are looking for creative ways to share your work, the possibilities are nearly endless. However, it may seem overwhelming to decide how you would like to publicly reveal your poetic inclinations. But, hey, you’ve got to start somewhere!

That said, should you share your work? The answer is, in short, is Y-E-S.

Here are some pointers to ease you into the process. Follow these tips, and you are sure to feel more positive about your work and confident enough to share it with the world.

Do Your Homework

How do you introduce your poetry to the digital realm? First, think about the social media platforms or websites you already use to find content that you like. Where do you often find poetry that you enjoy? How do you prefer to digest poetry- through a traditional written verse or something more visual, like a photo or video? Or, maybe you prefer to search for and listen to poetry podcasts.

Wherever you search, you are likely to find other burgeoning artists like yourself posting creative writing in some capacity. Start digging through others' written and spoken words online for inspiration. See what other poets and artists are doing to express themselves on different platforms to better understand how people share creative writing.

Find Inspiration on Social Media and Other Websites

Social platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest all have a ton of poetry in all forms. Some are displayed as old-school text, some are accompanied by a drawing or photo, others feature creative typography that is also visually appealing.

Websites like Medium feature a fair amount of user-generated content about poetry, as well as actual poems. You can also take a more traditional path and pour over the endless archives curated by the Poetry Foundation. They also feature contemporary collections based on current issues and events. Their latest feature, U.S. Latinx Poetry Voices, shines light on Latino/a American culture and is incredibly inspiring.

You can even just do a google search for poetry blogs, new poets, find poems online, etc. It's all out there. You just have to look for it.

Break the Ice By Starting Small

Most of us have depended upon social media and FaceTime to maintain close relationships and community in the last few months. Use this to your advantage! Reach out to people you know well and ask them to lend a friendly ear via text or video. Email your friends or family a poem or two, or call up your best friend and share one of your works-in-progress with them.

If you don't feel comfortable hearing your voice yet, practice reading your poem aloud to yourself. It can sometimes help to read it in front of a mirror. If you have a pet, let your furry friend be your non-judgemental audience of one. Yes, seriously! I promise that just reading it aloud will help you feel more at ease with hearing your own words. Plus, it will allow you to edit and finetune your piece.

Share Your Verse and Don't Hold Back

Once you get your bearings, it's time to reach out to the online poetry community. Use social media, submit to a poetry-sharing website, or find a poetry group that offers feedback. Remember, the first lines that come to a page are only the beginning of the writing process. Hardly ever will you find a poem that is not drafted and rewritten in some capacity.

No, it doesn't have to be perfect the first time around. Just put it out there! It may surprise you how welcoming and supportive the online poetry community can be.

Pro tip: Constructive criticism is OKAY! In fact, you should embrace it. Don't become dispirited if you don't get the response that you expect at first. Writing is a process. Use any feedback you receive as a chance to learn and grow.

Want Feedback on Your Poetry? Start Sharing Online!

You may think your work is not good enough or not ready to share. Trust me. We’ve all been there. The last thing anyone wants to feel is discouragement. No matter your style or experience, you can find a place to introduce the world to your creative voice. The online poetry community is a great place to start. You simply have to do the work and you’ll find it.

Don't aspire to be the next Rupi Kaur, but do desire to stay true to your voice and passions to navigate your unique poet’s journey. It takes time and practice to hone any skill, especially when it comes to writing. With a positive outlook, the right outlets, and proper execution, you'll be well on your way to calling yourself a poet with proof in the pudding.

Should You Share Your Poetry Online?