Poetry isn’t a puzzle. Poetry isn’t just about fitting words into patterns or filling in a literary Mad Lib template – it’s about meaning, craft and insight. And yet, most writing groups use word games and challenges as inspiration and as a means to kick start writing.

In this podcast, I explore how these games can sometimes lead poets astray, making us focus too much on the mechanics to the detriment of the final poem. Using a personal example, I discuss why prompts should be taken as a jumping-off point, rather than a rigid framework, and how poets need to move beyond technical exercises to create work that’s worth reading. If you’ve ever struggled with writing prompts or felt trapped by poetic form, this video is for you!

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