There is no one way, no formula that can be applied.
The first thing I need is a good idea. The second thing is a smartphone or a notebook to write it down before I forget it. Many good ideas have sidled out of my head never to be heard from again because I thought I’d remember them later.
The ideas come from many sources. Banter with like-minded people, jokes, tv, cryptic crossword puzzles or just seeing or hearing a word or phrase that begs to be played with. And sometimes I’ll just think to myself, “What can I write about?” or “Which fairytale haven’t I messed with yet?” Then I write it down. I have ideas that are 25 years old. Some will come to fruition; some might never be used. Some I really like but can’t get them to work. Others I think are mediocre, but they blossom into something spectacular.
I don’t always have a fully formed idea or plot in my head when I start. Words and ideas suggest possibilities as I go along. Sometimes they look great but disappoint, but at other times they may spawn other avenues to explore, or even other poems.
That’s the beauty of words — they have minds of their own!
How do you come up with your ideas? Let me know in the comments section below.