What I Learned from Writing Bad Poetry {An Invitation}

I'll be the first to admit that I write terrible poetry.

Don't believe me? Check out this gem:

Ode to the Bearded Lady at the Gas Station 

Her features are lost to me now –

Perhaps she had great,
Bulging frog eyes
Behind Coke bottle glasses
Topping loose, flaccid lips

Perhaps she had weak,
Red-rimmed orbs
Trimmed with gobs
Of gloomy mascara
And sagging lips of frosted orchid.

All I know
Is that whatever her features were,
They were eclipsed by her beard.

Oh, yes. That was written in college. And, yes, they actually gave me a degree.
 
But I didn't love poetry class because it revealed a future career option. No, what I loved about attending each week was the camaraderie. The acceptance. And -- most importantly for a writer, no matter their genre -- the feedback. I loved getting the chance to read my work to others and get feedback, be it good, bad, or ugly.

It's something I still value. Blogging can be lonely, quite frankly. There's a vulnerability to putting yourself out there, knowing that the strangers I walk past on my hurried trips to Target could have read something about me, the intimate details of my life and faith and feelings.

So Kendra and I are going to venture into something new, starting today -- and we're SO excited. We're co-leading an (in)courager group over the next several weeks, called (in)couraging bloggers. If you're a blogger in need of some feedback and friendship, please join us! (Go HERE for more info and to register. UPDATE: Our group is full. But there are lots of others still available!) Not a blogger? No worries. There are many, many other groups that cater to empty-nesters, military wives, and more. There's truly something for everyone (check out the other groups HERE).


Here's what Kendra had to say about her experience in an (in)courager group: 

I first joined an (in)courage group last fall when I was feeling a little discouraged in my writing. The group offered weekly encouragement and support, asked thoughtful questions, offered suggestions and tips to help me along, and ended up being a huge blessing. I did not realize at the time how much support I could receive through a group online. I since have found some wonderful friends that I've continued to connect with even after the group ended.

No matter where you find yourself in life, there is sure to be a group for you --

We hope you join us!