At first glance, novels and poetry might seem like complete opposites in terms of form, style, and even sometimes content... Novels are sprawling, character-driven stories, while poetry often captures fleeting emotions or moments in a handful of lines - but the truth is, poetry and prose have a lot in common, and novelists can learn so much from the precision and artistry of poetry.
Read on for six ways poetry can inspire and elevate your novel writing.
Make Every Word Count 🌟
Poetry is all about precision. With limited space, poets choose every word carefully, making sure it carries weight and meaning. There’s no room for fluff or filler - in poetry, every line matters.
As a novelist, you might have the luxury of more words, but the same principle applies... And your readers will certainly appreciate it! Why use a generic description when you could paint a picture with something vivid and specific? The right word at the right time can turn a forgettable sentence into something that sings, and help you avoid unnecessarily drawing out scenes and description.
As an exercise, experiment with writing a paragraph in your novel as a poem - you’ll be surprised how much it changes your focus on language!
Show Emotion Through Imagery 🎨
Poets don’t just tell you how someone feels - they show you. Instead of saying “she was sad,” a poet might describe “the weight of rain pressing on her shoulders.” This kind of imagery invites readers to feel the emotion themselves.
For novelists, this approach can make scenes more immersive. Try using vivid, sensory details to bring your characters and their emotions to life, and always think about how you can help readers experience a moment - not just read about it. Is anyone else hearing their English teacher's "Show, don't tell" feedback echoing in their minds?
Have a go at using all five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—to create rich, emotional imagery in your writing. Start with one scene, then another, and another (though avoid doing this with every single snippet, lest you bore your reader!), where appropriate. Balance is key.
Play with Rhythm and Pacing 🎼
Poetry has a natural rhythm. Whether it’s the steady beat of iambic pentameter or the free-flowing lines of modern verse, rhythm controls how a poem feels.
In novels, rhythm and pacing matter just as much. The length of your sentences, the flow of your paragraphs - these choices affect how your story unfolds. Short, choppy sentences can create tension in an action scene, while long, flowing ones are great for introspection or atmosphere.
Quick tip: Read your scenes aloud. It’s one of the best ways to catch awkward phrasing or uneven pacing.
Master the Art of Subtext 🕵️
Poetry often says more with less. It’s about what’s not said as much as what is; a great poem leaves space for interpretation and invites readers to connect with it on a deeper level.
Subtext works the same way in novels: instead of over-explaining, let your readers fill in the gaps. Try showing emotions through body language, hint at backstory through dialogue, or use symbols and motifs to convey meaning. These tactics can make a huge difference in your reader's experience!
Try writing a scene where the dialogue says one thing, but the characters’ actions or tone tell a different story.
Find the Magic in Small Moments 🌼
One of poetry’s superpowers is finding beauty in the everyday: a single flower, a shadow on the wall, the smell of rain - poetry takes these tiny, overlooked moments and makes them meaningful.
For novelists, this is a great reminder that not every scene needs to be packed with drama - in fact, sometimes the quiet moments are the ones that resonate most with readers. A character sipping tea, staring out a window, or picking up a memento can reveal so much about the narrative's inner world.
While writing a particular scene, try sitting in your writing to explore what your characters notice in their environment. These details can add layers of depth to your story and help you build believable worlds.
Use the Music of Language 🔊
Poets are masters of sound. Sound devices such as alliteration (repeating consonant sounds), assonance (repeating vowel sounds), and onomatopoeia (words that mimic sounds) can make poetry feel musical and memorable - and let's face it... Fun!
Novelists can borrow these techniques to make their prose more engaging, too. A well-placed alliteration can add rhythm to a sentence, while soft, flowing sounds can make a peaceful moment even more serene.
Experiment with this: Read your prose aloud and listen to how it sounds. Does it flow? Does it match the mood of the scene? Play around with sound to enhance the experience. Many readers actually hear these devices in their minds (internal dialogue, much?) and sometimes even read them aloud. Imagine it being professed in a university lecture, the rhythm and sounds of your prose being paraded for student creative writers!
Final Thoughts
Poetry isn’t just for poets; it’s a treasure trove of techniques that novelists can use to create more powerful, emotional, and memorable stories! From precise language to vivid imagery, rhythmic pacing, subtext, and even the music of words, poetry can teach you how to make your writing sing. So how about the next time you’re looking for inspiration, try picking up a book of poems - you might just discover a fresh way to bring your novel to life! ✍️✨
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