Day 41

Write the perfect summer ballad.

Challenge: Try writing a tanka. It's a bit like a haiku. There are five lines of varying syllables: first - 5, second - 7, third - 5, fourth - 7, fifth - 7. (5/7/5/7/7)

Tip: If you're having trouble with inspiration, find pictures of what you're writing about. Print some out and post them around your writing area. Listen to songs that spark a relevant memory or feeling. Surround yourself with things that bring along the feeling you need.

Ready. Set. Summertime.

Day 33

Be fearless. Write what you're afraid to admit.

Challenge: Write it in a Haiku or a series of two or three Haikus (First line: 5 syllables; Second line: 7 Syllables; third line: 5 syllables) It's often difficult to write a good haiku that captures something as perfectly as a poem in whatever form you prefer.

Tip: If it makes you uncomfortable, don't read what you write after you finish. Don't write it to be published or be on display, write it to practice flowing your words together with emotion and honesty. If you want, rip it up or delete it when your finished. It can also be wonderful catharsis.

Ready. Set. Don't fear.

Day 31

Quick! Write down the first fifteen words that come to mind.

With those words, make a poem. Start each line or stanza with a word and connect them with images, metaphors, and words.

Challenge: Write a sonnet using your list of words. Since sonnets only have fourteen lines, you can cross a word out. Good luck!

Tip: Find the connection between the words. There's always a way to connect a series of words, so enlighten your creative side and find it. Once you do, just write. If it doesn't work out quite right at first, go back and switch some things around.

Ready. Set. Brainstorm.