Career 3 - Poet
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Poets are compelled by their inner workings to express and do so by stringing words in such a way that they have maximum impact. Poets aspire to be recognised though many never find the courage to publish their work. Those who do are rarely driven by the lure of 
monetary gain. Instead, it is the urge that drives most artists — a desire to express to the best of one’s ability, and to be heard and appreciated
THE PAYOFF
The poet’s poverty is stuff of legends. Think Ghalib and Shakespeare who were almost entirely dependent on the kindness of patrons. Even nowadays, published authors do not count on royalties to support themselves. However, readings at various private and public gatherings can grant some vitality to the wallet. Working for film and television, if you can break into these mediums, can change that dismal picture
SKILLS
- A sense of words and the ability to feel them, their sound, meaning and where they come from
- Discipline, otherwise no writing would ever get done
- A compulsion to write
- Ability to take criticism
- One has to strive to be relevant to the times
- The modern poet must learn to market him/herself
- Self-doubt can also help because if one is positive towards it, it helps one hone one’s skill
- At the same time one has to tap into reserves of self-confidence, else one would lose the drive to write
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Nothing can train you better to write poetry than your innate need to write. However, if you want to hone your skills to any respectable level, read whatever you can lay your hands on. As far as formal training goes, Sengupta says, “I know some people who are looking to go to the US to do their Master of Fine Arts, a degree in creative writing”
INSTITUTES & URLS
- University of Iowa in Iowa City www.uiowa.edu
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor www.umich.edu
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville - www.virginia.edu
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst www.umass.edu
Oxford at Ole Miss www.olemiss.
edu/depts/english/
mfa/home.htm
PROS & CONS
- Having the musings of one’s inner life heard
- Fulfilment that comes only from having expressed oneself
- Mostly doesn’t pay, especially when starting out
- Admiration and awe of fans/ patrons
The Information is indicative
Author: HT Horizon
Date: 19th May, 2010
For further details about related courses and colleges please click below:
Related courses and colleges
