risktaker: Are poems that" tell" rather than" show" worthy of publication? Are recognized poems ready for publication? What criteria determines if poems are written well enough to appeal to the public? Please share your ideas. Thank you. Risktaker

    bizzygirl: Good question, I'd like to hear from those who are published -
    adewpearl: Poems are only recognized because they got a required number of reviews that got a 5 average rating, and almost everyone gets a 5 average. Nobody evaluates them to see if they're actually good, let alone good enough to be published. -
    mrsmajor: Poems are read, and reviewers may read, even giving a 5 or 6 star rating...That does not in any way allows the writer to assume such a poem is written well enough to be published...The publishing of poems, or any other writings, depends upon who the writer decides to send their work too...and whether that magazine, publisher, or any other media, decided to publish one's work... -
    Tatarka2: I had a poem published in a small journal called "Third Wednesday." I couldn't have been more thrilled. Of course, later I realized I had also contributed to that magazine, but still . . . -
    michaelcahill: Tell and show are a little more complex than that. In general if you "tell" it best be engaging. But the same is true for "show". Good is good. Publishing has more to do with persistence and hard work than anything. I read work on here all the time superior to works that are published. All art is a guessing game. Who knows why one well written piece is favored over another. -
    risktaker: thank you for your comments, keep them coming. -
    nor84: Show, don't tell applies more to prose writing, I believe, where you need to show what a character is doing rather than simply tell the reader what action is taking place. -
    Fillmore Paige: There's unheralded stuff on here that should be published, and some "top ranked writers" that would make good companions to goo-goo eyed doll paintings and velvet knock-offs of the dogs playing pool.

    And a lot of the religious themed ones would be happy companions to the many artistic depictions of Jesus apparently undergoing open heart surgery.

    Yes, five ratings are more common than roaches in a drug den. Everybody gets a prize; fragile writers' egos are stroked, and most renew to get stroked some more.

    I had the temerity to give a 3 to a treacly poem of a top rated writer, and was awarded with a strict reprimand
    and what felt vaguely like the threat of an all expenses paid trip to Siberia for "reconditioning".

    Anyone who's been in a writers' group knows how important and valuable honest feedback is to improve one's craft. There are too many here obviously not seeking that; who seek rather to reign as obscure kings
    and queens over their own carefully chosen courts. -
    xotic flotsam: Poems which tell, show to eyes unable to see inside poetry's often obscure meaning; the show within the words. Poems which show, lets readers stroll through the kaleidoscopic forest, interpreting for themselves as they see. Different approaches, sharing the art form. You know if your work rises, rearing its beautiful Hydra heads, insisting you publish. You know when offering your work, whether you have a piece so good you can hardly wait to set it free online. Hesitance, looking for approval from readers reveals your need for validation. If you think it is good, it is ready to go. Not all will like your work. Tough skin precedes publication. Well thought criticism most often hides a nugget of truth we wish to downplay. There is grace in forgiveness if necessary. You will know. Sometimes on the crux of the hard climb, I might hesitate, or go down. But I know when I should try, risking the fall. Get psyched. -
    xotic flotsam: Endless gratitude for your lofty interpretation of my work. I task myself with worthy work in the future. Or, whenever. Be well.
    x
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risktaker: I want to improve my writing, create short stories, poems, and possibly a movie.
    Selina Stambi: Welcome to Fanstory - this is a great space to learn. Lots of fabulous writers. :) -
    GWinterwin: Thank you for your review and most generous rating. I wish you all the best on Fanstory. I look forward to reading your work. God bless always. -
    Benny Beeharry: I wish you all the very best. You will find a great many sincere writers here...with holy and literary aims.they are all ready to help, as they did to me.
    To them I own the publication of my book Songs of life.
    Bless you.
    Thank you for the six stars.
    Benny Beeharry -
    Herkjv1611: Sincere words and gentle ratings mean a lot to my poem.Yes, a cold room is scary,the opposite of joy and hope.Thanks for your great writings. -
    Herkjv1611: Fan story is a lovely site of unsung hero writers.The arena of P's persistent,positive guiding thoughts and advices from comrades is wholesome to carry you to the top writer.Keep on writing.God Bless.
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