Questions From A Beginner, Help Much Appreciated

[billy]

Hello, I am new here and would like some advice on how to continue my growth as a poet. Here are some questions regarding this:

1. What are the biggest wastes of time in becoming a better poet?

ego and fear, thinking that you're a great poet. or thinking you ain't a great poet.

2. What are your favorite instructional books/videos and resources on poetry?

these and these to start with, read the feedback on this site. it will soon become apparent what's good and what's bad.

3. What are the biggest mistakes you see many beginning poets make?

thinking you're such a great poet. that you don't have to edit. not being original in how you write about common themes using words like love and hate to many times. not reading or listening to feedback, not having a thick skin.

4. Even at the higher skill levels, which mistakes are most common?

ego, and all the above on question 3

5. What are the stupid myths about poetry that you hear over and over again?

that you don't need metaphor or simile or any other poetic devices, and that it has to be written as you'd normally write english (i almost fell off my chair) poetry is craft, an art form
that constantly moves the goalposts, they're are no myths really just a lack of knowledge

6. What are your key principles for becoming a better poet?

read and study what you read, think about it. write and think about what you write, study it. edit, learn how to edit sensibly. don't lock yourself into one style. write wild and edit like it's not your wild poem, or...send me $113 in a self addressed envelope for this months "how to become a better poet"

Thanks in advance!

thanks for the questions,