09-24-2011, 01:09 AM
In songwriting, if another writer, regardless of experience, helps you to finish a song they are credited with half royalties and co-ownership of the publishing rights. Is it not done so with poetry? However, if your buddy helps you find that word you were looking for to perfect a song, he isn't entitled to royalties or rights to the work, is he? Wasn't it always the right word before he said it? Did he invent the word? Wasn't the word always in your head, waiting to be remembered?
In a critique of one of my poems, Contrast, Leanne remarked that two of the lines served the poem better by being together. It was such a 'duh!' moment for me because it made such a better impact and represented my vision better. It's true that I didn't think of it until she mentioned it, but that doesn't mean I would have never changed it on my own. As I learn more about poetry and train my eye and mind, there is always the chance my study would've revealed that this simple change was needed. So, in effect, all Leanne did was spur me on down the road a little faster . . . she didn't exactly steer me, just a nudge.
In a critique of one of my poems, Contrast, Leanne remarked that two of the lines served the poem better by being together. It was such a 'duh!' moment for me because it made such a better impact and represented my vision better. It's true that I didn't think of it until she mentioned it, but that doesn't mean I would have never changed it on my own. As I learn more about poetry and train my eye and mind, there is always the chance my study would've revealed that this simple change was needed. So, in effect, all Leanne did was spur me on down the road a little faster . . . she didn't exactly steer me, just a nudge.