Practice, feedback, and small wins keep me going.
I come from a non-technical background, but after retirement I started reading about programming. One thing that struck me was how developers learn: not only through big projects, but also by solving small challenges every day. Those little exercises build habits. They add up.
When I discovered poetry contests, I realized they work the same way for writing. Each contest is like a coding challenge for my creative side. There’s a clear prompt, some rules, and a deadline. I don’t always “win,” but I always learn.
A haiku is like a strict algorithm: 5–7–5 syllables, no extra.
A 5-7-5 prompt feels like writing a function with tight input limits.
A sonnet reminds me of larger projects: more lines, a rhyme scheme, and rhythm to debug until it flows.
The best part is the feedback. Developers get code reviews. Writers get reader comments. Both help spot bugs—or weak lines—that I missed. And both make me better for the next round.
I don’t always get first place, but that’s fine. Just as not every coding challenge leads to a job offer, not every poem leads to a prize. The real reward is steady practice and a stronger voice.
If you’ve ever enjoyed solving a daily problem on a programming site, you might understand why I enjoy entering online poetry contests. They give me small goals, gentle feedback, and a reason to show up each day.
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