Do you prefer writing poems or novels?

It may be an A.D.D thing but I find myself getting distracted whilst attempting a novel and letting the accumulated work just sit there for eternity and forgetting the whole thing. Poems are here and now and let me get out what I have to say when I feel like saying it.

I agree with you about the time factor, but if poetry is well-written, it should take a greater command of language, vocabulary, and comprehension than a novel. The ideas in poetry are compressed, so word-skill is critical, not just emotion. Remember, you hear of "trashy-novels" or "dime-store" novels selling, and Harlequin has their own standard genre guidelines to compose to, but trashy poetry is unheard of in stores--it doesn't sell.

honestly? neither one! my interest lies with writing non fiction articles on a variety of subjects, but my favourite subject to write about is history!

i prefer to write novels because i am better at it. i suck at poetry.

I only write sonnets, mostly about cats. My book, Cat-House Sonnets, 100 poems celebrating cats, was the result of many years of sonnet writing. I don't think I'd have the patience to write a novel.

I'll admit I'm not the best writer but I persevere. I like the simplicity of poems. I'd get lost trying to write a novel. LOL!

I like writing everything. I don't prefer one over the other. It just depends on my mood at the time. I often have 5 or 6 writing pieces going at one time. I just switch from one to the other when I feel more inspired by one.It is how I read books too.I don't have any problem keeping them seperate.

I would never consider writing a novel. I have worked in publishing and bookselling and I know that millions of novels are written, many thousands get published, many hundreds get read, some novelists get established and can enough to live on from their writing, but only a few will get famous and wealthy. That does not mean you cannot try, but even if you do get into print, it does not mean you will be widely read. Getting published as a poet is even more difficult but there are many more outlets for good poetry than for novels. I have had poems published in small press poetry magazines and anthologies. I am not a great poet so it is possible for anyone with a little talent to get published and, of course, you can publish your own poetry on the internet, where it can be read by many people.

Poems. I live writing poems when I was in college since it is easy and short. hehehe... with novels, no I haven't tried it yet.

I like to write poems.I used to write poems when I was still in school,writing serves to be my past time then.

Out of the two, I like writing novels better. It's just a release/ escape from reality thing for me, to just write fiction. Poetry is nice, but I'd never REALLY be able to write a good, bona-fide poem. Out of the premise of the question, my favourite things to write are screenplays and scripts. I have all the action playing in my head(Escapist #2, good-den! O_o). \m/ Becky Ann

I don't think that poems are easy to write or simple to be understanded.in addition,I think that writing poems require more skills in vocabulary and reading comprehension.but they do convey a lot of meanings and feelings for,you know,the reasons i have named above.just express what i am thinking.thanks for your sharing.

I enjoy both, but have written more poems. It is a way of expressing yourself so well

I would have to say Poems. I love writing poetry.. It helps me express my feelings in a really good way. Sometimes its hard for me to just say things to people so I write it out in a poem!

I am more inclined to write poetry since I am better at making use of lines to get a message across. Writing novels is very different as it involves more thought and development in areas of creating the characters and plot. I would love to try my hand at it though. I have joined an online writing community that has helped hone my skills as a writer. Anyone interested can check http://www.onestopwriteshop.com You can post your work and have them critiqued (you can critique others too). You can also join in contests, forums and classes. Do check it out when you have the time. It's a wonderful site for writers.

I haven't written a novel yet, but I've written a lot of other stuff. I am not much of a poet, except that I seem to be really really good at writing haikus.

I like writing meaningful stories too. I write poems mostly for online publishing, not just because. Since I read more stories than poetry, I guess it's a natural feeling for me to write more stories rather than a poem. I get more out of an entire world created by one person than a short poem. I'm not saying poetry isn't as meaningful, I just don't connect with a poem more than an elaborate story.

I do love what your said,and it is realy true.however,i am not good at writing poems or novels,though i like reading novels very much.sometimes,i also keep a dairy if necessary.

i was interested in writing poems when im still in early college..i think i made about 50 poems, however when time goes by, my interest had been constantly diminished, but i rather write a poem than a novel cause i dont know how to write a story. happy posting!

I write both but acheive greater satisfaction when I can piece together a free verse poem that defines the art of poetry. I find poetry worthy or publishing takes more time and skill than stringing words together in novel form.