You know, writing and giving a poem to your lover is great. However, writing a poem that is published copyrighted and in a book you give to your lover is even better.
It is about time that some of you authors started seeing the bigger picture. Publishing not only validates your work, it builds momentum for a later career, getting paid, and doing something you really love.
It isn’t an easy path. I have over 20 published poems in different collections, however, still dirt poor. Also wrote several short stories, not making any headway. However, like drops of water soon the glass is full.
There are some publications you may be interested in as artists. It really isn’t so much the writing (though spelling and grammar are still important) it is finding the people who want to publish what it is that you do.
Publishers are looking for everything. A book called, “Writer’s Market,” is available at the library, lists publishers and what their guidelines. Gothic, sci-fi, horror, subculture, gay and so-on are all desired topics.
Magazines are also good:
http://eros.com/ is looking for gothic themes and sexuality.
http://underworldtales.com/ is looking for real ghost stories.
Then there is the matter of just searching the Internet. Really, if you can write it someone is looking for it. However, notability and if the story stirs interest, determines how much you are paid.
Of course, there are workshops for writers everywhere. Writing groups, television shows and radio shows can offer hints on getting published.
Writing is a craft that takes time to develop.