Poetry Competitions - Writing For A Contest

Don't get caught up in the pressure of writing for a poetry contest. My advice is simple.

First

First, understand what you are writing for. Too many writers find a poetry contest and just start writing for it without understanding the "why" and "what". 

Second

Don't change your routine. Hopefully you are in a routine of writing at the same time and same day as explained in this article on writing. If not, this is a good time to start. Find a set time to write each day or night.

Third

Get in the head of the judges. Don't write for yourself. Write for the judges. Figure out what they expect to see. Think along the lines of making your writing stand out. Be aggressive when you write to impress the judges.

Have fun when you are writing. Enjoy yourself. And don't worry so much about whether or not you win but enjoy the experience.