Hampshire Poet blog - Aug 2026
- Damian Kelly-Basher
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
During his tenure, your Hampshire Poet - Damian Kelly-Basher - will be writing a series of blog posts for us sharing what he has been up to, telling us his poetic plans for the future, and inviting you to get involved in poetry in Hampshire. Read on to find out what's happening in Damian's world!
For August, Damian Kelly-Basher's Hampshire Poet blog explores Reading for Writing.
Reading for Writing
A LOT of good poets say how reading is a vital part of their writing practice.
Here are a couple of their tips
Before you start writing, read something ‘outside’ of your craft (If you’re a poet, read a news article). See how different groups use words, phrases, styles and structures.
Read about other jobs, hobbies, places, cultures etc. You’ll see how the same word changes depending who uses it. (e.g the word ‘port’ is a computer component to an IT professional; an alcoholic drink to bar staff; a huge, built structure to a ship’s crew.)
But even if you’re someone who doesn’t read other poets because "I just write about how I feel"; reading how other poets approach love, grief, mental health, sexuality etc, can help you express your personal experiences in a fresh way that reaches others.
Reading and listening to other writers can also help your wellbeing. You spend time in the rich ecologies of their ideas and imaginations. You’ll always be surprised, delighted and inspired by the strange and beautiful ways they turn something ordinary, extraordinary.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll stay that way. 😉
So, be curious, explore other ways of writing... and have fun. Writing should always be about having fun.
Exercises
1. Read about a subject you know nothing about... I chose hairdressing 😉
2. See how they use language and if they have their own specialist words or slang.
3. Think about how you could put words from one context into a poem about something else.
Damian Kelly-Basher is Hampshire Poet Laureate 2024-26. The appointment of the Hampshire Poet takes place every two years and is jointly led by Winchester Poetry Festival and Hampshire Cultural Trust. The position of Hampshire Poet provides the opportunity for a Hampshire-based poet to undertake commissions, lead workshops and give readings and talks throughout the county, as well as acting as an advocate for poetry and poets.
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