In this workshop, we’ll break down the elements of poetry in nitty-gritty style, unpacking various aspects of poetic craft. Subjects in this workshop will be tailored to participants, but may include strategies in creating and deploying imagery; choices in creating line breaks; methods of creating tone; use of perspective and point of view; and using narrative or lyric techniques. We’ll focus in on a particular element of craft, asking questions such as: how does description contain or convey meaning? What do we do when we describe something? How does one take the measure of the external world and what can it mean for our writing? Each session will be divided to include a short discussion of theory, investigation into play (through writing exercises), and discovery (through group sharing). While we won’t be formally workshopping material, we will share our drafts in class and make time to explore revision. This class is open to all levels of writers and all styles of poetry. Whether you’re already a published poet or you’ve never written a poem, this is an opportunity to establish, re-establish, or deepen your writing practice, find your way onto the page, learn new techniques and forms, and connect to a writing community.

In this workshop, we will generate new writing through exercises and assignments; provide first impressions on writing you produce in our weekend; workshop writing you bring from home.