What can poetry do, and where can it take us? This series of practical and supportive workshops will equip the writer with a broad range of skills in poetry that will also enrich your writing in other genres. Through stimulating writing exercises, discussion and constructive feedback, we will tackle all stages of writing a poem, from first thoughts to final drafts.
Everybody brings a particular talent, attitude and set of experiences to the poetry workshop, and we will be using this unique environment to remove some of the unhelpful mystique of poetic composition while preserving the magic. Working on the basis that we develop most rapidly as writers when we can share and mutually support new discoveries, students will be encouraged to flex their creative muscles and try new things in order to develop their own distinctive poetic voices. We can also develop our confidence and technical range by considering what existing poets and their traditions can teach us.
Those who already write poetry will find their understanding of their craft enhanced by this course, while those who usually work in other genres will find their writing sharpened by a programme of study which highlights – among other matters – the value of precision, the refinement of style, and the power we have to make language sing.
What our students say
"Professor Tiffany Atkinson was a great help, always encouraging us to think beyond the normal and try abstract and inventive/creative ideas."
