Necessary Lines: A Poetry Workshop
Facilitators: Jen Fandel, Victoria Flanagan, Itiola Jones, & Alison Thumel
Textbook: Finch’s A Poet’s Craft
Dates: January 25-March 19 (with possible changes as necessary)
Invitation: Are you someone who hasn’t written much, but who feels poetry’s voice? Are you a poet who’s been writing for years but looking to strengthen your poetic skills? Or are you simply curious about poetry’s potential and want to give it a try? No matter your interest (spoken word, Shakespearean sonnets, poems that tell a story, and more) and experience level, we—and you—have something to offer. Each class includes reading great poems, learning new skills, and receiving feedback. Due to Covid, this course will be held by correspondence.
Below are the focuses for each week. Everyone will be expected to hand in work each week, and we will provide feedback the following week. Handouts with guidance and page numbers for your reading will also be provided weekly. We look forward to writing with you.
Week 1
Writing with images & using your senses
Homework: complete survey and write a poem focusing on image
Week 2:
Line breaks
Homework: write a poem focusing on line breaks
Week 3
Word choice
Homework: write a poem that focuses on word choices
Week 4
Sound & rhythm
Homework: write a poem focusing on sound and rhythm
Week 5
Voice & persona
Homework: write a poem focusing on voice
Week 6
Restrictions, rules, and experiments
Homework: write a poem that uses a restriction, rule, or experiment
Week 7
Choosing subject matter and themes
Homework: write a poem that focuses on subject matter or a theme important to you
Week 8
Introduction to revision
Homework: revise or more of the poems you wrote for class