Class Description

This is for poets of all levels, whether beginners or more experienced poets who'd like a space for renewed learning and generation. We'll explore poetry fundamentals including lyric and narrative poetry, prose poetry, free verse, and constraints/fixed forms. Each week in class, we’ll use readings and in-class exercises focused on poetry generation to put these styles we're learning into practice, and we’ll develop various skills via discussion and informal sharing in an atmosphere of encouragement and light-heartedness. By the end, you'll have a portfolio of 6-8 poems to move forward with, plus an education in poetry concepts, writing strategies, and basic revision methods. Note: At-home work will be approximately 30-60 minutes per week of reading and suggested writing exercises. This course does not involve formal or written workshopping. WEEKLY BREAKDOWN: Week One: Lyricism—the sounds and the fury! Week Two: Narrative—telling poetry stories! Week Three: Free verse—the flow of the mind! Week Four: Prose poetry—mixing modes! Week Five: Constraints and fixed forms—holding it tight! Week Six: Revision basics—sharpening it up! INSTRUCTOR CAROLYN ZAIKOWSKI is the author of the novel In a Dream, I Dance by Myself, and I Collapse (Civil Coping Mechanisms, 2016). Her fiction, poetry, and essays have appeared in Washington Post, Alaska Quarterly Review, Everyday Feminism, DIAGRAM, West Branch, Denver Quarterly, and elsewhere. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Naropa University and currently works in Western Massachusetts as a writing instructor, death doula, and friend. Find her at www.carolynzaikowski.com.

Cancellation Policy

If you withdraw from a workshop TEN DAYS OR MORE before the start of the class: You'll receive full credit toward another workshop OR a full refund (minus 10%, a transaction fee that is non-refundable and that we would otherwise be charged). If you withdraw from a workshop nine days before the start of the class up until 48 hours before: You'll receive a refund minus 20%. If you withdraw from a workshop less than 48 hours before the start of a class or after the class has begun: We cannot offer credit or any refund. If you are absent on the day of your workshop or miss it for any reason, we are unable to offer any kind of refund or credit. If we have to cancel a class you have paid for, you will receive a full refund, without the service charge deducted. For our full listing of policies, visit www.PioneerValleyWriters.Com, Policies page (under Home). To withdraw and receive a partial refund according to the above, please get in touch with Joy at joy@pioneervalleywriters.org

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