Reading & Writing Poetry 101

Poetry can feel inaccessible, but it doesn’t have to. This workshop is a crash course in poetry reading and basic poetry-writing skills to try on your own.

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You remember that English class...

...The one that made poetry feel intimidating and difficult?

This workshop is the opposite of that.

One of our favorite poets says that a poem doesn't "mean" something; a poem is something. And if you are a person who can read words, you can have a response to that thing.

Better yet, you can write your own. We know you can.

Think of this workshop as a 101 crash course in reading poetry, gaining some basic poetry-writing skills to try on your own, and getting to know a few relevant historical and contemporary poets. This recording will give you hour an learning together with us and an hour writing together, with answers to questions and support along the way.

We want to help poetry open up to you.

Both of us know what it feels like to be intimidated by poetry, as if we were on the outside of some sort of secret. We're immensely grateful for the experiences that helped us move past the wall and experience the richness of reading and writing poetry.

Ashmae has written and published her own poetry, as well as encourage and facilitate others' work through endeavors like the Billboard Poetry Project. Kathy was mentored in teaching poetry writing by poet Kimberly Johnson.

We're excited to help you write poems of your very own.

—Annie W.

"Ashmae and Kathy are safe, engaging, and inspiring teachers. Their writing exercises and encouragement have pulled words out of me that I feel proud of."

—Cara E.

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I love how instructors Ashmae and Kathy the focus on the whole writer; not just on technique, but on the emotional, mental, and physical selves we bring to the writing process. The lessons, writing exercises, personal feedback, and the opportunity to connect with a small writing group have increased my confidence in my ability to write and given me a holistic toolkit for my writing practice.

—Marci L.

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Ashmae and Kathy are the most encouraging teachers and mentors. I have learned so much about writing, and have produced more than I thought possible, but I’ve also learned much about myself. Because of this course, I finally feel confident claiming, “I am a writer.”

—Liesel M.

Ashmae and Kathy create a nurturing space in which I am able to unearth insights which change how I see myself so profoundly that I can’t help but move forward happier. And my writing seems to be improving as well!

What's included in Poetry 101?

This workshop will have you writing, reading, and thinking about poetry in new ways. Watch all at once, or spread it out between writing exercises.

Intro to Reading & Writing Poetry

(1h 43m 15s)
203 MB

Intro to Poetry lesson slides

172 KB

Your purchase today includes:

A useful 100-minute workshop to help you feel confident in both reading and writing poetry.
All slides with lesson poems, quotes, and prompts.

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