Winter 2006 Workshops at Writers & Books

Poetry

A Taste of Poetry

• WA6-P28
• 8 Thursdays, 1 - 3 p.m.
• January 26 through March 16
• $149 W&B members / $159 general public
• Instructor: Ron Bailey

If you have little or no experience writing poetry, yet might be interested in exploring the possibilities, this course is for you. Participants will be given start-up activities to help the pen begin writing, and the instructor will address the techniques of strong metaphor, imagery, and what e. e. cummings called "less is more" (trimming away the excess). In-class activity may include reading work aloud, and giving and receiving supportive, helpful feedback.

Flying with Kooser

• WA6-P44
• 8 Mondays, 7 - 9 p.m.
• January 23 through March 13
• $149 W&B members / $159 general public
• Instructor: Ron Bailey

A combination reading/writing course. Each week will include discussion of a particular Kooser poem (or two), along with workshopping one poem from each student that is aimed at experimenting with a technique or theme found in Kooser’s work. This is a great way to gain exposure to the country’s newest Poet Laureate and explore your own creativity as well. Although open to all levels of writing experience, intermediate and advanced poets are especially welcome. Students will need to have access to Kooser’s Flying at Night, which you may order in advance of the workshop.

Register online

Thorns & Roses: Basics of Poetry

• WA6-P43
• 8 Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• February 7 through March 28
• No class February 22nd
• $113 W&B members / $119 general public
• Instructor: Wendy Low

Poetry dances on the borders between thought and language, pure sensual experience and spiritual transcendence. In this poetry class, beginners will look at three aspects of poetry: Why we read and write poetry, the range of sensibilities and approaches to poetry, and the tools and materials with which poets work. Students will look at poems that speak to these themes and at examples of how poets use various internal and learned resources to produce poems. The instructor has a broad appreciation of all kinds of poetry and will start from the premise that if you want to create poetry, you can. This class is a mixture of support, introduction to possibilities, and individual guidance intended to prepare beginning and intermediate poets to go further with their poetic endeavors.

Register online

Producing Broadsides

• WA6-P46
• 6 Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
• February 9 through February 23 at W&B
• March 2 through March 16 at the Printing & Book Arts Center
• $125 W&B members / $129 general public
• Additional materials fee: $25 per student
• Instructors: Karen vanMeenen and Mitch Cohen

In this unique workshop, three classes are dedicated to the editing, layout, and design of a one-page poem, and three additional sessions are dedicated to completing a broadside by printing it at the newly formed Printing & Book Arts Center, 713 Monroe Avenue. This is a rare opportunity for poets to write a poem, select a format, font, and style for their work, and see it through to a final production. The impressed type of a broadside gives a subtle depth and richness that can’t be found in any modern offset printing, thus preserving the human touch in this traditional form of poetry publication. At workshop’s end, students will receive twenty-five copies of their finished broadside to distribute as they choose. (Limited to 8 participants.)

Register online

In the Moment When You Least
Expect it, Suddenly, There is Haiku

• WA6-P22
• One Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• February 25
• $27 W&B members / $29 general public
• Instructor: Michael Ketchek

This is your opportunity to become immersed in the ancient art of writing haiku. The instructor will give participants a lesson in all forms of haiku and give everyone a chance to write. Students will take a look at some classic haiku and also gain an overview of what is being currently published and what editors are looking for. This workshop is open to everyone from the avid writer to the curious. No previous experience is necessary.

Register online

Delving Into Poetry

• WA6-P45
• One Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• April 8
• $37 W&B members / $39 general public
• Instructor: Sally Bittner Bonn

Have you always enjoyed reading poetry but have been afraid to write it? Did you write poetry years ago and are now longing to get back into it but can’t figure out how? Are you a writer of another genre who is curious about poetry? In this one-day workshop we will explore what makes poetry unique. Several in-class writing exercises will be given to spark creativity. We will read published poems to get a sense of what makes good poetry. Also, resources will be given to further your own poetry journey beyond the workshop. (Register for A Short Reading Course for Those Who Don’t Read Poetry at the same time, and receive a ten percent discount on both workshops.)

Register online

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