Class Description
Do you want to try writing poetry, but don’t know where to start? Do you need to refresh your understanding of the fundamentals of the genre? Intro to Poetry will help you get that new engine going. The main method of this class is learning by doing—diving right into the writing process and giving ourselves permission to play on the page and develop the notes of our distinct poetic voices. Each week we will study the craft and vision of contemporary poets, discuss our findings, and use our discoveries to broaden and deepen our poetic practices.
There will be well-scaffolded brainstorming exercises to help you on your way. We’ll also include exercises aimed at silencing our inner critic and instinct to hesitate while writing to help us get out of the way of our own writing processes. Feedback from the instructor and from your classmates on your work will be available. We'll be looking at work by Phillis Wheatley, Paul Tran, King Solomon, Langston Hughes, and Benjamin Fondane.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.