Forge a stronger, stranger poetic voice by digging into the living roots of English poetry.

This workshop invites poets to excavate the foundations of English-language poetry — from Old English riddles to Victorian dramatic monologues — and use what they find to supercharge their own writing. Each week, participants will study a distinct historical period through carefully curated poems and a focused craft lecture, then write an original poem directly inspired by the techniques and forms uncovered. Sessions conclude with small-group critique in a rigorous, supportive environment. By the end of nine weeks, participants will have a portfolio of new poems, a deeper understanding of the tradition they’re writing in, and a richer, more rooted voice. No preparation is required for the first session; for each subsequent class, participants should expect to read five poems (provided) and write one original poem in response.

Live video conference: This workshop will be held via our online video conferencing platform, Zoom. You can view brief tutorials on using the platform here. On the start date or the day before, participants will receive an email with login info (please check your spam if you don’t see it).

In this workshop you’ll learn:

• Alliteration, kennings & the Anglo-Saxon word-hoard — sharpening descriptive power through Old English techniques
• Sound devices & internal rhyme — using layered musicality to reveal psychological depth
• Meter as expression — making rhythm do emotional and dramatic work, not just formal work
• The dramatic monologue — giving convincing voice to characters and perspectives beyond your own
• Social & satirical poetry — wielding language as an elegant, pointed instrument for commentary

Time requirements

• Participants should expect to spend approximately 1-3 hours per week outside of class: reading five provided poems and writing one original poem in response to the week’s craft focus.

Materials

• No books required. All reading materials—five poems per week, drawn from the historical period studied plus one contemporary example—will be provided digitally by the instructor before each session.

Who should take this workshop?

• This workshop is designed for poets at all levels who want to deepen their craft by engaging with the history of English-language poetry. Beginners will find accessible entry points through concrete techniques and supportive critique; intermediate and advanced writers will discover new tools, stranger forms, and a richer sense of the tradition they’re writing within. No prior knowledge of literary history is required — only curiosity and a commitment to writing one poem a week.

If you need an accommodation for this workshop, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.