The Poetry Path (Write, Refine, Enter)

Improve your poetry writing skills with our writing short courses in Sydney!

Contemporary Poetry. That may sound like an oxymoron to some people. But, to repurpose Frank Zappa’s famous quote about jazz, “poetry isn’t dead. It just smells funny.” Poetry IS very much alive, modern, and enjoying somewhat of a Renaissance right now. "Everything old is new again,” right? It’s all cyclical. One of the fresh aspects covered in this course is: looking at old poetry forms with new eyes. And: where can we take it into the future. Through a series of lessons, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, you’ll not only be immersed in the world of poetry; you’ll put yourself one step closer to getting that next poem published.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this poetry course, you should be able to:

• Build advanced skills to confidently take the next step on your poetry journey
• Prepare for professional outcomes, such as journal publication or literary award submissions
• Fast-track your development with targeted guidance for emerging and developing poets
• Gained an understanding of the fundamentals of poetry, its forms, rules, and devices.
• Have the skills to express personal experience in poetic form.

Course content

What will be covered in this poetry course?

Week One: Inspiration

• “Who’s your Muse?” Getting “in the zone”. Writing what we know. Discussion of personal passions, themes, influences, styles, and genres. Looking beyond literature.

Week Two: Form

• “Finding Form”. Exploring a range of traditional & contemporary forms. Workshop examples. The editing process. Feedback on your work.

Week Three: Senses & Images

• “Be a Sensei of the Senses. A Cinematographer with Words.” Building concrete images using the senses, for the writer, they are two sides of the same coin.

Week Four: Musicality

• “Speech Music”. Rhythm, meter, syllables, sound devices, wordplay. Bringing back the bard.

Week Five: Re-form

• More forms. “Learn the rules to break them,” Playing with form. DIY. Experiment. “Make it New New”.

Week Six: Send!

• Building your profile, both live & online. Publication, journal submissions, entering competitions. Writing groups. Open mics. Who to read (or listen to) and why.

Intended audience

Who is the poetry course for?

• Committed beginners interested in developing skills in contemporary poetry, including writers who are currently unpublished
• Emerging poets seeking publication in literary journals or recognition through awards

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd in the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class

• A pen and notebook