In this workshop, writers explore the idea that poetry is not only about what we say, but how we choose to say it. Through a series of creative activities, participants investigate poetic style, language, word choice, rhythm, sound, imagery and poetic form.
Writers begin by transforming simple ideas into more expressive and emotive language before experimenting with word play and anagrams. They discover how rearranging letters, words and ideas can create unexpected meanings and new possibilities for poetic expression.
The workshop then moves towards the most important question: What makes a poem sound like you? Participants consider how deliberate choices about language, structure, rhythm, repetition, imagery and form contribute to an individual poetic voice.
The final task challenges writers to bring these skills together by creating an original poem that deliberately demonstrates their own style.
In this workshop, you will:
explore the difference between content and style
experiment with emotive and imaginative language
play with words through anagrams and word manipulation
explore rhythm, sound, imagery and poetic form
make deliberate choices about how you express an idea
identify elements of your emerging poetic voice
create an original poem that reflects your individual style
The goal is not to write poetry that sounds like someone else. It is to experiment, discover and develop the way that only you can write.