Poetry: Going The Extra Mile

Anyone with a rudimentary interest in poetry can write a competent poem. Anyone who studies the craft can write a good poem. But by going the extra mile, we can write a brilliant poem and turn the reader experience into something amazing.

We will concentrate on the elements of surprise and enrichment, bringing a fresh eye to our writing while expanding and extending our skills, and consider a new form during each session.

​

SESSION 1: Surprise!
We'll begin with a brief overview of how the various ingredients of a poem can be enhanced by going the extra mile. The value of surprising the reader will be considered, and we'll think about how it can be achieved. 

​

SESSION 2: Stirring the Words
With the vast and nuanced vocabulary of the English language, we can push our wording choices in every direction. We'll look at not just the pick and mix of vocabulary, but at how we can find better imagery, eye-catching metaphors and other memorable examples of figurative language.

​

SESSION 3: Saints and Sinners
We'll start by thinking about the poet's good and bad habits, then discuss the development and fine-tuning of our writing, focussing on aspects of the poem that aren't working and putting them right. We'll look at spotting and correcting these 'sinners' but also at how to identify the good bits — the 'saints'—and make them even better. 

​

SESSION 4: So How Far's a Mile?
For a poet, fantasy and imagination are more important than the laws of physics. Our extra mile, then, may be leapt or limped over whatever distance the poem demands. We'll discuss moving forward with our work without losing sight of the joy, practising new techniques, and keeping the Muse fresh throughout the journey.