Poetry masterclass at Keats House, Hampstead

What is the course about?

This course is designed to coach students on writing poetry to a publishable standard. Poets will have the opportunity to write some new work, receive guidance on advanced poetic technique and methods of revising their work.

What will we cover?

This workshop will look at poetic technique, content and form. Students will be introduced to methods of generating raw material and ideas for poems. The group will explore craft and content through reading and writing exercises, and constructive feedback. Ideal for students with some experience of writing and workshopping their poetry.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Express an understanding of some new techniques for starting and revising a poem.
- Begin work on a new or existing poem using exercises and techniques introduced in the class.
- Assess poems provided in class, based on discussions and your own reading and opinions.
- Discuss individual texts.
- Participate constructively in a workshop setting.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

A working knowledge of poetry is necessary; for example, familiarity with some poetic techniques, such as rhyme, metre and imagery. You will need an enthusiasm for poetry and a willingness to take part in discussions, reading, creative exercises and writing poetry.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Teaching will be through writing exercises, group discussion and tutor input.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day, regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring loose paper, a writing notebook, pens and pencils,
You will receive feedback from your tutor throughout the day, as and when appropriate.
You may also wish to bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the gardens of Keats House.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.