What is a poem? A poem is an offering, a doorway, a pathway and a possibility. It is a way to tell stories, to interact with the world, and to celebrate language. Everyone can be a poet and everyone can write poetry. Poetry is a celebration of community, a way to honor lineage. Poetry is a whisper from the beyond, it is an ear to the earth, and poems make and remake the world.
Introduction to Poetry teaches you how to write a poem, how to love a poem, and how to celebrate poetry. We’ll discuss what poetry is, we’ll examine entry points into creating a poetry practice, and we’ll explore imagination, music and rhythm, narrative in poetry, and structure (loosely based on Gregory Orr’s Four Temperaments of Poetry). We’ll learn what questions to ask of a poetic piece when we’re editing, and we’ll explore new ways to read, and new ways to listen.
There will be lectures, writing, and discussions. Join this writing community for three afternoons and connect with your inner poet. All levels are welcome and replays will be available for those who can’t attend live.
The Course
Class #1 - What is Poetry? Monday, August 26th, 12:00pm EST
What is Poetry? Where do we even begin? This workshop will lay the groundwork for studying and writing poetry. You’ll learn about basic terminology, discover different approaches to reading and writing poetry, connect to your poetic voice, and learn scaffolding strategies for creating a piece of poetry. This workshop crosses the poetic threshold and shows you an entirely new world of writing.
In This Workshop You’ll Learn:
Different Approaches to Poetry
What is Poetry
Basic Poetic Understanding and Terminology
Connect to Your Own Poetic Voice
Class #2 - Imagination & Music, Tuesday, August 27th, 12:00pm EST
In Gregory Orr’s essay from Poets Teaching Poets, he discusses The Four Temperaments of Poetry. Two of these four temperaments are Imagination and Music. As two of the pillars of poetic practice, we’ll read pieces that feature imagination and music, and there will be prompts for connecting to this aspect of the poetic craft. For those looking to learn about meter and intuition, poetry and play, imagination and rhythm, this is the workshop for you.
In This Workshop You’ll Learn:
Rhythm and Music in Poetry
Different ways to connect to meter
Accessing your imagination
Trusting your creative intuition
Class #3 - Narrative & Structure, Wednesday, August 28th, 12:00pm EST
Poems tell stories. Poems have poetic forms. Narrative and Structure are the final two aspects of The Four Temperaments of Poetry. These two pillars provide two different lenses for connecting to creative work. Work with poetry to tell a story, select a poetic form and see what unfolds. Through these scaffoldings, we’ll discover what’s possible and the creative aspects of constraint.
In This Workshop You’ll Learn:
Poetic Forms
Working with Narrative in Poems
Poetry for Storytellers
Creativity in Constraint
When:
Monday, August 26th, 12:00pm EST
Tuesday, August 27th, 12:00pm EST
Wednesday, August 28th, 12:00pm EST
Exchange:
The exchange for this course is $99
All replays and recordings will be available after each workshop and you will be able to download the materials to keep them forever (in case you need to review them!).
Testimonials
“Kate’s courses never fail to deliver. She creates a warm and inclusive environment for learning and exchange of ideas. The wealth and variety of subject matter she included was incredible. LOVE the PDFs and zoom replays to go back through at my leisure and for future reference. I look forward to taking many more workshops from this incredible artist.”
“The Poetry Practice was an incredible writing experience especially for someone who has not been formally trained in writing. It was a beautiful exploration with the perfect balance of structure and information to be able to speak the language of poetry.”
“Kate Belew's Poetry Practice workshop was fantastic. She really covered the many forms of poetry in easy to follow lessons. I would advise this both for beginners and advanced writers because there is always something new to learn. I learned so much. Plus, it was a lovely group of non-judgmental people and a safe space. Thank you, Kate.”
“Poetry Practice was a super lovely community and space created in a time of 3 days, was lovely getting more technical about poetry and tips to help me more in my day to day! Definitely after this workshop I have really had my mind much more open in new ways to write poetry and have loved this so much! Huge thanks Kate for the beautiful space and connecting to other wonderful writers.”
“The Poetry Practice workshop by Kate Belew was delightfully fun and informative. I am enjoying my new knowledge and skills in poetry and feel much more confident in writing and sharing my writing. I am looking forward to the next workshop.”
“A Poetry Practice was my first workshop with Kate, who creates a warm and inviting space for budding writers. Kate validated all the thoughts and insecurities to ensure all were working at their own level of comfort, and was able to provide support live in session as well as privately through email. Her decks were full of inspiration to channel creativity and we were given all of the materials for future reference. I look forward to future offerings!”
FAQ
Can I join this class if I’ve never written or read a poem?
Yes! Absolutely. This workshop works to support you if you’re beginning on a journey writing poetry or unlearning what you know about poetry.
Do I have to share my work?
No! Opportunities will be given to share drafts, but no formal structure for sharing will be given.
What sort of poets and examples will be given?
I will be sharing poets of all backgrounds, and poems written in a myriad of voices and about a variety of experiences. I do not teach in rooms and programs that solely share cis-white-male poets (and suggest that you’re not students in those spaces either!).
This class is for you if you’re looking for…
A new way to connect to your creativity
A new understanding of poetry
A chance to write and create poetic works
Spaciousness in the world of poetry and in your creative practice
You love a beginner’s mind
You long to expand your perspectives
You are open to asking questions and making mistakes
You love the possibility of poetry
Your Guide:
Kate Belew
Kate Belew is a Brooklyn-based writer, poet, storyteller, and Witch from Michigan. Her work spans genres and spaces: poetry, nonprofits, immersive theatre, health and wellness, herbalism, witchcraft, and the psychedelic. She co-hosts Magick & Alchemy, a Tamed Wild podcast about mythology and witchcraft. Kate facilitates and teaches writing workshops and has an MFA in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College. Her writing can be found in a variety of publications, both digital and print. Kate has studied herbalism with Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine online, Kathryn Solie’s Poisonous Plants Series, and in an apprenticeship with Green Witch Robin Rose Bennett, in addition to her life experience and self-study, in tandem with her love of books. Kate is a lifelong student of the plants, stars, and poetry.