Seeing Anew: Poetry Revision

In this 3 class series, we'll dive deep into the art of revising poetry. Revision is arguably the most crucial element of the poetry writing process, and it's also the one writers struggle with the most. How do we take the sparkly, subconscious material accessed in our first draft and craft it into a fully realized poem? This goes beyond the rote advice to "K*ll your darlings"—we'll look at how choices regarding syntax, form, sonics, diction, and so much more, can strengthen our work and break us out of overused writerly habits. In our first session, we'll get to know the first draft phase by crafting our own poems. The following two sessions will be dedicated to understanding the importance of revision, studying the revision processes of accomplished poets, and implementing revision strategies in our own work. Students will leave the class with greater confidence in the revision process, strategies to move through revision paralysis, and fresh poems. All experience levels welcome. Limited to 8 participants.