Freeing your Free Verse from Flabbiness Workshop with John Roche Feb 15, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025
11 am - 3 pm
In-person at Jules’ Poetry Playhouse, Placitas, NM.
How do we keep our Free Verse from getting flabby?
What tips have other writers proposed?
First off, it might be helpful to have a brief history of the Free Verse genre, arising out of traditional Blank Verse through the inspiration of Walt Whitman; popularized by poets such as Carl Sandburg and Vachel Lindsay; surprisingly transformed by Modernists like H.D., E.E. Cummings, or William Carlos Williams; and starring in the 1950s poetry revolution led by the Beats, NY School, and Black Mountain (or Projectivist) Poets. Each of these movements created new ways to write Free Verse that is disciplined, exacting, and exciting. Unfortunately, as anyone who has attended open mics can attest, many beginning writers confuse Free Verse for mere freewriting, and believe there is nothing needed beyond their journal's first draft. Even if one agrees in principle with Ginsberg's dictum "First Thought, Best Thought," we’ll explore the nuances and depth of free verse.
Join us as John Roche leads us in writing exercises, along with examples of free verse that may transform your writing! There will be ample time for writing with a scheduled lunch break and shorter breaks. Bring writing materials. Bring a lunch, or order from Placitas Pizza or shop at the Merc grocery store, both nearby. Some snacks and beverages will be provided. Includes all handouts.
Jules’ Poetry Playhouse is at 11 Homestead Lane, Placitas, NM. Directions are sent upon registration. No refunds; however, you may apply the fee to another class or merchandise if you need to cancel.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
11 am - 3 pm
In-person at Jules’ Poetry Playhouse, Placitas, NM.
How do we keep our Free Verse from getting flabby?
What tips have other writers proposed?
First off, it might be helpful to have a brief history of the Free Verse genre, arising out of traditional Blank Verse through the inspiration of Walt Whitman; popularized by poets such as Carl Sandburg and Vachel Lindsay; surprisingly transformed by Modernists like H.D., E.E. Cummings, or William Carlos Williams; and starring in the 1950s poetry revolution led by the Beats, NY School, and Black Mountain (or Projectivist) Poets. Each of these movements created new ways to write Free Verse that is disciplined, exacting, and exciting. Unfortunately, as anyone who has attended open mics can attest, many beginning writers confuse Free Verse for mere freewriting, and believe there is nothing needed beyond their journal's first draft. Even if one agrees in principle with Ginsberg's dictum "First Thought, Best Thought," we’ll explore the nuances and depth of free verse.
Join us as John Roche leads us in writing exercises, along with examples of free verse that may transform your writing! There will be ample time for writing with a scheduled lunch break and shorter breaks. Bring writing materials. Bring a lunch, or order from Placitas Pizza or shop at the Merc grocery store, both nearby. Some snacks and beverages will be provided. Includes all handouts.
Jules’ Poetry Playhouse is at 11 Homestead Lane, Placitas, NM. Directions are sent upon registration. No refunds; however, you may apply the fee to another class or merchandise if you need to cancel.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
11 am - 3 pm
In-person at Jules’ Poetry Playhouse, Placitas, NM.
How do we keep our Free Verse from getting flabby?
What tips have other writers proposed?
First off, it might be helpful to have a brief history of the Free Verse genre, arising out of traditional Blank Verse through the inspiration of Walt Whitman; popularized by poets such as Carl Sandburg and Vachel Lindsay; surprisingly transformed by Modernists like H.D., E.E. Cummings, or William Carlos Williams; and starring in the 1950s poetry revolution led by the Beats, NY School, and Black Mountain (or Projectivist) Poets. Each of these movements created new ways to write Free Verse that is disciplined, exacting, and exciting. Unfortunately, as anyone who has attended open mics can attest, many beginning writers confuse Free Verse for mere freewriting, and believe there is nothing needed beyond their journal's first draft. Even if one agrees in principle with Ginsberg's dictum "First Thought, Best Thought," we’ll explore the nuances and depth of free verse.
Join us as John Roche leads us in writing exercises, along with examples of free verse that may transform your writing! There will be ample time for writing with a scheduled lunch break and shorter breaks. Bring writing materials. Bring a lunch, or order from Placitas Pizza or shop at the Merc grocery store, both nearby. Some snacks and beverages will be provided. Includes all handouts.
Jules’ Poetry Playhouse is at 11 Homestead Lane, Placitas, NM. Directions are sent upon registration. No refunds; however, you may apply the fee to another class or merchandise if you need to cancel.
Class includes all materials and handouts. Free wi-fi. Please bring writing materials..
Snacks provided!
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