Form poetry can be scary, with so many rules to remember. But not all forms are equally complicated and with practice they all can be challenging and fun. We're going to explore ways of training the brain to love structured poetry. Bring a pen or device and let Dr Strangemarty be your form guide.

Monostich is a one line only form, but it forms the core of our work to come. It’s excellent practice for concision and craft.

Ekphrasis is a literary device that uses words to describe a visual work of art. Artwork prompts will be provided, but feel free to bring one along.

An exploration of the links between and the differences in poetry and song lyrics.

Villanelle is not just a character from TVs beloved ‘Killing Eve’ it’s a complex poetic form with very specific rules. Heck, it could end up being your favourite form.

Steve Smart began his career in poetry with the form commonly known as a rant. Some might say this is not a form at all, it’s just a rant. Which is fair. Over the years he has written in a wide variety of forms (triolet, sonnet, monostich, ghazal), most often coming back to the villanelle and his beloved sestina. He does not believe that form poetry needs to be dry or lacking in humour. Form can be fun, and the constraints can be liberating. Steve has performed his work all over the world, many thousands of times, running workshops for the young and the… less young.

There are limited spots available for people struggling financially, maybe you had to take your cat to the vet this month, maybe your car broke down, maybe you had a sudden bill and you really want to do one or all of these workshops but you just don’t have the ready cash right now, we want this round of workshops to be accessible, please contact us if there is a workshop you really want to do, or you have questions about a workshop, and we can help, we will respect your privacy and we want to see you at these workshops.

If you are planning to buy multiple tickets of attend multiple workshops please contact Loran Steinberg for a discount code.

Email loransteinbergpoetry@gmail.com to access financial hardship tickets or to have your questions answered.

Form Poetry with Dr Strangesmarty

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