Many people feel a strong urge to write, and a considerable proportion of them have a desire to express their thoughts and feelings through the powerful, often emotive medium of poetry.
In this online edition of Jem Poster’s poetry masterclass, the co-founder of the master’s degree course in creative writing at the University of Cambridge will be joining us again to lead a class for beginners in poetry writing, and poetry enthusiasts.
Under Jem’s expert guidance, you will learn how to read and write poetry more effectively, with a view to finding the confidence to enhance your own writing practice. You will also examine the nature of poetry, the value of close observation, precision and economy of style, the uses of memory, and the transformative power of imagination.
Informal in approach, this accessible, friendly masterclass with a leading writer and academic aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the art of poetry in a virtual room that invites creativity and curiosity.
Course Content
- The nature of poetry
- The value of close observation
- Precision and economy of style
- The uses of memory
- The poetic imagination
This course is for ...
- Poetry enthusiasts who are interested in learning more about how to read and reflect with a greater understanding of the form
- Writers who are looking to build confidence in their own poetry by examining the creative process and exploring the poetic imagination
Tutor Profile
Jem Poster is emeritus professor of creative writing, Aberystwyth University, and co-founder, with Sarah Burton, of Cambridge University’s master’s programme in creative writing. He is the author of two novels, Courting Shadows (Sceptre, 2002) and Rifling Paradise (Sceptre, 2006), as well as a collection of poetry, Brought to Light (Bloodaxe, 2001). He edited volume III of the six-volume Oxford University Press Edward Thomas: Prose Writings (OUP, 2018) and is co-author, with Sarah Burton, of a handbook for fiction-writers, The Book You Need to Read to Write the Book You Want to Write (Cambridge University Press 2022).
Course Details
- Date: Tuesday 6 December 2022
- Time: 6pm-8.30pm (GMT)
A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.
This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
6pm GMT | 7pm CET | 10am PST | 1pm EST
You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link.
We aim to make all Guardian Masterclasses fully accessible. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.
This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.
Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
