Tom Daley:
Learning from Emily Dickinson: Advanced

Shall I take thee, the Poet said
To the propounded word?
Be stationed with the Candidates
Till I have finer tried —

The Poet searched Philology
And when about to ring
For the suspended Candidate
There came unsummoned in —

That portion of the Vision
The Word applied to fill
Not unto nomination
The Cherubim reveal —

As Emily Dickinson points out in this poem, both craft and inspiration play their part in the writing of poetry. In this workshop, weekly (and mandatory) assignments will help you to develop your writing skills and prepare the ground for inspiration (no cherubim provided!). You will learn to compose in some of the forms Dickinson worked in, including the common meter. You will also practice the art of the epistolary poem, create aphorisms à la Dickinson, and write poems to her or about her work, her life, and her themes. In addition, you will write one thoroughgoing revision of one of the poems generated by the assignments.

The enhancement of the art of critical thinking and writing is an important component of this workshop. In addition to composing a poem that results from the weekly exercise, each participant must write and post critiques of two poems by other participants every week.

An intermediate level and an advanced level workshop will be offered. The intermediate level workshop has been designed for those who have some workshop experience. Admission to the advanced level workshop requires evidence of a well-honed craft and critical skill on the part of the applicant. Those seeking to enter an MFA program will find the exercises helpful in preparing for graduate study.

Please send three poems in the text of an e-mail to the instructor at tom@onlineschoolofpoetry.org to be considered for either workshop. Please do not send attachments.

Advanced (8 weeks) starts January 4, 2009.
Cost $335 (includes a ten dollar registration fee).

How This Workshop Works

Testimonial About This Course