After: Poems in Conversation

No poem is written alone. Every poem is in conversation with the writing that came before it. This conversation crosses generations and cultures, erasing distances of time, space, and mortality. In this four-part class, we’ll make that conversation intentional. We’ll consider the what, why, and how of writing in dialogue with other writers: what it means to write “after” someone, why we might quote, echo, erase, or respond to another text, and how we might do so with care, integrity, and proper credit. We’ll read poems by historical and contemporary poets who write in conversation with other poets, novelists, essayists, scientists, journalists, and historical documents. Approaches we’ll consider include: the epigraph and homage, collage and quotation, the cento, found poetry, erasure, and the response poem. In our first two classes, we’ll read examples and try generative exercises. In our second two classes, we’ll share our work and offer supportive feedback on each other’s conversations. No previous experience in writing poetry is required; all are welcome.

Access Program

We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.

Liaison position

Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.

Apply here for the liaison position.