THE ART AND CRAFT OF POLISHING A POEM (AKA Re-Vision): Poetry Master Class
What is revision, after all, but bringing a sparkling fresh vision to a piece of writing and its possibilities, the way you would facet, then polish, a gemstone? I once heard gifted poet Linda Pastan speak at length on revision, which she called “the main act of writing.” She writes her first draft by putting herself in a trance-like state, she said. “And then come 100 revisions. It would be wonderful if there were right and wrong choices.” No one can tell us exactly what to do with our work—writing is an art as well as a craft. But while there aren’t right and wrong choices, we can get crystal-clear on our options in the areas of content, sound, and form and understand why—and how—some serve a particular poem better than others. That’s just what you’ll do in this master class—learn and practice specific revision tactics, as well as get detailed feedback/critique on at least one of your poems. You’ll take home a handy reference chart and descriptions of all the strategies covered—which, by the way, can also help you write more brilliant poetry and prose.
Please submit three poems, along with your current CV in a separate attachment, on the same day that you register for the conference. Poems should be saved in a single MS Word document, using single-spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font, and sent as an attachment to masterclass@ncwriters.org. Your name and the title of each poem should appear on the submission. Accepted registrants will also be asked to circulate their drafts to others in the class prior to the conference.
Each registrant should be ready to handle the intensive instruction and atmosphere of the Master Class.
This class is offered as part of The North Carolina Writers’ Network 2018 Fall Conference, which runs from November 2nd through November 4th.
For the first time, Fall Conference will offer a full slate of sessions designed specifically for writers of stage and screen. In addition, as part of the Network’s ongoing mission to serve writers at all levels of experience, the Charlotte Center for the Literary Arts will sponsor a “Business of Writing” track at Fall Conference for those who feel ready to take their manuscripts to market. And, because of the Hilton’s convenient location, getting to (and parking!) at a Fall Conference in the Charlotte Metro area has never been easier.
If a poetry master class is not for you right now, please check out the many, many other offerings available that provide so many ways to learn and grow as a writer no matter what your level of experience, plus many networking opportunities!
WHERE: Hilton Charlotte University Place. 8629 JM Keynes Drive. Charlotte, NC 28262
WHEN: Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
COST: This class is offered as part of The North Carolina Writers’ Network 2018 Fall Conference. Cost varies based on membership, meals and the number of days you’d like to participate.
TO REGISTER: To register please visit The North Carolina Writers’ Network 2018 Fall Conference website.