Poetry of Place /
Poetry in Time

An Intermediate Course in Poetry and Poetics

Read and write alongside five books of amazing poetry, learning and practicing new approaches, techniques, and poetic moves.This course will make you a better writer of poetry, a better reader of poetry, and will challenge you to widen your consciousness and appreciation not just of literature, but of life.

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Testimonials from Former Students

I was looking for options to rework some web based essays I had written a number of years ago. Although this course was recommended, I was hesitant to take it because I wasn’t sure this was what I needed. John encouraged me to try it and promised me a refund if it didn’t work for me. I did try it and it was exactly what I needed to develop my writing skills. The group was small and intimate and John drew out the best in all of us over the time we were together. I now have a better working knowledge about the art of writing and the confidence to write in my own voice. — Priscilla S.

I wanted to write a book but was stuck in my head trying to figure how to do it, not believing I could do it and daunted by the size of the project. John’s workshop created a stimulating place to try things out, exciting feedback that opened up worlds, and the accountability of regular draft submission. Now I have a solid draft in progress and a ton of confidence and excitement about being an author. — Alison C.

Taking part in the Long Schoolroom has transformed me from a blocked procrastinator into the action-taking writer I’ve always wanted to be. Having the accountability of regular writing deadlines — and support to integrate a routine into my morning — unlocked a regular writing habit that I'd previously spent a lot of time worrying about.Receiving generous, thought-provoking feedback from my peers in the group has also completely transformed my style. I’ve learned so much about structure, character, and bringing the reader along. The skills and mindset I gained from this group have given me so much more confidence.John provides illuminating direction, and reflections on your writing that will have you reconsidering everything, and feeling inspired. I’m so grateful to the Long Schoolroom for reaffirming my desire to write, and for giving me the structure I needed to continue my journey — Anna H.

Writing on my own, I would get pretty tangled up when I attempted to revise and never could finish anything. The workshop helped me see my weak spots as a writer, break from some bad habits, and experiment with new ways of writing. It was really helpful to see others going through their own discovery processes. Now, I have a much stronger sense of possibility as a writer. I started with non-fiction and moved towards fiction. I've loosened up and am OK with learning from the process instead of feeling pressured to produce something. Paradoxically, I think I am getting a better sense of what a project I can finish will look like. —Tyler F.

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John Estes has 3 decades of experience as a teacher of writing and literature. He is a professor of creative writing at the University of Alabama, has work published in over 100 journals, and is the award-winning author of multiple books of poetry and prose.

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