Writing Poetry in Difficult Times:
The Power of Attention

Workshop Description:

That we live in dark and difficult times is quite the understatement. As writers we observe, document, speak up. But how do we express our anger and frustration without overwhelming our readers or navigate grief while also finding pockets of joy? In this workshop, we will read poems by writers like Philip Metres, Major Jackson, Corrie Williamson, and Lisel Muller, as well as poets in translation. We will  pay attention to the “how,” meaning the ways in which these poets use patterns of speech, received forms, and how they shape language to explore difficult circumstances and events. We will discuss, write together, and build community as we also find our words and voices.

Workshop Details:

Summer 2025
Four sessions with Leonora Simonovis on Zoom
Tuesday Evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (ET)
Dates: July 8, 15, 22, 29
$195
Register for Writing Poetry in Difficult Times: The Power of Attention

Workshop Facilitator:

Leonora Simonovis is a Venezuelan American poet and the author of Study of the Raft, winner of the 2021 Colorado Prize for Poetry and Honorable Mention at the 2022 International Latino Book Awards. Her poems consider the intersections of myth, language, and story in connection to the land and to her experience as an exile.  Leonora’s poetry has been featured in or is forthcoming from the Academy of American Poets Poem-A-Day, About Place Journal, Amsterdam Review, Whale Road Review, SWWIM, and others. She has been the recipient of fellowships and residencies from the Poetry Foundation, California Arts Council, The Poetry Lab, VONA, Vermont Studio Center, and Esperimento Sul Respiro. Leonora lives in Rochester, NY, with her family and two dogs.

Comments:

"Appreciated the materials being emailed to us beforehand to lightly review before meeting, and the sample approaches of how to get started with our writing with this workshop's theme."

"There were great prompts, which is something I find helps me to get started on the journey to writing."

"I'm so inspired to begin a new project related to what I was thinking about in this class!"

Questions: editors@riverheronreview.com

Discount: RHR Discount does not apply to this workshop.

Refunds: Up to one week prior to the workshop start date, full refund minus $15 processing fee. After that time, there are no refunds.

Workshop sessions are not recorded, nor are there make up sessions.