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Don't Start With a Blank Page! A Found Poetry Workshop

  • Mechanics' Hall 519 Congress Street Portland, ME, 04101 United States (map)

A Poetry Workshop

Ever been intimidated by a blank page? Found yourself staring at a blinking cursor, not sure which key to punch next and thinking you might punch the computer instead?

When asked how he could sculpt so beautifully, Michelangelo responded, “The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.” This is also true of poetry. Blackout poetry, whiteout poetry, found poetry, centos, N+1, replacement poetry, generated poetry — there are myriad ways to discover the poetry within the prose around us. 

If a blank piece of paper intimidates you, start with one full of words. We will work together to discuss and practice a variety of found poetry forms, whiteout at the ready, sharpies primed, pencils sharpened. This can be a meditative practice to work out some extraneous stress, a means to fend off writer’s block, or just enjoy a creative and low-key approach to poetry.

$70 Members/$100 Nonmembers


Awarded the Dark Poetry Scholarship from the Horror Writers Association, John Reinhart's poems and short works have been published internationally in print and online. He has been nominated for the Rhysling Award for best science-fiction poem in the previous year and the Dwarf Stars Award for the best short sci-fi poem of the previous year. He has won the Poetry Nook weekly contest seven times.


ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION

QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact programs@mainewriters.org.

REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-200-7180 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.

REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.

SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Application Due by September 14th at 9:00 a.m.
→ MORE INFORMATION

MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION

Earlier Event: September 18
Gather 59
Later Event: October 3
Translation Master Class