Masterclass: The Truth of a Poem | Rethinking notions of truth and honesty | Arvon
Masterclass: The Truth of a Poem
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Masterclass: The Truth of a Poem

Rethinking notions of truth and honesty
Tutor
  • Andrew McMillan Poetry Writing Course Arvon
    Andrew McMillan
Date Friday February 12th 2027, 10:00-12:00 GMT
Location Online

To get to the poetic truth it is not always necessary to tell the what-actually-happened truth; these times I lie.’ —Rita Ann Higgins

It’s a fact that nothing in anybody’s life has ever happened as a poem. Your life might be easier if it did, or if it had – if there was a neat line-ending, a rhyme scheme, a formal pattern that things followed rather than the difficult random accumulation of events which makes up the daily task of living.

In this Masterclass, award-winning poet Andrew McMillan will guide you through a series of close readings and exercises designed to interrogate the notion of truth within a poem, undercutting perceptions of honesty in your own poetic voice and ultimately setting you free, to enable you to lie.


Is this session for me?

Our masterclasses are regularly attended by writers who:

  • Are hungry for fresh thinking, stimulus and new ways into their writing
  • Are looking to keep up or boost their writing momentum
  • Have time constraints and can’t always commit to the live experience
  • Are wanting to try something new
  • Enjoy taking things at their own pace
  • Are looking to develop a regular writing habit
  • Are looking for a supportive environment in which to open up creatively

What will I gain?

  • A two hour writing workout – at your pace
  • Two hours of inspiring tuition from the finest writers at work today
  • Two hours to focus on your writing with guidance from experienced Arvon tutors
  • Two hours of craft, technique and writing prompts
  • Two hours that will propel your writing forward
  • Support from friendly Arvon hosts
  • Becoming part of an inclusive creative community
  • Access to the recording afterwards

How does it work?

The Masterclass will be delivered via Zoom webinar, so you can take the session at your own pace, without the pressure of having your video or camera on. You can contribute via the chatbox with your tutor and other writers attending the session. Sessions are also recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you will have access to the recording afterwards. Masterclasses can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Just translate the UK time to your local time zone.

Why Arvon?

Arvon is a not-for-profit charity that has been running since 1968.

At Arvon, everyone who crosses the door of one of our writing houses is a writer – no matter what their age or writing experience – and all are welcome.

For more information About Arvon – Home of Creative Writing since 1968 – Arvon

Online: £40

Concessions: £20

As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, half-price concessions are available for this course at checkout. There are a limited number of free subsidised places for those who cannot afford the concession price.

We are committed to making our Arvon at Home programme accessible to as many people as possible.

Our FAQ page may also helpful.

Across all of Arvon at Home 

Masterclasses 

The Obsidian Black Poetry Lectures 

Saturday Writing Club

Online Writing Days

Writing Weeks and Writing Months

A note on the use of AI and recording

Subject to funding/permissions/availability (please contact arvonathome@arvon.org for more details)

If you have any access needs that we have not covered here, please contact us on access@arvon.org

See here for more access information.

"These zoom opportunities are really helping to open my world and keep me inspired to write."
— Masterclass participant
"Arvon at Home creates a model to participate in inspirational tutoring for writers, at a distance. The feeling of attending to my writing life in an excellent fashion, and still having a half-day for my work and caring responsibilities at home, felt like a good balance."
— Masterclass participant
"It was an absolutely brilliant session and very very useful. And it made me realise how much I’ve missed this kind of workshop because of having children and family that I can’t leave. Now we’re all in the same boat the online stuff is truly transformative."
— Masterclass participant

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