Online Writing Week: Poetry and Research
Book

Online Writing Week: Poetry and Research

States of Knowing
Tutors
  • Tara Bergin
  • Yomi Sode
Date Monday September 18th - Friday September 22nd 2023
Location Online

It can be assumed that all poems start as a moment of poetic inspiration – a moment the poet must wait for and cannot control – but there is another route available. Like Kafka’s cage that went in search of a bird, a poet sometimes needs to go in search of their poem, and in this course with poets Tara Bergin and Yomi Sode you will venture into new states of knowing in your writing, exploring the ways you can use study and research to embark on a sequence of original and surprising new work.


We’ll help you to make ‘Arvon at Home’, turning your own place into a writing cocoon, capturing the transformative power of our acclaimed Arvon residential courses: two brilliant author-tutors at your service, a caring and sharing group, the time and space to devote to your writing, invaluable feedback, new writing pals, and the unique creative progress that happens in a dedicated week. 

You will be offered the best of a classic Arvon residential week, with a few virtual tweaks. Spot the difference: a carefully balanced combination of tips to help you focus, daily morning workshops, one-to-one tutorials with both tutors, three evening get-togethers to chat about the day’s work, a mid-week guest reading offer, the celebratory Friday-evening collective reading, and lots of time and encouragement for you to write every day. 

All gatherings, one-to-one or group, will be delivered via our own Arvon Zoom, so you’ll need to have a reliable internet connection. Your Arvon host will be on call to offer support as you need it, including any help you may need with your computer set-up. 

To participate, and to get the most out of the week, you’ll need to turn up online for all planned morning sessions, Monday to Friday. You should also set aside your afternoons for tutorials and independent writing time.  Last but not least, we urge you to read your tutors’ published work before the week starts.

Online: £425

Concessions: £297.50

As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, we offer limited concessionary places at a 30% reduction. You can select this option at checkout if available.

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

Across all of Arvon at Home

Masterclasses and Online Writing Day

How I Write

Online Writing Weeks / Weekends

Subject to funding/permissions (please contact us for more details)

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

See here for more access information.

Nothing short of transformative! I can't believe how much we packed into just a few days and how much impact it has had. I'm writing in new styles, new forms, new images, new rhythms!
— Writing Week Participant
I had the chance to speak with two well respected tutors about my work. Being able to do this in one-to-one tutorials was excellent and not reduced in any way by being on Zoom. A good chance for some very good advice. I am now determined to set to work on my writing.
— Writing Week Participant
Arvon courses are always so inclusive, supportive, fun, and instructive. There is something really magical and intimate about what happens during the week.
— Writing Week Participant

Monday

14.00—16.00: Opening session – Everyone gathers online in Arvon’s Zoom Writing House. Your Arvon host will welcome you and the tutors, giving you an overview of the week, technology support, and some ideas for making your writing ‘cocoon’. You’ll get to meet everyone, ask questions, and settle in. Your tutors will ask you to start thinking about your writing, perhaps setting an exercise. There’s likely to be some homework for tomorrow morning

Tuesday

9.15-9.45: ‘Writing Together’ – Half an hour each morning of quiet writing time before the morning workshop. Cameras off and pen to paper until 9.45. (optional)
10.00-12.45: Everyone meets online for the morning workshop, which includes writing exercises, discussion and comfort breaks.
14.30 – 16.30: One-to-one tutorials lasting 25 minutes each. You have one tutorial with each tutor during the week, the rest of the afternoon is your time to think and write.
18.00—19.00: Tutor readings: both tutors read and speak about their work, followed by a Q&A hosted by your Arvon host.

Wednesday

9.15-9.45: ‘Writing Together’ – Quiet writing time with cameras off. (optional)
10.00-12.45: Morning workshop
14.30 – 16.30: One-to-one tutorials
+
19.15-20.15: The Arvon Wednesday Live Guest Reading—you get a free ticket to this.

Thursday

9.15-9.45: ‘Writing Together’ – Quiet writing time with cameras off. (optional)
10.00-12.45: Morning workshop
14.30 – 16.30: One-to-one tutorials
18.00—19.00: An evening session, the theme of which will be decided nearer the time by your tutors

Friday

9.15-9.45: ‘Writing Together’ – Quiet writing time with cameras off. (optional)
10.00-12.45: Morning workshop
16.00-17.30: A celebratory reading where you have the chance to share some of your new writing. Expect laughter, tears and a huge sense of pride for all you have learned, written and achieved this week. There’ll be plenty of virtual hugs.

And then...

Next steps: The week doesn’t stop here. You now have a writing community. Stay in touch. Share your work with each other, and take it forward!

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