Shake It Up! Writing New and Surprising Poetry

This workshop is for beginners or emerging adult poets looking for a generative workshop to inspire new work.

What the workshop covers

We'll explore poems that take surprising twists and use unconventional language or syntax, challenging traditional expectations of poetry. We’ll draw inspiration from a diverse range of contemporary poets like Diane Seuss, Chen Chen and Raymond Antrobus. We'll also tap into our humorous side, embracing the part of ourselves that doesn't take life too seriously. Expect a day filled with playful writing exercises designed to spark creativity and surprise you.

What a participant can expect on the day/how the workshop will run and what the participants need to bring with them:

Expect a day full of new and exciting poems that we will discuss and explore in an open and non-prescriptive way. There will also be plenty of writing exercises and opportunities to share your new drafts, thoughts and ideas. All you will need is paper, a pen and a willingness to surprise yourself.

What outcomes can be expected

Expect to be introduced to a wide range of poems by writers of award-winning and compelling collections. You will be encouraged to tap into your authentic voice and to see your everyday thoughts and experiences as worthy of exciting material of poetry. You will come away with a number of first drafts and a new community of fellow writers to draw inspiration and support from.

Workshop leader

Molly Twomey grew up in Lismore, County Waterford, and graduated in 2019 with an MA in Creative Writing from University College Cork. Her first collection, Raised Among Vultures, was published in 2022 by The Gallery Press. It won the Southword Debut Collection Poetry Award, was shortlisted for the Seamus Heaney Poetry Prize for Best First Collection, and the Farmgate National Poetry Award. It was a book of the year in The Irish Times.

Cost €80 + Eventbrite fee

Friday 15th November 10am - 4pm

When you book your place on the course we will confirm by email.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

You are entitled to a refund within one week of your payment, (less any Eventbrite fees) provided that the workshop has not already started.

We cannot refund fees in respect of cancellation after this time. We cannot offer partial refunds to students who do not finish the workshop.