Young Writers Workshop: The UnWorkshop Workshop

Writers will start at their own levels and no experience is necessary. Each session is designed to challenge and inspire students in an atmosphere of encouragement and inclusion. Constantine has worked for years to develop a unique teaching style which both empowers new voices and allows seasoned writers to flourish. Sufferers of ‘Writer’s Block’ are strongly encouraged!

Notebook
Pen
Laptop (optional)

And here is a list of random things you may also want to have ready:
a good memory
a bad memory
a favorite time of day
a favorite kind of weather
a ‘good luck’ charm
a random phrase or lyric that keeps playing in your head
a dream
a poem or story you admire by someone else

A day in the workshop will include writing, reading, discussion, critique, and a lot of support. Students develop close-reading skills as they examine a variety of styles and approaches to writing. They’ll also develop their most promising pieces and workshop them with their classmates, receiving thorough feedback from peers and the teacher.

Students should expect to write every day and maintain focus. There will also be plenty ‘down time’ for cultivating new ideas and community.

Brendan Constantine is the author of four books of poetry and his work has appeared in many standards including Poetry, The Nation, Best American Poetry, Prairie Schooner, Field, and Poem-A-Day. A popular performer, he has read for audiences throughout the U.S. and Europe, also appearing on NPR, TED ED, numerous podcasts, and YouTube. He holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and currently teaches at the Windward School. Since 2017, Brendan has been developing poetry workshops for people with Aphasia.

Website: http://brendanconstantine.com

Twitter: @poetbrendan