Welcome to Workshop 1.0

The writing workshops in this blog intend to introduce key poetic concepts in a sequence created by BRBpoetry. Although, there is no specific standard procedure to write poetry. This will allow readers to immerse in poetic writing technique used by this brand to create a synthesis of style. Poetry ranges from contemporary freeform to classical forms. Although some poets may simply write to get the creative juices flowing, essentially they too will answer the following questions. What is the purpose of your poem? How do you want the breath of your poetry to sound? What genre are you trying to express in your poetry? These are all great questions to think about during brainstorming.

This art piece created by Brandy Bennett in 2022 contemplates writing as a craft of time period. Which feather will you write with? Hypothetically, why did you choose that feather or quill? Which feather connects to the writing of the Gothic genre? Why?

In this workshop the goal will be to create a beginning process for your poetic formulations.

One such inspiration comes from sound in a poem which connects to the breath in poetry. Once you know what you want to write about think of specific words that most represent theme in your unique voice. For example, I will use the primary thought word dreary which starts with the English d sound. Then, I will include other words in my alliteration word bank that create the same beginning sound. An example, dreary: dark; dank; discolored; dissonance; distance; discovery; disappointment; disheartened; discomfort; distorted; and any other words that start with this sound. I will then brainstorm to build alliteration word banks in a handwritten journal under each primary thought word with a distinct beginning sound. Poetic writers can easily reference the handwritten journal while crafting a poetic verse using alliteration.

During this written workshop the suggested theme will be lost love in the Gothic genre. Although, any theme in the Gothic genre is acceptable for this workshop. You do not have to write from personal introspective experience. You can use your imagination or use abstract ideas to write the poem. Always keep audience in mind when you write any piece of poetry. In the future you could want to submit your poem to a contest or publisher.

Now, create at least five alliteration word banks to reference as you draft the poem. Remember to use vocabulary that supports your theme, breath, rhyme scheme, poetic format, and genre. Finally, use the French format villanelle to construct and shape your poem as a draft. If you are not familiar with the French villanelle format please use the template as a guide. Remember, the Gothic genre has a somber mood quality. In workshop 2.0, I will share techniques to revise and edit your villanelle as I share my poem with you.