You don’t need a degree in literature or a tortured past to write a poem. You just need a little curiosity and something to say (even if you’re not sure what that is yet). This workshop is for everyone, whether you’re a visual artist looking to experiment with words, a journal scribbler, a total beginner, or someone who hasn’t written since high school. Join your guides, t duncan and Jezmina Von Thiele, and together, we’ll explore what makes a poem work, including image, rhythm, voice, and symbolism. You will learn simple, foundational techniques to craft a poem that feels true and strong.
We’ll read a few short, powerful poems, try out low-pressure writing prompts, and build something real together. No experience is required. You only need an open mind, a willingness to play, and whatever you want to write with.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Learn what gives a poem shape, power, and feeling
- Try writing from guided prompts that unlock creativity
- Hear examples that are weird, beautiful, honest, and fun
- Get tips on revision without killing the magic
- Leave with at least one rough poem and the confidence to write more
Come as you are. This is a judgment-free zone where connection, not perfection, is the goal.
Details
- Date: January 24th, 2025
- Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST, 4:00 – 5:30 PT (ZOOM)
- Instructor: t duncan and Jezmina Von Thiele
We believe in making writing education accessible. This class uses a pay-what-you-can model with three price tiers:
- $25 – Supported Tier: For those who need a little financial breathing room
- $45 – Standard Tier: Covers the true cost of the class
- $65 – Supporter Tier: Helps us offer lower-cost spots to others
Choose the tier that best fits your situation, no questions asked. Everyone receives the same class experience, no matter the price point.
How to Pay: Space is limited, so please sign up early. Venmo your deposit @LoungeWriters with your email address. In notes, add: Poetry Class. (The last 4 digits of the phone number are 9616, if Venmo wants to know.) Email Oksana Marafioti at info@loungewriters.com if you have questions or if you’d rather pay by Zelle or PayPal.
About Your Instructors
t duncan is a writer. they are loyal to no particular form, but secretly like poetry the best. they live to help people find their own poetic voices, nurture solidarity, and pet sidewalk cats. they’ve been published in a lot of places you love to hate but think handwritten zines are way more legit. t lives on a particularly charming bend in the mississippi river with four pets and zero spouses.
Jezmina Von Thiele (they/she) is a poet, writer, educator, podcaster, performer, and fortune teller. Their work has appeared in Prairie Schooner, The Kenyon Review Online, Narrative Magazine, and elsewhere, sometimes under the name Jessica Reidy. They are the co-author, with Paulina Stevens, of Secrets of Romani Fortune Telling, and co-host of Romanistan, a podcast celebrating Romani culture. They perform with The Poetry Brothel, Boston’s immersive literary cabaret. Jezmina reads tarot, palms, and tea leaves in their mixed Sinti Romani tradition, and teaches workshops on divination, spiritual wellness, and the creative arts in person and online in the New Hampshire seacoast.
Lounge Writers 