Reading Riding: Slowly, Slowly
Even those of us who admire the poems of Laura Riding can find them difficult. This response is what she expected. She believed that true poems are difficult because they are accurate. In A Survey of Modernist Poetry, she and Robert Graves demonstrated how to read difficult poems—slowly. Difficulty requires time, attending to the meanings of every element—language, spelling, punctuation.
This method became the foundation of New Criticism. Re-branded as close reading, it remains the foundation of literary criticism. Following Riding’s example, we will work through a few of her short poems together. The conversation will begin with “Mortal,” an early poem, and then we’ll turn to other poems that registrants will receive in an email before the event.
This free class, led by LRJ scholar Joyce Wexler, will be held over Zoom on May 19 at 12 pm EDT. Registration is required.
Last Adult Writing Workshop of the season
Libby Fischer Hellmann, award-winning mystery and crime fiction writer, left a career in broadcast news to become the author of sixteen thrillers and dozens of short stories. Among many affiliations, she also served as past president of Sisters in Crime.
Suspense is what keeps readers turning the pages. Building it into your work is an essential element, be it fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction. In this interactive workshop, Libby will explain how to do it, and illustrate tangible techniques you can start using right away.
This $35 workshop will be held over Zoom on May 22 from 10 – 11:30 am EDT. This is our last workshop of the season, so don’t miss it!
Creative Writing Summer Camp
Is there a middle schooler in your life that loves to write? Our annual “Write in the Middle” Creative Writing Summer Camp is back this year! This week-long day camp includes activities such as pottery, nature journaling, arts & crafts, and much more! Each week is $150 with a 50% reduction for additional siblings.
To find more information and to sign your child up, click the button below.
