This class is for people with the desire to finish a full-length book of poems and who are for whatever reason feeling stuck. This class is also for people who simply sense that their manuscript could be developed further. The idea is that each student will already have a body of work that is around 48 pages at least (the typical minimum length for a full-length collection). If you have slightly less, that is okay.
We will discuss how to sequence poems and use sectioning; generate new work and revise individual poems in the context of a collection; share our manuscripts to help each other over the finish line; analyze the opening pages of several varied contemporary poetry collections; and also discuss best practices for submitting a book through the contest system and querying presses. If you have that manuscript in bits and pieces waiting around, come join us.
Nathaniel Rosenthalis is the author of three books of poetry, including Works and Days (Broken Sleep Books) and The Leniad (Broken Sleep Books). He teaches writing at NYU. Also an actor and singer, he is a member of Actors Enquiry and works in musical theater in NYC.
"Nathaniel completely demystified the elusive prose poem for me! Not only did he cover a wide range of examples with close readings, but he provided accessible prompts to get us into a first draft of our own. He also gave us creative tools to use in our practice, making the process fun instead of daunting. I came away from his class with much possibility and excitement!"
"Nathaniel gave me generous feedback, which has given me incredible direction for where to go with my piece. Thank you!"
