The task of writers, according to poet Natalie Goldberg, is to say a “holy yes” to life and to live and write with the knowledge that our lives—which are both completely ordinary and wondrously mythical—matter. In this generative workshop, we will explore what it means to use our own unique stories and identities to inform our writing—what it means to shape the stories and details of our ordinary (and extraordinary!) lives into writing that has the potential to enrich and transform how we understand our own lives. Participants will have the opportunity to generate new material through a variety of writing exercises and will receive a list of practical tips for how to best cultivate and nurture their writing. This workshop is open to all levels—even those who’ve never written a poem before!
Lisa Dordal is a Writer-in-Residence at Vanderbilt University and is the author of Mosaic of the Dark, which was a finalist for the 2019 Audre Lorde Award for Lesbian Poetry; Water Lessons, which was listed by Lambda Literary as one of their most anticipated books for 2022; and Next Time You Come Home, which was listed by Lambda Literary as one of their most anticipated books for 2023. Lisa is a Pushcart Prize and Best-of-the-Net nominee and the recipient of an Academy of American Poets Prize, the Robert Watson Poetry Prize, and the Betty Gabehart Poetry Prize. Her poetry has appeared in The Sun, Narrative, Image, Best New Poets, New Ohio Review, Greensboro Review, RHINO, and CALYX. Her website is lisadordal.com.
"Lisa Dordal's Poetry class was wonderful. I didn't want it to end. I felt welcome, encouraged, inspired and excited. Lisa truly sparked a poetic fire in me and in the other participants in our class. She is an excellent teacher."
"Lisa Dordal created a warm, hospitable space for the class. She brought inspiring examples of poems to share and discuss (some of which were delightfully new to me), and used them to launch some imaginative writing exercises. I felt invigorated by the workshop and motivated to keep writing at home. I would definitely love to another class from her in the future!"
"Lisa created a safe place for participants to share their ideas and writings, as well as personal experiences. I learned SO much in only two hours. We left with even more ideas for exercises in our home writing practices. This stands out as a particularly exceptional workshop at The Porch."
