Are you obsessed with thinking about writing? So are a lot of poets! So much so, that there is a whole category of poetry, the ars poetica, about the act of writing. Together, we’ll read contemporary ars poeticas to reflect on the importance of poetry, and writing in general, in our current world. We’ll discuss the hopes and fears that guide our the writing process and even try writing ars poeticas of our own. Open to anyone who loves a good poem, whether or not they have experience writing their own!
Ryan Varadi is a midwestern poet currently living in Chicago, where he writes on the train on the way to work his retail job. He holds an MFA in Poetry from the University of North Carolina, where he received the Bernice Kert Teaching Fellowship. He has served as editorial staff for Ecotone and Chautauqua and as an intern for RHINO Poetry. His work appears or is forthcoming in Poetry Northwest, The Shore, and Collision Literary Magazine, among others. You can find updates at his sporadically updated website: ryanvaradi.com
"Ryan was prepared, patient, and encouraging. He was an excellent facilitator. He is knowledgeable and his love of poetry was evident!"
"I liked the way Ryan made the subject approachable for poets of all skill levels. He did not assume particular knowledge, but adjusted to the level of the participants. He really listened as people shared their work (which can be a scary thing to do with strangers) and responded in specific and appreciative ways."
"Ryan was so warm and welcoming, and made poetry less intimidating for non-poets like me."
"Ryan was really engaging and provided a rich selection of poems to discuss. His prompts were also really fun and inspiring."
