Do you love poetry and sometimes wish you could write your own? Have you ever sat staring at the blank page in front of you with no idea where to start? FutureLearn may be able to help with their free online course 'How To Make A Poem'.
Developed by the Manchester Metropolitan University the three-week course explores what inspires poetry, how we write poems, and how to tell when a poem is finished. It is for anyone interested in writing poetry and you don't need any experience. The course descriptor explains,
"Whether you’ve never written a poem before, or you've been secretly writing away for some years, this course provides a positive environment in which to begin writing and to share your work with others."
Throughout the course, there are multiple opportunities to submit your own work allowing you to get feedback from the other students, you are also given the chance to provide others with feedback on their work. This may seem daunting at first, but everyone is supportive and genuinely interested in what you have to say.
Poets and lecturers at the university Michael Symmons Roberts and Helen Mort will be teaching you. They will assist you in experimenting with new techniques, discuss different exercises to help you produce work, and guide you on how to find and develop your 'voice' in your poetry. You will also be able to learn from poets around the world and throughout history.
The first week is about discovering poetry. You are welcomed to the course and learn about finding inspiration in the world around you. The second week discusses writing poetry, what writing tools there are, and what forms of poetry exist. Finally, week three is about editing your poem. It explores how to draft your work, and what steps may be possible to take next.
Poet Laureate, Carol Anne Duffy, is the Creative Director of the Manchester Writing School. She introduces the course to new learners, and she says,
"I've seen time and again how a course like this can begin the life-changing journey."
To find out more about the course click here.
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