Lesson 1

So, this is where we write …

It all begins with an idea. We will talk about how ideas get to ‘essence’ in poetry. The first sessions will look at your desires as a poet, what moves you; we will look at some takes on the on the value of poets to the world. And you will write, with guidance your first ‘essential’ poem.

I suspect, however, that once you have started writing a poem of any real shape you will find yourself admiring and appreciating other poets’ work a great deal more …

Stephen Fry

Essential reading: The Ode Less Travelled - Unlocking the Poet Within, Stephen Fry, Arrow Books, 2007