To ensure everyone's good health, students in NYC classes must provide proof of full Covid vaccinations (the initial series of Covid vaccines plus at least one booster). We will accept your Covid vaccine card (or a digital scan), a NY State Excelsior digital card, or another form of government-approved proof. We will contact you before class begins about showing us proof. Also, we will require masks in the classrooms and Gotham premises.
More Covid details
In(verse): Poetic Techniques for Non-Poets
In(verse): Poetic Techniques for Non-Poets is an Intensive, meaning it happens in a short time span (1 day in NYC, or 2 days on Zoom). The course includes a mixture of lectures and exercises. It’s open to writers of any level. Farther down, you can view a syllabus for this course.
Enhance the quality of your writing by learning the techniques of poetry. This course isn’t about writing poetry; it’s about using poetic techniques to write better in every form that is not poetry: fiction, memoir, screenwriting, stand-up comedy, songwriting, social media, etc.
Poetry is about packing the maximum punch with a minimum of words. Here you’ll learn techniques for doing that with all kinds of writing, making your words more precise, potent, and, perhaps, even magical.
The poet Anthony Hecht once said: Poetry is full of secrets and hidden formulae, like a witch’s brew. Here’s where that brew is offered.
I couldn't believe the way it helped me write.
Jean Prendergast
psychologist
Notes
This is a cross-genre course, applicable to any kind of writing.
Upcoming Classes
NYC COVID Info
Price
Registration fee $25, paid once per term
2-Day
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Zoom
Real-time videoconference
Tuition: $165
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One-on-One
Tuition: $400
Syllabus
This course gives an overview of how to apply the techniques of poetry to other forms of writing, in any genre. Course components:
Brief lectures
Writing exercises
Topics:
Sound: Utilize sound to enliven your words, even on the page.
Rhythm: Manipulate the rhythm of your sentences to create flow, mimic physical action, and underscore emotions.
Figurative Language: Bring people, places, and thoughts to life through metaphor, simile, and personification.
Imagery: Mix sound, rhythm, and figurative language to create memorable images that linger in the mind.
Economy: Make every word count through selection and precision.
White Space: Sculpt your words and pages through artistic use of white space.
Magic: Imagine ways to infuse your work with “magical” powers.
Note: Content may vary among individual classes.
Teachers
Britt Gambino
Britt Gambino has published poetry in Armchair/Shotgun, anderbo, The Boiler, decomP, and Springgun Press, and her poem "In Bloom" was featured in an ad for 1-800-Flowers. She has served as a contributing writer at The Sexy Feminist blog and as an Associate Poetry Editor at The Doctor T.J. Eckleberg Review. She has taught at Education Unlimited, Brooklyn Brainery, and 826 NYC. She holds a BA from Drew University and an MFA in Poetry from The New School.
Read moreBritt Gambino
Britt Gambino
has published poetry in Armchair/Shotgun, anderbo, The Boiler, decomP, and Springgun Press, and her poem "In Bloom" was featured in an ad for 1-800-Flowers. She has served as a contributing writer at The Sexy Feminist blog and as an Associate Poetry Editor at The Doctor T.J. Eckleberg Review. She has taught at Education Unlimited, Brooklyn Brainery, and 826 NYC. She holds a BA from Drew University and an MFA in Poetry from The New School.
