Class Description
In this class, we’ll explore the craft of narrative poetry—poems that tell stories–and various ways to build lines and employ poetry tools while also cultivating compelling narratives and plots. We’ll look at structural devices, tension building techniques, voice and time in sample narrative poems and verse novel chapters. Then, using prompts created from our narrative explorations, participants will begin drafting new narrative poems or verse novel chapters to be shared in class for brief workshop feedback.
Along the way, we will study the narrative poems of Jason Reynolds, Marilyn Nelson, Gary Soto, Naomi Shihab Nye, Steven Herrick, Nikki Grimes, Li-Young Lee, Garrett Hongo, Rajani LaRocca, Margarita Engle, Richard Blanco, Kip Wilson, and others.
Driving to the center? For evening or weekend classes, we recommend SP+ Parking at 45 Binford Street for the most affordable parking around. It's about a 10-minute walk to GrubStreet and offers a flat rate of:
$8 after 4pm Monday-Friday
$5 all day Saturday-Sunday
Writing Roadmap: We've created a simple, goal-based writing roadmap to help you find the perfect GrubStreet course for your writing needs.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood.
Covid-19 Update:
GrubStreet's space will be mask-optional when Boston's Covid-19 Community Level is low or medium. When the Covid-19 Community Level is high, our space will require masks. Please check GrubStreet's Covid-19 page for the latest info on masking and Community Levels before visiting in person.
Space Accessibility:
Our space is ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA-compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.