Course begins on Thursday 5th March, 2026, and ends on Thursday 7th May.

This poetry course is aimed at intermediate poets and writers looking to develop their craft and take both their reading and writing to the next level. You will be led by Blake Auden via Zoom, drawing on his experience as an award-winning and successful poet.

Across the ten-week course you will be introduced to a wide range of contemporary poets and poems, helping you develop your skills as a poetry reader and break down what makes a poem successful. Through close reading and discussion with both Blake and your peers, you will understand how successful poems move, and how you might be able to incorporate new techniques and approaches into your own writing.

You will also be invited to bring your own poems to class, gaining feedback and suggestions from the tutor and your peers, and discussing the work of your classmates. Over the course of the ten-week workshop, you will gain a better understanding of contemporary poetry, push your work into new territory and establish a cohort of poets to work with going forward.

The aim of the course is to create a safe space for learning, discussion, and feedback, allowing students to try new things, make mistakes and improve their work.

Concessions:

A concession rate is available for full-time students and those receiving income support, including (but not limited to) Jobseekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. Those aged 21 or under can also apply for a concessionary rate, as well as those with a registered disability and full-time carers. In addition, teachers and emergency workers, nurses, and those experiencing financial hardship may also apply.

The concessionary rate is 20% off the listed price. To apply for a concessionary rate please email rebecca@blakeauden.com with proof of eligibility, and you will be sent a discount code to use on the site.

About Blake Auden:

Blake Auden has published six collections of poetry, including The Gods We Made (Thought Catalog, 2024), To Drown As A Cure for Thirst (Central Avenue, 2023), and Murmuration (Central Avenue, 2022). He is a winner of the Letter Review Prize for Poetry and the Button Poetry Short Form Prize, a Best of the Net nominee, and was a judge for the MONO Poetry Prize, the Mirror Poetry Prize, and the Sharjah International Book Award. He has an MFA in Poetry from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Sussex. He has been featured in major national and international publications including Forbes, AOL, Book Riot, The Economic Times, Metro, The Bookseller, and others, and has poems published in more than 30 journals in the UK and the United States.

What to Expect: ‍ ‍

Each week you’ll join the workshop via a Zoom link, where you’ll be joined by Blake Auden and your classmates. The workshop is very informal, and will last two hours. The first week will consist of introductions, questions, an overview of the feedback process and a quick tour of Padlet, where you’ll be uploading your own poems, viewing poems added by Blake, and chatting to your peers. Each week will then consist of an hour of close reading of contemporary poems chosen by Blake, and an hour of reading and discussing each other’s poems-in-progress. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask Blake questions about your own work, the reading, or anything else you’d like, and will get feedback on your own work from Blake, as well as your classmates.

FAQ:
‍ ‍

What is meant by ‘intermediate’ writers?‍ ‍

This course is intended for intermediate writers who are beginning to develop their voice, produce their own work and reading poetry in their own time. They may have some experience in writing or studying poetry (although academic study is not required), and are looking to develop their skills and techniques through group feedback, close reading of contemporary poetry, and guided exercises.
‍ ‍

Is there a payment plan?

There is currently no payment plan for the 10-week workshops, although we may look to add this in future.
‍ ‍

Do I have to read my own poems on this course?

Although it is strongly recommended to submit your own poems for feedback to get the most out of the course, it is not mandatory to do so. You are very welcome to take the course without submitting your own work. If you would like to submit poems but don’t feel comfortable reading them out, Blake can read the poems to the group on your behalf.
‍ ‍

Does Blake offer one-to-one tutorials?

Yes, Blake offers both one-off tutorials and 6-month one-to-one mentoring packages. Both are available on the Workshops & Mentorships page.
‍ ‍

How are poems shared before and during class?

Poems will be shared via Padlet, which is an online platform designed for group discussion and the sharing of work. It is free to use, and students can upload their work to Padlet in advance of the sessions. Writers can also use Padlet to talk to their peers both during and after the 10-week course.
‍ ‍

Will I need a webcam and microphone?

You will need both webcam and microphone to fully participate in the course. If you’re concerned about this, or have technical issues, you can reach out to rebecca@blakeauden.com.
‍ ‍

How long is each workshop session?

Each session lasts two hours.
‍ ‍

What if I can’t attend a session?

Attendance is not mandatory or recorded, so if you can’t make one week simply return to the course when you’re able. Sessions are not recorded, but group discussions and reading for each week will remain on the Padlet page.

‍ ‍

I have another question.   

If you want to ask something that isn’t covered here, please email rebecca@blakeauden.com and we’ll get back to you ASAP.