Summer poetry circle is sold out.
Sign up for the WIP List to be the first to hear about new offerings.
The form you have selected does not exist.
THE SUMMER POETRY CIRCLE
a 7-week group coaching cohort + book club
for emerging poets
SPEND THE SUMMER MAKING VISIBLE PROGRESS IN YOUR POETRY
Be inspired through community, educated by Mary Oliver’s handbook, + supported by a certified writing coach
EXPERIENCE CONSISTENCY, CONFIDENCE, AND CONNECTIONS
“Amanda’s weekly prompts have given me the structure and spark I need to pursue poetry more consistently.
I have found confidence in my work and connections with other poets — both of which have been incredibly valuable in keeping me on task and growing in my pursuits.”
–MICHELLE | WRITER + ENTREPRENEUR, CANCER SURVIVOR
You’re a budding or blossoming poet
seeking energy + focus for the ‘summer slump’.
You’re ready to
–finally get that chapbook compiled,
-expand a body of work for submissions,
-reset your daily habit of penning poems.
You also want to
–solidify your craft foundation
–develop a plan for your next steps,
within a safe + supportive environment.
Hey, guess what—I’ve got you covered!
Hi, I’m Amanda, poet + writing coach, and I help aspiring authors experience writing freedom
MOVE FORWARD WITH COURAGE
“Participating helped me gain confidence to take next steps as a poet.”
–CIRU | POET, ENGINEER, POETRY CIRCLE PARTICIPANT
What is The Summer Poetry Circle?
I mean…it’s so cool, there’s not even a word for it, yet! 😎 Think a 7-week group coaching experience, plus editorial assistance, and a book club thrown in for good measure.
What you get:
> 7 live Zoom calls for group coaching + peer feedback
> Private Facebook group
> Daily Word Prompts
> Weekly Form Prompts
> Weekly Submissions for editing
> A reading plan + discussion group for Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook
> A celebratory end-of-circle Open House reading + party
When does it all happen?
> Tuesday June 7 – Tuesday July 26th. (sign up closes on Sunday, June 4th)
> Live calls: Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT (convert to your time zone here)
> Facebook group: daily threads for prompts
> Editing: submissions accepted every Wednesday – Friday
What you need:
> an internet connection
> 20 minutes a day + 90 minutes per week for the Zoom call
> a Facebook account for our interactive group
> (optional) Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook (IndieBound, Amazon <<<these are links to find + purchase the book)
What it costs:
You get the whole program for $149. Talk about bang for buck!
Need to split the payment in 2 halves of $74.50 each? I got you—here’s the direct link to purchase the split-payment version.<<<
BE EMPOWERED TO GIVE YOUR POETRY THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES
“Amanda listens for the heart behind the words. Her compassion and depth are empowering.
Amanda provides a safe place to be authentic and to explore what is possible.”
–JACKSON | WRITER + SPEAKER + COACH
FAQ:
I’m not an experienced poet—is this right for me?
All the material is suitable for poets at any stage. In addition, I make encouraging beginners a priority.
If you’re eager to learn and have a fire for poetry burning in your chest, then I’m betting on you. You’ll fit right in.
I am an experienced poet—is this right for me?
Yup! If you want the inspiration & focus that comes from linking arms with other poet-folks, and an opportunity to share your work (c’mon—we know you love it!), you’re a perfect candidate. Plus, who can’t learn from Mary Oliver?
How big is the group?
Max of 8. So…if you’re even *thinking* of joining (which, why would you be wasting your time down in the FAQ weeds if you weren’t?), now is the time, before all the spots are taken.
What are we reading again?
A Poetry Handbook: A Prose Guide to Understanding and Writing Poetry by Mary Oliver.
Here are links to purchase through IndieBound or Amazon.
How long is the book?
14 chapters, 120 pages. We’ll read 2-3 chapters per week, depending on the content.
Is the book required?
Nope! Entirely optional. A short portion of our group calls will revolve around the previous week’s reading, and there will be discussion threads available in the Facebook group. Plus, what poet doesn’t want a handbook from Master Mary herself on their shelf? But, optional.
What is group coaching?
It’s like 1:1 coaching but, you know, with a group! Coaching is about progress, and writing coaching is about overcoming the hurdles you’re experiencing in your creative life.
In our case, you’ll be invited to name your specific challenges, crowdsource suggestions from the group, and gather “go deeper” questions to work on outside of our sessions that will help you uncover the solutions you’re carrying inside you.
TL;DR? If you’re feeling stuck creatively, you’ll receive tools to help you get free.
Will the calls be recorded?
Short answer: no.
Longer answer: our goal is to foster community in real-time, as well as have an informal conversation. Plus, poetry is a vulnerable thing. I want to keep our sessions pressure-free to help attendees feel comfortable.
How does the editing part work?
If you choose to, you can send me 1-2 pages of work inside a Google doc each week. The window to send material is open Wednesday-Friday, and I’ll use the comments feature in Google docs to offer suggestions on (+ cheerleading for) your words.
What are the word prompts/form prompts?
The word prompts will be offered daily in the Facebook group, and will range from a single word to a phrase, to prompt a poem out of you. If you don’t want to write every day (and I don’t actually recommend attempting a prompted poem every single day), no problem. Participate when you can.
The form prompts will be offered weekly, and several will be sourced from A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver.
What’s the open house reading?
On July 26th, you’ll have the opportunity to read aloud your favorite poems written during our time together—and this is a party, and an open house, so you can invite family & friends to come listen!
Is this a faith-based group?
It is not. My posture as a coach is one of openness and welcome, and the culture of the group will reflect this. All spiritual beliefs/non-beliefs are welcome + respected.
What if I don’t like this?
Oh, you will. 😉 But I get it—I like guarantees, too. If you spend a full week participating (i.e. join the Facebook group + attend a live call) and you’re unhappy, you can request a refund.
YOUR WIP (AKA WORK-IN-PROGRESS) + YOUR FULL SELF ARE WELCOME
“I always leave feeling encouraged and excited to write more.
Amanda is a warm and gracious host who can transform a Zoom room into a cozy place where you can show up as you are — rough drafts and all.“
-JEN | POET + AUTHOR
Still have questions?
I’m here for them! Tap below to send a message.