Do you think poetry isn’t for you? Maybe it feels too complicated. Too flowery. There are too many rules. Maybe you were told somewhere along the way that you weren’t “a poet.”
Think again. In poetry, there are no wrong answers.
Poetry isn’t about perfection – it’s about paying attention. It’s about finding new ways to say things, to feel things, to notice the world and your place in it. It’s not about getting it right. In fact, sometimes the most powerful poems come from breaking the so-called rules.
In this friendly, hands-on workshop, writer and poet Beth Daley will guide you through a creative journey designed to unlock your voice and spark your imagination. Whether you’ve never written a poem before or have a secret notebook hidden away at home, this workshop is for you.
You’ll explore a variety of poetic forms – some traditional, some experimental – and play with words through simple, accessible writing exercises. Together, you’ll read, write, laugh, share (only if you want to), and surprise yourselves with what you create.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a small collection of poems, a fresh perspective on what poetry can be, and the confidence to call yourself a poet.
No experience needed – just curiosity, and an open mind. You already have everything you need – but do bring your notebook and pen!
What to expect
Time at ArtisOn is designed to take you away from it all and provide the environment, the time and the guidance you need to create. You can expect a warm welcome, skilled and friendly tutors plus the chance to meet like-minded people keen to share ideas and experiences. You can even leave us to clear up the mess! There will usually be two workshops going on and we encourage everyone to mingle and be nosey about what the other workshop is up to.
Arrive in time to meet other participants over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits before beginning your session at the appointed time. There will be a mid-morning break for refreshments and a chance to talk over progress with others. Lunch is usually around 12:45 for about 45 mins – you can expect a homemade 2 course lunch. The main course will be delicious but don’t overdo it as the puds are usually worth waiting for! There will be a further afternoon break with the most wonderful cakes from Roots & Fruits Home Bakery, a North Yorkshire micro-bakery producing handmade bread and cakes. All food and refreshments are included in the price of the workshop.
Finish time is given as a target – there are occasions when the session may overrun so do let us know if you need to be away promptly.
We aim for your day to be a real treat… of course you could always learn a new skill in a shed or a draughty village hall with a curly sandwich, but we want you to have more fun than that! So we make it a day being looked after, with good food, good company and great inspiration!
What you’ll need to bring with you
Please bring a notepad and pen.
