Poetry Revision Workshop Summer Series - Part 1: Discovery

This three-part series provides a range of revision strategies and editing techniques to help your poems reach their fullest potential.

Together, we will discuss and implement various options, ranging from broad, developmental changes (structural, big-picture revisions) to line and copy-level edits (line breaks, word choice, punctuation). You will leave with freshly revised poems.

You can join us for all three workshops to receive the full revision experience, but each workshop also stands on its own. And if you sign up for these but can’t attend live, you can catch up with the recordings.

Each workshop will include:

• Review and discussion of revision strategies and editing techniques
• Examples of poems in multiple stages of revision/editing to see how they change
• Time to apply the techniques to your own poems

June Workshop: Discovery

How can poems provide an experience of discovery for the reader and for the poet? How can we create opportunities for surprise?

June Topics:

1. The Power of Processing (prompts to find the heart and intention)
2. Check for Discovery (finding and adding surprise)
3. Mystery v. Clarity (balance and intention)
4. Playing with Form (prose, couplets, and Golden Shovels)
5. Titles (finding the best fit)
6. Line & Copy Edits (cliches, modifiers, etc.)

Bring some poems and creativity, and you will leave the workshop with:

• A fresh perspective on what’s working with your draft poems, and how they can improve
• A variety of new tools for shaping and sharpening your poetry
• Inspiration to experiment and take your revision process to the next level
• New versions of your poem(s) you’re excited about
• The joy of community connection paired with creative expression

Part 2 Workshop - July: Taking the Leap

Part 3 Workshop - August: Rooted in What's Real

Part 1 Tickets:

• $75 per workshop, or $200 for all three
• Early Bird: $50 per workshop, or $130 for all three (available until June 15th)

*Ticket fees: The fees for this platform are a pain. Feel free to skip them by securing your spot in the workshop at the base ticket prices through Venm0 or Cash.App.

Optional add-on: discounted editorial support

If you’d like personalized feedback on your poems from the instructor, you can add the Editorial Support Ticket at the discounted rate of $100 for the full consultation support package (10 pages, written feedback, one-hour Zoom meeting to discuss).

About the instructor:

Lauren Oertel is a writer, editor, and community organizer based in Austin, Texas. She is a writing workshop facilitator certified in the Amherst Writers & Artists method, and she supports writers through generative workshops, editorial services, publication submissions support, coaching calls, and community meetups.

Her work has been published in Black Fox Literary, The Westchester Review, Gemini Magazine, The Sun Magazine, and more. She has been a winner and finalist in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction contests with The Letter Review, Writer’s Digest, Prime Number Magazine, and others. Lauren is the coauthor of the book Inside Out: A Texas Prisons Poetry Story, and her debut full-length poetry collection, Scars & Other Luxuries, is forthcoming with Finishing Line Press in November.

Testimonials for Lauren’s writing workshops and editorial services:

“Lauren has been an incredible mentor and a huge help with my journey as a writer. From her gifted editing skills and support with submissions, to the magical writing workshops, I have learned so much and truly loved these enriching opportunities.” -Bria D.

“Between Lauren's workshops and one-on-one guidance, she has helped me not only boost my confidence but also guided me to take my writing to the next level. Her passion for the written word has helped me get my poetry published, which is something I had never dreamed of until I started working with her. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor in my writing career.” -Malisa B.

“My writing group referred me to Lauren, and I feel so lucky they did! She knows what it takes to polish a piece so it’s ready to submit.” -Ondine K.

“I loved this entire experience of the group workshop. Lauren is such a caring and thoughtful leader. Thanks to Lauren for believing in me!! It has meant a lot to me.” -Alissa H.

Questions? Contact Lauren at: hello@laurenoertel.com