Poetry Fine-Tuning Workshop - Newtown Sydney

Poetry Fine-Tuning WorkshopOverview:You’ve got the words. Now you want to refine your poetry, for your own reading pleasure or for public events. This 8-week writing workshop will show you the techniques to take your poetry to the next level. Every two-hour class includes a feedback session to share your poetry with the group (optional participation).This workshop series assumes members have one or more written poems at draft stage. Those who would like to start writing poetry should enquire about our next Poetry Crafting Workshop.Course: 8 weeks, 2 hours weeklyDate: July 7, 2026 - August 25, 2026Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm (with one 10-minute interval)Price: $45 for single sessions, $269 for the entire 8-week course for one person; Concession $35 for a single session. Please show a non-digital student ID (with expiry date) or a valid Senior, Pensioner or other concession card when entering.Venue: 852 Hong Kong Restaurant (Restaurant will be closed to other customers during these workshops)Address: Shop 6a/503 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042Ages: 16 years and over*Disabled access to restaurant main entry and bathroom.*Microphone, stand and amplifier available on-site.*Free Wi-fi available.*Support dogs allowed.COURSE OUTLINE:1/ The Voice Of The Poem:     I, you, they: first person, second person, third. Who’s the best speaker for your words?  Learn how to create a persona on the page.2/The Beat:                           Find the rhythm in your poem with and without rhyme.3/ Boost That Image 1:            Immerse the reader in your writing by evoking the five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste) on the page.4/ Boost That Image 2:           Give your images greater meaning by using metaphors (and other arresting comparisons), personification and symbolism.5/ Making The Line, Breaking The Line:          Poetry forms tell you where to end your line. Free verse rebels against classic line rules. Let’s try both with your words. 6/ The Art Of The Turn:          A study of the most memorable endings in poetry. Let the class help you find yours.7/ Page To Mic:                        Prepare your poems for public events, from (reading) start to finish. With mic practice session (optional participation).8/ Let’s Make A Poetry Chapbook!     Produce your own 8-page, printed chapbook  of your poems (author's copy production costs included in full-time course fee). Or include your poem in a class anthology booklet to be sold at poetry events and market stalls. Optional participation.What to bring:Please bring pen and paper or fully charged device if you wish to record written notes.House Rules:No photos, video filming or audio recording during class.Please do not eat during class.Available to purchase at the restaurant before and after class, and in intervals: juice, tea, soft drinks.Available to buy after class: wine, beer.This is a safe space: please show respect to staff and all members of the class.Please ensure your mobile devices are all on silent mode.About the Teacher:Roberta Lowing’s poetry has appeared in Meanjin, Cordite, Best Australian Poems, and the Aesthetica anthology (UK). Her debut poetry collection Ruin co-won the 2011 Asher Literary Award; her most recent is This Attic of Fire. Her novel Notorious was shortlisted for the 2011 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. A former film critic for Fairfax and Nine Media, she covered Cannes and Venice for ten years and holds a Doctor of Arts from the University of Sydney. She publishes The Poetry News weekly e-newsletter and monthly magazine, and hosts Open Mic Poetry Mondays in Sydney. This course, led by an experienced poetry event convenor, published poet, novelist, and magazine editor ROBERTA LOWING, is designed to accelerate your poetry-writing progress by showing you how to unlock the words within. Read more details