Wanted to try writing poetry, but not sure if it’s for you? Join writing coach Chris Kay Fraser on Wednesday evenings from July 3 to August 14, 2024 (except for July 24) for Lift Off – a six-session, in-person poetry writing workshop hosted by Firefly Creative Writing.
This is a joyful and productive workshop for anyone who wants to dive into the mysterious ocean called poetry. It’s especially designed for folks who feel awkward about the idea of poetry, who don’t think they “get” poetry or who think that maybe poetry is a party they weren’t invited to. This workshop will tear down the walls of what we think a poem is and rebuild them in whatever way we want – building self-trust, delight and discovery into every step.
”If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know it is poetry.”
– Emily Dickenson
At each session, the class will look at a different “function” of poetry (to delight, to pause, to rage, etc.) and explore ways poets have filled this function. Participants will jump off from those voices to create their own poems – including poems for people, using real-life poem requests to inspire new work. There will be lots of room for experimentation, laughter, tears and joyful nonsense. There will also be homework, so come prepared to work between sessions (but, no worries, there’s never any shame if you don’t get your homework done). Read more about what you can expect from this workshop here.
About Firefly Creative Writing
Founded by writing coach Chris Kay Fraser, Firefly Creative Writing is a small, Southern Ontario-based team of writing coaches and support staff, offering services locally and globally to help writers get unblocked, understand their individual process and bring their imagination to the page. They host small and large in-person and virtual workshops for all levels, from beginner to seasoned writers; workshops for teens; workshops for workplaces; free in-person and virtual pop-up summer writing sessions; and other events. They also offer one-on-one writing coaching, in-person and virtual writing retreats, BIPOC programming, and writing resources.
We believe writing has the power to change minds, open hearts, and connect us deeply to ourselves, our world and each other. We believe that this is more critical now than ever.
– Firefly Creative Writing
About Chris Kay Fraser
Chris Kay Fraser is a writing coach and Firefly’s Founder. She became hooked on facilitating writing and other creative groups in her 20s, when she worked with kids, teens and seniors in a variety of media. She went on to earn a master’s degree in Adult Education and Community Development at the University of Toronto, where she investigated how creativity can be a force for community cohesion and personal change – while also attending and researching the workings of every writing workshop she could find, planting the seed for what would eventually grow into Firefly Creative Writing.
(Photo credits: Chris Kay Fraser / Firefly Creative Writing.)
Event details
Hosted by: Firefly Creative Writing
Type of event: poetry writing workshop
Writing coach: Chris Kay Fraser
Dates: Wednesdays*, from July 3 – August 14, 2024 (*no class on July 24)
Start time: 6:30 PM ET
Duration: 2.5 hours each session (total of 15 hours)
Number of sessions: 6
Cost: C$495.00 or 4 monthly payments of $123.75 each (+ local provincial tax for Canadians). Financial assistance is available. No credit card? Contact Firefly and they can work something out.
Location: St. Matthew’s Clubhouse, 450 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4K 2N1, Canada
Booking link:
- Pay in full: Book your spot with full payment here.
- Pay in 4 installments: Book your spot with 4 installment payments here.
Contact Details: Firefly Creative Writing Inc., PO Box 72062, RPO Coxwell Shoppers, Toronto, ON, M4C 0A1; fireflycreativewriting.com/get-in-touch
Accessibility: Find accessibility info for St. Matthew’s Clubhouse here.
Healthcare protocol: Find info for in-person workshops here.
Financial policies: See their financial policies here.