Richard Blanco
Illuminating Poetry for Everyone
Workshops
Why and How I Write and Teach Poetry
As an immigrant from a lower working-class family, I felt shut-out from the arts, especially poetry. That’s why I empathize with anyone who has felt—or still feels—the same in some way. I strive to democratize poetry and meet you at every level of your experience, whether you’re a novice or the highly seasoned poet. I encourage writing poetry that is authentic and accessible, even while emotionally complex—accessibility and complexity are not antonyms.
As a civil engineer and a poet—or poet-engineer—I value not only the creative, right-brained aspects of writing poetry, but also the practical, left-brained aspects, believing that language is engineered, to a degree. I also support and honor the many different paths that lead us to poetry, understanding how we all—including me—strive to find a balance between our day jobs and our vocations as poets.
As a queer child and gay man, the practice of poetry allowed me to see my truest self, and instilled in me the courage to accept and love myself. I hold a deep sense of empathy and compassion for all who feel marginalized, and consider it a privilege to serve as a guide on your journeys toward self-discovery and self- worth through the art of poetry.
For inquiries about any of the following offerings, please contact:
POETRY COMMUNITY FREE CONTENT
Craft Tutorial: Modulation of the Poetic Line
The poetic line is perhaps the defining element of poetry—the essential unit that distinguishes it from every other literary genre. To think in lines is to think differently about language: to shape and measure it in ways that create rhythm, tension, surprise, and music. Yet the poetic line remains one of the most elusive aspects of the craft. What makes a line memorable? What makes it work?
The answer lies in modulation: the interplay of line length, line breaks, pacing, and the visual topography of a poem across the page. Many poets employ these techniques instinctively, but greater awareness of how lines function can transform intuition into intention.
Together, we’ll explore how masterful poets craft and modulate their lines to generate meaning, emotion, and momentum. Through close readings of exemplary poems and a hands-on writing exercise, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the poetic line and learn how to make more purposeful, deliberate choices—crafting your poems line by line with greater precision, power, and artistry.
July 18th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EST.
Registration fee: $75. Class is limited to 25 participants.
One-on-one Coaching
Mini Portfolio Review
Have you been writing poetry for some time and workshopped a few, here and there; and wonder how your poems measure up thematically, craft-wise, or otherwise? Or are you a poet-in-the-closet who’s been writing for quite a while but has been hesitant to share your work with others because you need a compassionate and nurturing space to do so? Or have you just begun to dip your toes into the waters of poetry and want some initial feedback? Then a Mini-Portfolio Review would be just right for you. I’ll review up to a 20- page portfolio of your work (with no more than one poem or portion of a poem per page). Then we’ll set up a 30 to 60-minute zoom session to verbally discuss your poems overall, a direction for your work, and whatever else may come to mind.
Fee: [TBD]
Book Project Review
Are you a well-seasoned poet who wants feedback on a full-length manuscript? After an initial assessment of a writing sample and upon acceptance, together we will develop a format, schedule, and timeline to review and polish of your manuscript. As well as discuss some strategies for publishing your collection. Fee will be based on the scope of work involved.
Fee: [TBD]