THE MAKING OF A POEM

     The little lady stopped Irene, our genealogist in the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library, and said, "Do we have to register for that poetry workshop?"
     Ah, ha!  I thought.  She read the "Save the Date" poster out in the genealogy library's foyer.
     I really thought I would have until next Tuesday to post the blog about the poetry workshop, but I could see that people are beginning to be interested NOW.  Seems like today should be the day to tell you about the workshop.
     On Saturday, March 23, at 1:00 p.m., Dr. Jeff Newberry will be here to bring his poetry workshop titled "The Making of a Poem: Live and Uncensored."
     Dr. Newberry has been here at our library before when he gave a writing workshop for war veterans.  It was amazing the number of people who turned out for it, not only men but women also.
     Now he will be talking about poetry. 
     In this course, Dr. Newberry will lead the class through a short introduction to contemporary poetry and the class will discuss some possible definitions of poetry; read a few examples of contemporary poetry; complete a guided, fun writing exercise; and the class will share their work (those will who wish to).
     The workshop aims to give beginning poets encouragement and confidence in their work.
     So, if you've always wanted to write poetry, but didn't know where to start, this is the perfect time to join Dr. Newberry and learn something.
     If you're interested in knowing who Dr. Newberry is, well...

• he is the author of two books of poetry, "Brackish" and "A Visible Sign";
• his most recent writing has been published in "Waccaaw: a Journal of Contemporary Literature" and "The Chattahoochee Review";
• he holds a PhD in English with a focus in creative writing from the University of Georgia;
• as the president of the Gulf Coast Association of Creative Writing Teachers, he's won scholarships from both the prestigious Sewanee Writers' Conference and the West Chester University Conference on Form and Narrative; and
• he teaches writing and literature at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA, where he serves as a faculty advisor for "Pegasus," ABAC's regional literary magazine.

     Well qualified to show you the in's and out's of writing poetry.
     Come and join us.  You do not have to register or pay a fee.  Be sure to bring pen or pencil and paper.  Be prepared to learn something you've always wanted to do...write poetry.