Poems about maps – and map-poems – here is the poetry of geography!

In February I’ll begin MAP & PLOT, which will be the 14th course on The Poetry Wire. I started these online courses in 2020, in response to the pandemic, but they continue to be popular and I like leading them. I have to say up front that MAP & PLOT is fully booked, with a waiting list – but if you think you’d enjoy The Poetry Wire, then do get in touch and I’ll add you to my occasional email list so you don’t miss the next one.

This is how The Poetry Wire works. All the courses are online, on ‘The Poetry Wire’, which is a website/blog – only for the use of course participants. Here I put up the two prompts each week, and here the finished poems can be shared only with course participants so that they’re still eligible for publication.

I provide detailed written feedback on one of your poems each week, after which you can edit it, return it to me, and I’ll then put your work up on The Poetry Wire to share, so other participants can see it too.

Participants can read each other’s work on the Poetry Wire and leave comments as feedback, which develops a really nice sense of conversation and community. On the last course, for example, 18 participants left over 800 comments on each others’ poems during the 6 weeks.

And on Fridays we have a Zoom session where people read their new work to the small audience, and we talk about it. Usually this has been 4pm-5pm. This is the only fixed time in the week, as the rest of the time you can work on the prompts at times that suit you.

Here’s a few comments from participants on the most recent course (autumn 2024) EDGE & WILD:

Thanks for your so very constructive feedback, Jean. Yes, I’ve enjoyed the course so much and the company of such lovely writing folk. The zoom sessions add a great sense of community.
Your lovely course has helped me to feel more confident again and helped me to move forward into a different space full of hope and increasing energy. So thank you, Jean. You are a wonderful teacher and facilitator.
MA

I think you know how much I gained, and enjoyed while participating in Edge and Wild. The poems you chose, the ideas you offered. For six weeks I became engrossed in this world you suggested, being significantly prompted by your suggestions. So difficult, the best challenge I’ve accepted for years. Ultimately satisfying. Thank you for such rich inspiration. And for sensitive and thoughtful responses to my best efforts.
JS

I’ve just transferred the dough for MAP & PLOT.
I’m so delighted.
Of all the courses I’ve ever attended, yours have improved my work the most.
I absolutely love The Poetry Wire.
BL