Creating Poetry from Family History

From epic tales of migration to intimate childhood cameos, family history can provide rich and challenging material for poets. How do time, perspective, character, form, and questions of truth and authority affect a writer’s efforts to turn private family experiences into poetry that is meaningful beyond the familial circle?

This workshop explores the unique pleasures and perils of bringing family memories and members to life in verse. Participants will investigate how a variety of poets, such as Natasha Tretheway, Martha Collins, Li-Young Lee, Beth Bachman, Suji Kwock Kim, and Louise Glück, have approached family-inspired writing, engage in a series of writing exercises, and provide supportive feedback on each other’s work. Attendees are welcome to bring works-in-progress or concentrate on generating new material.

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