Exploring the World Through Poetry with Diana Arterian— Starts Jan. 14

Are you stuck in an aesthetic rut? Do you want to write some new poems? Or maybe you want to begin writing poems, but don’t know how to start? This is the class for you!

While poetic topics are myriad, we will specifically look at poems that address WONDER, LOVE, DEATH, WAR, and THE SELF. With these subjects, we will explore poetry from Sappho (ancient) to Solmaz Sharif (modern), noting the different ways poets have engaged with these compelling themes through the ages.

Each week, you will receive multiple generative prompts in connection to that week’s subject, and everyone will have the opportunity to workshop at least two poems.

What you will learn

• How to come to a blank page inspired to write

• How reading poetry can get your own creative juices flowing

• The many poetic gestures writers employ across the centuries

• How to work thoughtfully as a group to attend to each other's creative work in a workshop

• Skills and tips to edit a poem into a polished piece

• Cover letter example for submissions, as well as potential venues for publication

Workshop takeaways

• Get comfortable writing poetry on subjects you might not otherwise write—and be (gently) held accountable by your classmates and instructor

• Read remarkable poetic works from ancient poems to contemporary pieces, making you a more experienced reader and informing your own writing practice

• Finish the class with a sheaf of new poems, at least two of which will receive thoughtful feedback from peers and an experienced instructor through workshop

Meeting Dates

Tuesday, January 14

Tuesday, January 21

Tuesday, January 28

Tuesday, February 4

Tuesday, February 11

Tuesday, February 18

About the Instructor

Diana Arterian is the author of the forthcoming poetry collection Agrippina the Younger (Northwestern University Press/Curbstone, 2025). Her first book, Playing Monster :: Seiche, received a starred review in Publishers Weekly and was a Poetry Foundation Staff Pick. Also forthcoming is Smoke Drifts, her co-translation of Nadia Anjuman’s poetry done with Marina Omar (World Poetry Books, 2025). A Poetry Editor at Noemi Press and twice-finalist for the National Poetry Series, Diana’s creative work has been recognized with fellowships from the Banff Centre, Caldera, Millay Arts, Vermont Studio Center, and Yaddo. Her poetry, nonfiction, criticism, co-translations, and conversations have been featured in BOMB, Brooklyn Rail, Georgia Review, Los Angeles Review of Books, NPR, The New York Times Book Review, and The Poetry Foundation website, among others. She curates and writes “The Annotated Nightstand” column at LitHub. Diana holds a PhD in Literature & Creative Writing from the University of Southern California, an MFA in Poetry from CalArts. She lives in Los Angeles.