James River Writers impressed the library staff at Virginia Commonwealth University by getting 15 aspiring poets to show up at the James Branch Cabell Library at 9:30 on a Saturday morning, a half-hour prior to the library’s opening. The draw was the first Master Class offered by JRW this year, and John E. Ulmschneider, University Librarian, was on hand to greet the group.
More might have showed up for the April 21 class if the size wasn’t limited at the request of the instructor, Henry Hart, professor of English and Humanities at The College of William and Mary and winner of the 2010 Carole Weinstein Prize in Poetry. Hart had learned from past experience that it was virtually impossible to discuss and provide helpful pointers on more than 15 poems in the allotted time period. Participants ranged from closet poets, who weren’t in the habit of sharing their poetry with anyone, to poets who had a lot of open-mic experience.
Hart began with a review of the types of poetry, from structured forms such as villanelles and haiku to free verse. Since the majority of participants had submitted one poem in advance for his reading and critique, he asked each one to read their work to the group and then gave his own comments, which he also noted in the margins of each submission for the poet’s future reference. Hart got kudos for being a “gentle critic” while offering specific, helpful suggestions.
Each poet found the group discussion that followed Hart’s comments to be very helpful. The pre-set concluding time of 12:30 PM rolled past, as Hart and the group worked until close to 1 p.m. to give each poet’s submission the necessary time for discussion and pointers for potential improvement. Some members of the class learned from fellow participants about a Monday night poetry-writers’ gathering at the Urban Farmhouse.
All of the evaluations received within a few days of the class showed that participants want more of these classes. Memoir-writing, narrative non-fiction, playwriting, marketing and selling your work were specific areas referenced by attendees for possible topics. Others noted they would have been willing to show up a half-hour earlier for an informal get-to-know-you time.
James River Writers is grateful to John Ulmschneider and Sue Robinson, director of communications and public relations for VCU Libraries, for working with the organization on free use of a most appropriate conference room for the class. We also extend thanks to this year’s JRW chair, Maya Payne Smart, for underwriting costs not covered by the nominal registration fee.
JRW is moving forward with plans for a couple of future Master Classes. Stay tuned!
— Martha Steger, program coordinator for Poetry Master Class
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