“Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.” — William Wordsworth (him of the daffodils)

The more poetry we read, the more we learn about how poetry works — and how we might write it ourselves. In The Poetry Room, we read three poems together around a common theme, talk about what speaks to us from them and how they are structured — how they work.

Then, fuelled by tea and biscuits — and the occasional piece of healthy fruit — we take the time and space to write. No pressure to produce epic verse. No stress. No judgement. Just time and space to explore words on the page. Just a small group of supportive peers. Just words.

I’m offering three two-hour sessions this Autumn. Book into one – book into a couple – book into them all. It’s up to you. 

Each session will include time to write, to talk and to share, as well as…

• a group of no more than 7 people 
• a chance to share your writing for group feedback
• tea, coffee and biscuits!
• support and encouragement

1st October : Nature

“Poetry is one of the ancient arts, and it begins as did all the fine arts, within the original wilderness of the earth.” — Mary Oliver

12th November : Love

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning

10th December : Self

“If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.” — Emily Dickinson

Where? 36 Woodland Close, Tring HP23 6BZ

What time? 7.30–9.30pm

How much? £30 for one // £55 for three // £80 for all three

Why this? Why now? Why me?

I’ve been writing for years, and while I’ve worked in fiction — and on other people’s fiction — for a long time, I started with poetry, I love teaching poetry, and I’m returning to writing poetry more and more as life goes on.

I’ve published various short stories and poems. A poem of mine was nominated for the 2023 Pushcart Prize, my first (as yet unpublished) novel was shortlisted in the Novel London 2020 competition and I’m hard at work on my second (in between, you know, life). I do love working with other writers – and I like to think I have the eye of an editor combined with the manner of a very enthusiastic cheerleader!

Think you’d like to join us? I’d love to see you round the table. 

readingroomtring@gmail.com for more details or to book

“Poetry is what in a poem makes you laugh, cry, prickle, be silent, makes your toenails twinkle, makes you want to do this or that or nothing, makes you know that you are alone in the unknown world, that your bliss and suffering is forever shared and forever all your own.”

Dylan Thomas