For young people ages 11-16
Do you love memorising lyrics? Are you always journaling? Do you write the most beautiful birthday cards? Do you have a favourite word in the English language? Do you notice the small things? Then you might be a secret poet!
In this 90-minute workshop, we will explore our secret poet identities by diving into techniques to help you build a poem of your very own. We will share ideas and read poems by other young people, then go through a step-by-step build-a-poem process to get you started on your poetic journey.
This workshop is open to first-time poets as well as experienced wordsmiths aged 11-16. If you’re already a poetry lover, we encourage you to bring your favourite poem along to share with the group as inspiration – this can be by a contemporary poet or a classic you read at school.
At the end of the workshop, you will learn about opportunities to have your work published, recommendations for further developing your skills and hear about some poets to explore. You will also receive a take-home resource with further writing exercises. We look forward to writing with you!
Who: Young people aged 11-16*
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: AU$50 or AU$80 for two participants from the same family. All ticket sales are directly reinvested in The Marrow International Poetry journal to pay contributors.
When: There are two sessions available. Please note that each session will cover the same material – please only select one session.
What you will need:
Three objects, either physically with you or a photo of them
A computer with internet connection and access to Word / Google Docs or pen and paper to do the writing exercises. Where possible, we recommend that each participant uses their own device.
How to book: Book and pay securely via Eventbrite
* If you are just outside this age range and would still like to participate, please let us know at editors@themarrowpoetry.org.
Workshop lead: Natalie Bühler is a co-editor of The Marrow International Poetry journal. She is a poet and editor and was one of the producers of POEM FOREST, a youth nature poetry prize that plants a tree for every poem received. As part of POEM FOREST, Natalie has facilitated digital and in-person school poetry workshops that helped thousands of students use their words to make positive climate action. Natalie lives in Melbourne/Naarm and is originally from Switzerland.
About The Marrow: The Marrow is an online literary journal published three times a year featuring the finest new international poetry from emerging and established poets. It was founded by Audrey Molloy, Daragh Byrne, and Natalie Bühler in 2024. We are a volunteer-run journal dedicated to paying our contributors. All workshop fees go directly into artist fees for future issues of The Marrow.