Poetry Writing Drop-In

Do you love writing poetry? Want to expand your knowledge of the art form? Our monthly Poetry Writing Drop-In is the perfect place to explore your work in a supportive environment with fellow writers and experienced tutors. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting out, everyone is welcome at these inclusive sessions.

What you get

• Creative exercises to help inspire you to write new work
• Expand your awareness of exciting contemporary poets
• Develop your skills in giving and receiving feedback on your writing
• Meet other writers
• Build your professional network

Meet the tutors

Monday 19 May: Talia Randall is a multi-award winning audio producer, poet and performer. Talia’s poetry books include, ‘Proverbs for a Woman Drinking Alone’ and ‘Eighty Two’ (Broken Sleep Books). Talia’s audio work includes the podcast series ‘Blossom Trees and Burnt-Out Cars’, one of Pod Bible’s ‘Best podcasts of the year’ and recommended by The Guardian.

Talia is also the creator of ‘What Words Are Ours?’ a poetry cabaret that features Deaf and hearing artists on the same stage.

Monday 16 June: Rachel Long founded Octavia Poetry Collective for Women of Colour, which was housed at the Southbank Centre, in London, from 2015 to 2020. Her debut collection, My Darling from the Lions (Picador, U.K, 2020 / Tin House, US, 2021) was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, The Costa Book Award, The Rathbones Folio Prize, the Jhalak Prize Book of the Year by a Writer of Colour, and The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award.

Monday 21 July: Cecilia Knapp is a poet and novelist and the Young People’s Laureate for London 2020/2021. She was shortlisted for the 2022 Forward prize for best single poem. She is the winner of the 2021 Ruth Rendell award and has been shortlisted for the Rebecca Swift Women’s prize. Her debut poetry collection Peach Pig was published by Corsair in 2022 and was the Observer’s poetry book of the month for October. Her poems have appeared in The Financial Times, Granta and The White Review. She curated the anthology Everything is Going to be alright: Poems for When You Really Need Them, published by Trapeze in 2021.  Her debut novel Little Boxes is published by The Borough Press. In 2023, Little Boxes was longlisted for The Authors Club Best First Novel Award. Cecilia teaches poetry in a number of settings and is the lead tutor of the Roundhouse Poetry Collective.

Do I need any particular skills or experience to take part?

No, this drop-in is open to all levels of experience.

How to join

This is a drop in session which means there’s no need to book beforehand, just arrive and pay £2 at the front desk.  

Please note spaces are limited and filled on a first come, first serve basis. Booking opens 30 minutes beforehand (6pm), and we recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to secure a space, sign up and pay.

I’M NOT SURE I CAN AFFORD TO TAKE PART…

If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.

I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?

We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.