Private Workshop

Poetry Techniques for the Verse Novelist

About the Course

A six session course designed for people who would like to write a verse novel, or are drafting one, and want to learn the best tools for working on an extended narrative in verse.

Taught by award-winning verse novelist and poet, Laura Shovan.

Topics Covered:

  • Word & Line

  • Form & Stanza

  • Meaning

  • Internal/External Plot & Dialogue

  • Building a Scene with a Suite of Poems

  • Building a Manuscript

Author Laura Shovan standing behind a table with books and a sign promoting her book signing event at Barnes & Noble.

What students are saying:

  • “Laura’s wonderful class is practical and helpful to verse novelists needing a primer on fundamental poetry techniques and how to use them effectively in novels in verse.”

  • “Laura Shovan's Poetry Techniques for the Verse Novelist gave me exactly what I needed. Her spot-on lectures were engaging and covered everything from poetic forms to narrative structures. Examining mentor texts (including her forthcoming manuscript) was extremely informative.”

  • “Laura was generous in sharing her techniques, resources, and time. Her class has given me direction, a sense of playfulness, and the confidence I need to draft my novel in verse.”

  • “Laura's Poetry Techniques for the Verse Writer was engaging and informative. By examining mentor texts on how particular poetic devices were in play, I was able to read with a more critical lens. I was also able to better identify the poetic devices within my WIP.”

  • “The small class size provided a space for interactions with all participants. I've taken several different novel in verse workshops and Laura's is at the top of my list to recommend.”

Details:

Format
The course takes place online over Zoom.
All sessions are recorded.

Cost
The fee is $500 for six 90 minute sessions.

A downpayment of $100 is due two weeks before class begins with the balance due no later than the day of the first session.

Special Offer: Private Consultation
I also offer students an optional 30 minute private consultation.

Upcoming Sessions:

Fall 2025 (Contact Laura to register)

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Join the Class

Send Laura a message to sign up for Poetry Techniques for the Verse Novelist.

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