The Contemporary Love Poem

Saturday, October 18 @ 12 pm EST

2-hour Online Workshop with Chen Chen

$90.00

  • Are you nervous to write love poetry because you think it’s going to sound cheesy and sentimental? Or are you enthusiastic about writing it but unsure how to make it fresh and exciting? In this generative class we’ll discuss and practice a range of approaches to the love poem—or the poem that talks about love. Such a poem doesn’t have to be about falling in or being in love. And a love poem can also be a political poem.

  • We’ll read work by Jessica Abughattas, Natalie Diaz, Jericho Brown, Diane Seuss, and others, as models for how we might experiment with and love the love poem anew. Participants can expect to draft at least three new pieces.

  • Chen Chen is the author of two books of poetry, Your Emergency Contact Has Experienced an Emergency (2022) and When I Grow Up I Want to Be a List of Further Possibilities (2017), both published by BOA Editions. His latest chapbook is Explodingly Yours (Ghost City Press, 2023). His honors include the National Book Award longlist, the Thom Gunn Award, two Pushcart Prizes, and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and United States Artists. He lives in Rochester, NY and teaches for the low-residency MFA programs at New England College and Stonecoast. 

New workshops will be listed in October!

Testimonials for Previous Workshops

  • The workshop was off the charts for me. I felt so uplifted during and afterwards, still do. I didn’t think I was capable of feeling /seeing more love about /in things than I already did, but I see it was possible, what a gift. Chen Chen made very minute count, so inspiring and personable.

    Tara Mesalik MacMahon

  • The MFA workshop was excellent! Shannan and Justine were welcoming and knowledgeable. I left the workshop with a clear sense of how to revise my application materials to make them stronger and more dynamic. Woohoo!

    Kelly

  • Enlightening! Karan & Shannan are super generous with their knowledge and I'm beyond thankful they are not gatekeeping these essential tips for writers who do want to get published.

    Anonymous Attendee

  • Jose's workshop exceeded my expectations. Right after finishing, I felt inspired to write another prose poem, which was the best outcome for me. While he encouraged us to let our imaginations flow, he was super practical too, giving us examples of selected prose poems to dissect and discuss. His prompts got me writing immediately in a new form.

    Holly Marihugh

  • I so admire how you conducted the workshop. Your command of and love for the material was inspiring. And, as evidence of how much I learned, I have more questions now than before!

    Richard Weistheimer

  • Shannan and Justine were incredible! They provide a comprehensive breakdown of the MFA application components unlike anywhere else I've found on the internet. I feel 100% more confident as I work on my Statements of Purpose and compiling my portfolio. I would highly recommend this workshop for anyone now or in the future who is considering applying for an MFA.

    Anonymous Attendee

  • The workshop with Karan was inspiring & a bridge for community. The care & passion he had is felt through the way they lead and teach the classes. I would take another workshop again.

    Mateo Perez Lara

  • ONLY POEMS has a stellar reputation. Every aspect of it is deeply considered and informed, so it's no surprise that an ONLY POEMS-run workshop was just as packed with value, variety and depth. Many organizations preach accessibility, but Karan really embodies an openness that makes engaging with the workshop effortless. I walked away feeling inspired and empowered!

    FM Papaz

Refund Policy

All of our workshops are recorded and sent out to participants following the conclusion of the workshop. Because of the popularity of our workshops, we are unable to offer a refund if you find yourself unable to attend in-person. However, if you would like to exchange your purchased workshop for a different one of equal value, we are happy to arrange that! But please let us know at least one week before the start of your workshop date.