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In this online course, award-winning poet Derek Motion will provide feedback on your poetry in an online classroom environment, enabling you to hone your skills over five months. You’ll also give and receive peer feedback, and be able to consider the tutor’s feedback across all submissions. Feedback will vary depending on each submission, but may focus on areas such as structure, rhythm, tone and imagery, as well as helpful tips for fine-tuning.

Is this course right for you? Read our FAQ >

Once a month you’ll submit up to two poems totalling a maximum of 55 lines. Your tutor will provide tailored feedback, giving you time to incorporate suggestions and advice into the next month’s submission. Each month, you can either submit new or previously submitted writing.

You’ll also have the opportunity to read and comment on other participants’ writing. This process of giving and receiving feedback from fellow writers is an ideal way to determine what works, what resonates, what falls flat – and how to improve.

This online course takes place on a website specifically designed for writers, making it simple and easy to share your writing, give and receive feedback, and interact with fellow writers.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself and develop your skills through constructive critique, this is the course for you. Please note, while you are welcome to generate new material for submission during this time, no prompts or themes will be provided.

This interactive online course has limited places. Book early to avoid missing out. 

Participant Requirements

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this course. Please read our FAQ before enrolling.

This five-month course starts on 7 February with enrolment into our online classroom. You will receive a link to join the online classroom by 10am that day.

Submissions (of up to two poems totalling a maximum of 55 lines) are due on the following dates:

14 February
14 March
11 April
9 May
13 June

After each submission date, you’ll have 10 days to complete peer feedback. At the end of each feedback period, you’ll receive your tutor feedback.

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of in-person writing courses in Sydney, our online writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.