Do you have a poetry pamphlet or full collection nearly ready, but still feel it needs refining before you send it out into the world? This course is designed for poets at that exact stage, whether you’re writing your debut collection or you’re already a veteran.

Zoë Brigley and Rhian Edwards, co-editors of Seren Books, work with poets at all stages who want to give their work the final polish it deserves in a supportive and encouraging environment. The Gentle Poetry Boot Camp combines the focus of a writing retreat with the warmth of a creative community. Every day, you’ll join workshops led by Zoë and Rhian, exploring ways to strengthen your poems’ shape, voice, and emotional clarity. Afternoons are for one-to-one tutorials, writing time, and reflection, with space to work intensively but gently: no competition, just good work and good company.

By the end of the week, you’ll have renewed confidence in your manuscript, a clearer sense of its arc and coherence, and a set of poems ready to meet their readers.

This course is best suited to poets who have a pamphlet or collection in progress and are seeking thoughtful feedback and finishing guidance rather than a full introduction to writing poetry.

Over the week, you will:

• Work through any poems that are worrying you or don’t quite seem to be working

• Use one-to-one tutorials to look closely at individual poems or to discuss your publishing journey, ambitions, and next steps

• Take dedicated time for focused writing, reflection, and careful attention to the craft of your poetry

• Share your work with other poets in a supportive and nurturing environment, benefiting from feedback and conversation

You’ll leave the week with renewed confidence, a polished manuscript, and practical tools for taking your work forward.

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