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Denise Bossarte

Have you ever wondered if you could write Haiku poetry?

Here is your chance to dip your toe (or pen) into this short and charming poetry form.

Whether it’s been ages since your elementary school days of writing Haiku, or you are wanting to explore a poetry practice more deeply, or you are somewhere in between—this course is for you.

Join Denise as she shares her love of writing Haiku in this fun course.

In this course you will learn:

Read more

Have you ever wondered if you could write Haiku poetry?

Here is your chance to dip your toe (or pen) into this short and charming poetry form.

Whether it’s been ages since your elementary school days of writing Haiku, or you are wanting to explore a poetry practice more deeply, or you are somewhere in between—this course is for you.

Join Denise as she shares her love of writing Haiku in this fun course.

In this course you will learn:

  • the history of Haiku poetry and explore some of the Haiku masters (men and women): Basho, Buson, Issa, Shiki, Kikusha, Hisajo, Shizunojo

  • the art of noticing and observing things in nature that perk your six senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mind

  • how to create and keep up a poetry log of your inspirations

  • the basic elements of Haiku poetry: your sense experience, 5-7-5 syllables, rhyming, titles, word selections, and topics

  • which Western poetic elements should and should not be used in your poems: metaphors, similes, alliteration, consonance, assonance, onomatopoeia

  • a step-by-step approach for crafting a poem from poetry log inspirations using the elements of Haiku

  • how to incorporate seasonal words, contrasting elements, and mixing senses and seasons to bring richness to your poems

  • additional considerations when editing your poem

Resources for sharing your Haiku poetry are also provided.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn how to write haiku poetry
  • Learn the elements of haiku poems
  • Learn how to keep a poetry log of your inspirations
  • Learn how to translate poetry log entries of your inspirations into haiku poetry

Syllabus

Understand the structure of the course and learn the basics of Haiku poetry elements.

Introduction to the course.

Agenda for what will be covered in the class.

Read more

Exploring Haiku poetry topics using a word cloud.

Overview of the poetry elements for composing Haiku Poetry.

Brief overview of Haiku Poetry from Japan

Introduction of several masters of Haiku: Basho, Buson, Issa and Shiki

Presentation of several women Haiku poets.

Sharing a few of my haiku poems.

Keeping a poetry log

Exploring the sense of sight for inspiration.

Exploring the sense of sound for inspiration.

Exploring the sense of smell for inspiration.

Exploring the sense of taste for inspiration.

Exploring the sense of touch for inspiration.

Exploring the sense of mind for inspiration.

Exploring reference photos for inspiration.

The basic elements of Haiku poetry.

The basic elements of Western Poetry - what you should and should not use in Haiku poetry.

How to work with the Haiku structure of 5-7-5 syllables.

How to use seasonal words in your Haiku poetry.

How to work with contrasts (senses, seasons) and mixing (senses, seasons) in your poetry.

How to build a poem from one of your poetry log entries/inspirations.

Additional ideas for helping you write a Haiku poem.

Your turn to write a Haiku poem!

Suggestions on editing your poems and sharing them.

How to exchange Haiku poetry with a friend.

Additional topics for Haiku poems.

A way to approach Haiku no matter what your age!

Facebook groups to share your poems.

My poetry books for your inspiration.

My Udemy Contemplative Photography course as a second contemplative practice in support of your Haiku poetry.

Writing Haiku can be done for fun, but it can also be a self-care, healing practice for all times of your life.

Thank you for taking the course!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the history of haiku and introduces masters like Basho, Buson, Issa, and Shiki, providing a foundation for understanding the art form
Teaches how to create a poetry log and use sensory experiences for inspiration, which can be a valuable tool for generating ideas and developing observational skills
Details the basic elements of haiku poetry, including the 5-7-5 syllable structure and the use of seasonal words, which are essential for crafting traditional haiku
Discusses Western poetic elements and their appropriate use in haiku, helping learners avoid common pitfalls and maintain the essence of the form
Offers suggestions for editing poems and sharing them, including Facebook groups and the instructor's poetry books, which can help learners connect with a community and find inspiration
Recommends the instructor's Contemplative Photography course as a second contemplative practice in support of haiku poetry, which may require additional time and resources

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Reviews summary

Learn the art of haiku

According to learners, this course offers a wonderful and inspiring introduction to writing Haiku poetry. Many found the instruction on the basic elements of Haiku, such as the 5-7-5 structure and seasonal words, to be very clear and easy to follow. The focus on observing nature and keeping a poetry log were frequently highlighted as helpful exercises that sparked creativity. Reviewers appreciate the instructor's passion and engaging delivery. While primarily geared towards beginners, students feel it provides a solid foundation and a relaxing creative outlet. Some mention wishing for more advanced techniques or opportunities for feedback, but overall, it's seen as a highly positive and accessible course.
Ideal starting point for newcomers.
"As a complete beginner, I found this course perfect for getting my feet wet with Haiku."
"It covers the fundamentals really well, making it ideal if you've never written Haiku before."
"If you're new to poetry or Haiku specifically, this is a fantastic starting point."
"This course seems designed for those with little to no prior experience."
Practical steps like the poetry log help.
"Keeping a poetry log was a game-changer; it completely changed how I notice things for writing."
"The exercises on observation and translating log entries into poems were incredibly practical."
"The step-by-step guide for crafting a poem from inspiration is something I'll use forever."
"The course gives you actionable steps like the poetry log to actually start writing."
Motivates creative practice and is fun.
"This course is so inspiring! It made me want to go out and observe the world around me."
"I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons; they were relaxing and sparked my creativity immediately."
"The instructor's passion for Haiku is contagious and made the learning process a joy."
"This was a really fun way to explore a new creative outlet."
Concepts are explained simply and clearly.
"The instructor broke down the Haiku structure and elements in a way that was really easy to grasp."
"I finally understand the 5-7-5 rule and how to use seasonal words effectively thanks to the clear lessons."
"The basic elements of Haiku were explained so well, it made getting started much less intimidating."
"Everything was explained clearly, even for someone new to poetry like me."
Some wish for more advanced topics.
"I loved the basics, but I was hoping for a bit more on advanced techniques or different styles."
"Could use more guidance on refining poems beyond the initial draft or exploring critique."
"It was a great start, but felt a little too basic after covering the initial rules."
"Wish there were optional modules for those wanting to go deeper."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learning to Write Haiku Poetry with these activities:
A Haiku Path
Explore the works of a haiku master to gain a deeper understanding of the form and its potential.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'A Haiku Path'.
  • Read the introduction and selected haiku.
  • Reflect on Basho's style and themes.
The Haiku Handbook
Deepen your understanding of haiku techniques and traditions with a comprehensive guide.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Haiku Handbook'.
  • Read the sections on haiku structure and content.
  • Practice the exercises in the book.
Syllable Counting Exercises
Reinforce the 5-7-5 syllable structure through focused practice.
Show steps
  • Find a list of words or phrases.
  • Count the syllables in each word or phrase.
  • Create your own list of words and phrases.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Start a Haiku Blog
Practice writing and sharing haiku regularly to improve your skills and connect with other poets.
Show steps
  • Choose a platform for your blog.
  • Write and publish a haiku each week.
  • Engage with comments and feedback.
Haiku Workshop with Friends
Share your haiku and receive feedback from peers to improve your writing.
Show steps
  • Invite friends to a haiku workshop.
  • Share your haiku and provide constructive criticism.
  • Discuss different haiku techniques and styles.
Haiku Photo Journal
Combine visual imagery with haiku to create a multimedia experience.
Show steps
  • Take photos that inspire you.
  • Write a haiku to accompany each photo.
  • Share your journal online or in print.
Seasonal Haiku Collection
Explore the use of seasonal words and imagery in haiku to capture the essence of each season.
Show steps
  • Choose a season to focus on.
  • Observe nature during that season.
  • Write a series of haiku inspired by your observations.
  • Compile your haiku into a collection.

Career center

Learners who complete Learning to Write Haiku Poetry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Poet
As a Poet, you create original literary pieces that evoke emotion and spark thought. The ability to craft concise and impactful verses, as you would learn in this course, directly aligns with the core skills of a Poet. This course emphasizes the history, structure, and elements of Haiku poetry, helping you to refine your poetic voice. Learning about the masters of Haiku, like Basho and Issa, and the use of sensory details in your work may help you develop your own unique style. The course's focus on editing and sharing your poems may also help to build confidence and gain exposure. If you want to become a Poet, this course may help you unlock your creative potential.
Writer
The career of a Writer is varied, spanning across genres and mediums, but at its heart, it's about effectively communicating ideas and stories through the written word. This course may be useful for a Writer, as it helps develop skills in concise and evocative language, essential for any writing form. Exploring the history and structure of Haiku poetry allows you to understand the power of brevity and precision in writing. The emphasis on sensory details and observation techniques, coupled with the practice of maintaining a poetry log, will enhance your ability to create vivid and engaging narratives as a Writer. Whether you want to write novels, articles, or scripts, this course may help sharpen your writing skills.
Lyricist
A Lyricist crafts the words to songs, conveying emotions and stories through carefully chosen language. For a Lyricist, this course may be helpful because of its focused approach to concise and impactful expression using the Haiku form. Understanding the structure of Haiku, with its emphasis on syllables and rhythm, may help to develop a keen sense of musicality in language. The training in observing nature and translating those observations into sensory-rich verses may allow a Lyricist to create more vivid and relatable lyrics. The exploration of contrasting elements and mixing senses can add depth and complexity to your songwriting. Aspiring Lyricists may find this course a great way to hone their craft.
Editor
An Editor refines and improves written content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency. This course may be useful for an Editor, focusing on the editing process itself, as it provides a framework for understanding the nuances of language and structure. The course explores the specific elements of Haiku poetry, such as syllable count and seasonal words, providing you with a strong understanding of form and precision. The final section of the course gives suggestions on editing your poems and sharing them. By learning to identify and correct issues in Haiku, you may sharpen your eye for detail and improve your overall editing skills.
Creative Writing Teacher
As a Creative Writing Teacher, you guide and inspire students to explore their creative potential through writing. This course may be helpful to a Creative Writing Teacher, especially one who wants to add poetry to their repertoire. The course materials cover the history of Haiku, the structure of Haiku, and the basic elements of haiku poetry. The curriculum that is covered provides a strong base for lesson-planning. The course provides resources for sharing your Haiku poetry, which further informs teaching materials. Ultimately, if you are a Creative Writing Teacher and want to write Haiku, the practical course will provide knowledge and resources to teach Haiku to others.
Journalist
A Journalist researches and reports on current events, presenting information in a clear and concise manner. While seemingly different, this course may be useful for a Journalist, teaching the art of brevity and impactful storytelling. The ability to capture the essence of a moment or event in a few carefully chosen words, as emphasized in Haiku poetry, can enhance a Journalist's writing style. This course helps distill information down to its core elements. The course focus on observation and sensory detail encourages you to be more observant and descriptive in your reporting. For a Journalist, this course will provide a new perspective on storytelling.
Blogger
A Blogger creates and publishes content on a specific topic or area of interest, engaging with an audience through written posts. This course may be useful for a Blogger, teaching the art of concise and engaging writing. Haiku poetry emphasizes precision and evoking emotion with few words, which can translate into more impactful blog posts. The course's focus on sensory details and observation can help you find unique angles and perspectives for your blog content. Learning to create a poetry log and draw inspiration from nature can provide a constant stream of fresh ideas for your blog. If you are a Blogger and want to hone your writing skills, this course provides a unique approach.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager is responsible for creating and curating content for social media platforms, engaging with followers, and building a brand's online presence. This course may be useful for a Social Media Manager, especially if they want to enhance their ability to craft impactful and concise messages. Haiku poetry emphasizes the power of brevity, which is particularly useful for platforms with character limits. Learning to capture the essence of a moment or idea in a few carefully chosen words can make social media posts more engaging and memorable. The course's focus on sensory details and imagery can help you create visually appealing and emotionally resonant content. For a Social Media Manager, this course offers a unique approach to content creation.
Copywriter
A Copywriter creates persuasive and engaging content for advertising and marketing purposes. While this course focuses on poetry, it may be useful for a Copywriter, as it emphasizes the art of concise and impactful communication. The ability to convey a message effectively in a limited number of syllables or lines, as practiced in Haiku, can translate into more compelling ad copy. The course's focus on sensory details and evocative language can help you craft more memorable and persuasive messages. The exploration of contrasting elements and mixing senses can add creativity and depth to your copywriting. This course may provide you with a unique edge.
Creative Director
A Creative Director leads a team of creative professionals, overseeing the development and execution of creative projects. While this career path is quite different from poetry, this course may be useful for a Creative Director by fostering a deeper appreciation for artistic expression and attention to detail. Haiku poetry emphasizes precision, observation, and the ability to distill complex ideas into their simplest forms, all of which can be valuable assets for a Creative Director. The course's exploration of sensory details and imagery can help you better understand and guide the visual and emotional aspects of creative projects. If you are a Creative Director, this course can broaden your creative horizons.
Brand Strategist
A Brand Strategist develops and implements strategies to build and maintain a brand's identity and reputation. This course may be useful for a Brand Strategist in teaching the importance of clarity and conciseness in communication. The principles of Haiku, such as capturing the essence of a subject with minimal words, can be applied to crafting a brand's message and identity. The focus on sensory details and observation can help in understanding the nuances of a brand's target audience and market. The practice of keeping a poetry log and finding inspiration in everyday life may foster a more creative and insightful approach to brand strategy.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages a company's or individual's public image, crafting messages and strategies to maintain a positive reputation. This course may be useful for a Public Relations Specialist, as it emphasizes clear and concise communication. The ability to convey a message effectively in a limited number of words, as practiced in Haiku, can be valuable in crafting press releases and other public-facing materials. The course's focus on sensory details and evocative language can help you create more engaging and memorable content. The exploration of contrasting elements and mixing senses can add depth and creativity to your messaging. For a Public Relations Specialist, this course can enhance your writing skills.
Librarian
A Librarian manages and organizes information resources, assisting patrons in finding the materials they need. Though seemingly unrelated, this course may be useful for a Librarian, particularly in fostering a deeper appreciation for literature and the art of expression. Understanding the nuances of poetry, including its historical context and various forms, can enhance a Librarian's knowledge and ability to assist patrons interested in poetry. The course's focus on sensory details and observation can also help you become more attuned to the needs and interests of library users. If you're a Librarian and want to improve your knowledge of literature, this course offers a unique approach.
Translator
A Translator converts written text from one language to another, maintaining the original meaning and intent. However, this course may be useful for a Translator, especially one interested in expanding their understanding of poetry and cultural nuances. The course may deepen an appreciation for the art of Haiku, which can then be applied to translate poetry in general. The historical context provided within the course may improve translation. For Translators looking to broaden their knowledge of language, this course may provide help.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates clear and concise documentation for technical products and services. While seemingly distant from poetry, this course may be useful for a Technical Writer by emphasizing the importance of precision and clarity in communication. Haiku poetry requires conveying a message using a limited number of words and syllables. The course may also teach the value of word choice, so that the most descriptive and evocative words are chosen. If a Technical Writer wishes to improve their ability to write concisely, this course may provide value.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learning to Write Haiku Poetry.

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