We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Adam Levon Brown

Taught by an Award-Winning Poet.

Over 20,000 students and counting.

Learn the intricacies of  How to write a Poem, watch demonstrations of writing Poetry from an experienced, published poet, and receive advice on Creative Writing.

  • Learn the types of Poetry that many publishers look for in modern times

  • Learn how to craft a great Free-Verse Poem

  • Learn how to write a poem

  • Learn about consistency in a poem

  • Learn about Intimacy in a poem

Read more

Taught by an Award-Winning Poet.

Over 20,000 students and counting.

Learn the intricacies of  How to write a Poem, watch demonstrations of writing Poetry from an experienced, published poet, and receive advice on Creative Writing.

  • Learn the types of Poetry that many publishers look for in modern times

  • Learn how to craft a great Free-Verse Poem

  • Learn how to write a poem

  • Learn about consistency in a poem

  • Learn about Intimacy in a poem

  • Learn about (The best) poetic devices and how/where to apply them in your poems

  • Learn the key fundamentals of what a free verse poem is

And much, much more.

"It Was A Good Experience. It Helped Me A Lot."

Five Stars

- Amit Raikar

"Great for beginners, thank you."

Five Stars

- Hilcia Hernandez

"It was perfect. No BS from Adam Levon Brown. he was simple, direct, and taught me a lot in so short a time."

Five Stars

- Imelda Caravaca Ferrer

"It was a good match for me. I learned from the best."

Five Stars

- Chidiebere Nwokedi

"Thanks man, honestly helped me."

Five Stars

- Mike Ekim

"This course is so clear and easy to follow for the poets. My experience is good here."

Five Stars

-  Sajia Afrin

"This course is very helpful to me as a teacher. I could share the learnings I gained here to my dear pupils. Thank you."

Five Stars

- Jeramie Conde

"The bestt. "

Five Stars

- Gautami vellat

- Comprehensive

- Practical

- Expert Advice

The instructor of this class is Adam Levon Brown. Brown is an Award-winning, internationally published Poet and an Author of eleven books. He has judged numerous international poetry contests and has been nominated for various prizes and has won several as well. In this course, Brown takes you a journey to find out what makes a good poem. This class is aimed mostly at Beginners and budding poets.

Writing Poetry for Beginners: How to craft a Winning Poem delves into the mystique of free-verse poetry. In this course, you will find the tips and tricks that Brown uses as an award-winning poet, and also the basics of writing a poem. We will be focusing on Free-verse poetry because that's the main type of poem that modern publishers look for and publish. This course WILL NOT go into rhyming or rhymed poetry.

I have been writing and publishing for close to 10 years and I hope to teach others what I've learned.

I hope you enjoy the course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • How to write a poem
  • How to write a publishable poem
  • How to write a free verse poem
  • How to add poetic devices for effect
  • How to use senses to create vivid imagery in your writing
  • How to write a better poem

Syllabus

You will learn who this course is for, who I am, and my philosophy of poetry.

Welcome to the Course!

Who Am I?
My Philosophy of Poetry
Read more

Students will learn an exercise to make them a better writer.

A small explanation of Finding your Poetic Voice.

What to expect in this lesson. Also, the reason why we delve into free verse poetry and not traditional poetry.

Learn what a stanza is. Learn what a line in poetry is.

Students will learn how to use strategies to write a poem using their senses

The students will know how to spot a messy poem, and how to avoid writing one.

Craft a winning poem with the hook and ending method of writing.

The student will learn about metaphors and how to use them in poems.

Students will learn the basics of consistency in a poem, and be able to use it in poems.

Students will learn the power of asking a question in the middle of their poems.

Students will learn two very powerful forms of metaphor

The basics of Similes within poetry

Call for Improvements. I'm always available by email.

I demonstrate writing a poem. You can do it too!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by an award-winning poet, which may provide valuable insights and guidance for aspiring writers
Focuses on free verse poetry, which is a popular and accessible form for contemporary poets
Explores poetic devices and sensory imagery, which are essential tools for crafting compelling poems
Includes a capstone project to write a poem, which allows students to apply what they've learned
Does not cover rhyming or rhymed poetry, which may not appeal to learners interested in traditional forms
Teaches students how to avoid writing a messy poem, which is a common problem for beginners

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Writing free verse poetry: beginner fundamentals

According to learners, this course is largely positive and an excellent starting point for those new to poetry, particularly free verse. Students praise the instructor, Adam Levon Brown, for his clear and direct teaching style, which makes complex ideas easy to follow. Many found the practical tips and demonstrations highly helpful for learning how to write a poem and apply poetic devices. While it does not cover rhyming poetry, its specific focus is appreciated by those interested in modern forms. Overall, students feel they learned a lot in a short time.
Teaches free verse, excluding rhyming poetry.
"This course focuses specifically on free verse techniques, which is exactly what I wanted to learn."
"It's important to know this course doesn't teach rhyming, but it excels at explaining free verse."
"I learned so much about crafting compelling free verse poems and their structure."
"The clear explanation of free verse fundamentals was very helpful."
Provides applicable tips for writing poems.
"I got so many useful tips and strategies that I can immediately use in my writing practice."
"The demonstrations of writing a poem live were incredibly helpful to see the process."
"This course gave me practical strategies for improving my poems and making them more impactful."
"Learned helpful poetic devices and how to apply them effectively."
Instructor is simple, direct, and effective.
"Adam Levon Brown cuts right to the chase, no unnecessary fluff or complex jargon."
"I really appreciated the instructor's simple, direct approach; it made everything click for me."
"The lectures were clear and easy to understand, making learning enjoyable."
"His teaching style is straightforward and keeps you engaged."
Perfect starting point for new poets.
"This course was exactly what I needed to start writing poetry as a complete novice."
"As someone with zero experience, I found it very accessible and not intimidating at all."
"It's great for beginners, thank you for making it so easy to get into poetry writing."
"I'm completely new to writing poems, and this course made it feel achievable."

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 Writing Poetry for Beginners: How to Write Winning Poetry with these activities:
Review Poetic Devices
Strengthen your understanding of poetic devices before the course begins. This will allow you to better understand how to apply them effectively in your own writing.
Show steps
  • Research common poetic devices.
  • Find examples of each device in published poems.
  • Practice identifying devices in different poems.
Read 'A Poetry Handbook' by Mary Oliver
Gain a foundational understanding of poetry's elements and techniques. This will provide a solid base for the course's focus on free verse and modern poetry.
View A Poetry Handbook on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the concepts apply to your own writing.
Write a Poem Using Sensory Details
Practice using sensory details to create vivid imagery in your poems. This directly reinforces a key learning objective of the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a subject or scene to describe.
  • Brainstorm sensory details related to the subject.
  • Craft a poem incorporating those details.
  • Revise for clarity and impact.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Share Poems and Provide Feedback
Improve your ability to critique and refine your own work. This will also expose you to different styles and perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find a peer or group of fellow poets.
  • Share your poems and provide constructive criticism.
  • Receive feedback on your own work.
Explore 'The Poet's Companion' by Kim Addonizio and Dorianne Laux
Expand your poetic toolkit with diverse prompts and exercises. This will help you overcome writer's block and develop your unique voice.
Show steps
  • Choose a prompt from the book.
  • Write a poem based on the prompt.
  • Reflect on the process and the resulting poem.
Submit a Poem to a Literary Magazine
Gain experience in the submission process and receive feedback on your work. This will help you develop a thicker skin and refine your craft.
Show steps
  • Research literary magazines that publish free verse poetry.
  • Select a poem to submit.
  • Follow the magazine's submission guidelines.
  • Submit your poem and await a response.
Create a Poetry Portfolio
Showcase your best work and track your progress as a poet. This will provide a tangible record of your growth and development.
Show steps
  • Select your best poems from the course and beyond.
  • Organize your poems into a cohesive collection.
  • Write an introduction or artist statement.
  • Share your portfolio with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Writing Poetry for Beginners: How to Write Winning Poetry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Poet
A fulfilling career as a Poet involves crafting original pieces that evoke emotion and reflect on the human experience. This course, taught by an award-winning poet, helps you develop the core skills needed to excel in this field. By learning how to write publishable free-verse poems, use poetic devices effectively, and create vivid imagery, you can hone your craft and produce compelling work. The course's focus on modern publisher preferences and its exploration of intimacy and consistency help you stand out in the competitive poetry landscape. If you wish to pursue a career as a Poet, this course will give you the foundational knowledge to help you on your journey.
Speechwriter
A Speechwriter crafts speeches for individuals in leadership positions, ensuring they are engaging, persuasive, and tailored to the audience. This course helps refine the skills needed to create impactful and memorable speeches. By learning how to use poetic devices effectively, develop vivid imagery, and understand the importance of consistency and intimacy, you can create speeches that resonate with listeners. As a Speechwriter, understanding how to craft a winning poem, as highlighted in this course, may help you elevate your speech writing craft.
Writer
The career of a Writer involves crafting narratives, articles, or other written content for various audiences. This course's emphasis on creative writing techniques, particularly in poetry, helps you develop a unique voice and style. The course's exploration of free-verse poetry, poetic devices, and imagery provides a foundation for creative expression. Furthermore, understanding consistency and intimacy in writing, as taught in this course, may make your work more impactful. Learning from an award-winning poet may help your development as a Writer.
Author
An Author creates original written works, such as novels, short stories, or poetry collections. This course helps you refine your skills in crafting compelling narratives and evocative language. By learning how to write publishable poems, use poetic devices for effect, and create vivid imagery, you can develop your unique authorial voice. The lessons on consistency and intimacy in poetry, along with the focus on free-verse, make this course valuable for any aspiring Author looking to expand their expressive capabilities.
Creative Writing Teacher
A Creative Writing Teacher guides students in developing their writing skills across various genres. This course offers valuable insights into the teaching of poetry, particularly free-verse. By learning from an award-winning poet, you can gain practical knowledge to share with your students. The course's focus on poetic devices, imagery, consistency, and intimacy provides a structured approach to teaching poetry. As a Creative Writing Teacher, understanding modern publisher preferences, as covered in this course, may keep your curriculum relevant and engaging for your students.
English Teacher
An English Teacher instructs students in language arts, including literature, grammar, and writing. This course may be useful by providing a deeper understanding of poetry and creative writing techniques. The course's exploration of free-verse poetry, poetic devices, and imagery may enhance your ability to teach poetry analysis and creation. Learning about consistency and intimacy in writing may also provide valuable insights for teaching effective communication skills. Overall, this course may provide an English Teacher with a fresh perspective on poetry and its role in language education.
Content Creator
A Content Creator develops engaging material for online platforms, often incorporating storytelling and creative elements. This course may be useful by providing skills in crafting concise and impactful content. Learning about poetic devices, imagery, and free-verse may lead to more creative and engaging online content. The course's focus on consistency and intimacy in writing also helps you connect with your audience. As a Content Creator, this course may expand your creative toolkit and lead to more original work.
Editor
Editors review and revise written material to ensure clarity, accuracy, and style. This course may be useful to an Editor as it provides a deeper understanding of poetic structure, language, and devices. The course's exploration of free-verse poetry and its elements may make it easier to evaluate creative writing. Learning about consistency and intimacy in writing may also help Editors provide more insightful feedback. This course may equip an Editor with a more nuanced understanding of the writing process.
Copywriter
A Copywriter creates persuasive and engaging text for advertising and marketing purposes. While this course focuses on poetry, it may be useful by refining your writing skills and creative thinking. The understanding of poetic devices and imagery, gained from this course, may lead to more impactful and memorable copy. Learning about consistency helps ensure a cohesive message, and intimacy may make your writing more relatable. This course may help a Copywriter develop a fresh approach.
Blogger
A Blogger creates and publishes content on a blog, often focusing on a specific niche or topic. While this course focuses on poetry, it may be useful by helping you develop a unique voice and style. The understanding of poetic devices and imagery, gleaned from this course, may lead to richer and more engaging blog posts. Learning about consistency will keep your blog focused, and intimacy may help you connect with your audience. This course may help a Blogger add more depth and artistry to their work.
Grant Writer
A Grant Writer prepares proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations or research projects. Understanding different writing styles helps in crafting compelling narratives. This course may be useful by improving your ability to express ideas with precision and impact. While unconventional, the course may enhance your communication skills and help you craft more persuasive grant proposals. Learning clarity and consistency, as taught in this course, may strengthen your ability to present a coherent case for funding.
Journalist
A Journalist researches and reports news stories for various media outlets. This course may be useful by strengthening your writing skills and attention to detail. The emphasis on clarity and impact found within the course may translate to concise and effective journalism. Furthermore, learning about consistency and structure, as taught in this course, may result in more coherent articles. While the focus is on poetry, the course may help a Journalist refine their writing process.
Librarian
A Librarian manages library resources and assists patrons with research and information retrieval. While this course focuses on poetry, it may enhance your appreciation for literature and creative writing. Understanding poetic devices and different forms of poetry, such as free-verse, may make you a more well-rounded resource for library patrons. This course may simply enrich your understanding of the literary landscape.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager oversees a company's online presence, crafting engaging content for various platforms. While this course focuses on poetry, it may be useful by fostering creativity and a unique writing style. The understanding of imagery and poetic devices, gained from this course, may lead to more captivating social media posts. Learning about consistency helps maintain a cohesive brand voice, and intimacy may help connect with followers. This course may help a Social Media Manager create more impactful campaigns.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates clear and concise documentation for technical products and services. This course can improve writing precision and clarity. While seemingly unrelated to poetry, the focus on language and detail may translate to more effective technical communication. Learning about structure, consistency, and clarity, as taught in this course, may help a Technical Writer present complex information in an accessible manner. The course may provide a Technical Writer with a different view of writing.

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 Writing Poetry for Beginners: How to Write Winning Poetry.
This handbook provides a clear and accessible introduction to the elements of poetry. It covers various forms, techniques, and considerations for crafting effective poems. It is particularly useful for beginners as it breaks down complex concepts into understandable terms. serves as a valuable reference tool throughout the course.
Offers a wealth of prompts, exercises, and insights to inspire and guide poets. It encourages experimentation and exploration of different poetic forms and styles. While suitable for beginners, it also provides valuable resources for more experienced poets. This book adds breadth to the course by offering a wider range of techniques and approaches.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser