If you want to write poetry, this course will help you to create your best possible work. You'll learn the formal elements of the craft, become aware of how particular forms work, and explore many avenues for possible poetry topics. Interactive exercises will help you to create at least one poem with formal elements, and you'll receive instruction and commentary in a constructive and nurturing environment. If you're serious about becoming a published poet, you'll also learn how to prepare a manuscript for publication and where to send it for the best possible results.

A new section of each course starts monthly. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when lessons are released. You will have access to all lessons until the course ends. However, the interactive discussion area that accompanies each lesson will automatically close two weeks after the lesson is released. As such, we strongly recommend that you complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

The final exam will be released on the same day as the last lesson. Once the final exam has been released, you will have two weeks to complete all of your course work, including the final exam.

Internet access, e-mail, the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser, and the Adobe Flash and PDF plug-ins (two free and simple downloads you obtain at http://www.adobe.com/downloads by clicking Get Adobe Flash Player and Get Adobe Reader).

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Melody Gough.

Melody Gough is a poet with numerous publications to her credit. She recently earned a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English, with an emphasis in creative writing. She teaches university level writing courses and facilitates writing workshops for aspiring poets. She is often called upon to edit and critique literary manuscripts for published fiction writers and poets.

“ I found the course challenging and even inspiring. As a teacher, Melody Gough had constructive critique methods and always made suggestions with consideration to the student's own creative efforts and abilities. I got actually more out of it than I expected. ”

“ I really liked this class and this instructor. The lessons were full of exercises to prepare for the assignment and the instructor was very supportive and a great help in her critique of my work. I appreciated her using her own poetry as examples for us - she is a talented artist. ”

“ Melody was helpful and encouraging to all students and gave honest opinions in a positive manner. I enjoyed both the course and her poetry and look forward to reading more of her work. ”

“ Our instructor, Melody, opened up a whole new world to me. Poetry is far more than pretty words, it is an art. Through Melody's instruction writing poetry has become a beautiful artistic endeavor. Poetry certainly can add a great deal of enjoyment to one's life. ”

“ The instructor was outstanding as was her course presentation in every aspect. Her comments were valuable. Her poetry is exceptional. ”

“ This course is so informative. There is material and suggestions above and beyoud the assignments that offer the opportunity to really experience the excitement of writing poetry. I can not praise Melody's ability to draw out the best in a person desire to write poetry. Super! ”

“ This course was very educational. Melody Gough, the instructor, is exceptional. She was very open and helpful, attending to our every question. She offered thought-provoking, and gentle feedback, understanding that poets tend to be sensitive. She is apparently knowledgeable in her craft. I would definitely take a follow-up course in poetry if she was the instructor. I trust her with my feelings. ”

“ This was a great entry-level course into the world of poetry writing. Melody was a fantastic instructor - she was always encouraging and her critiques of students' submitted work were kind and gentle - always giving us someting to think about. I really enjoyed her teaching style and I learned so much in a non-threatening environment. I would definitely recommend Melody as an instructor. ”

“ This was a wonderfully convenient way to take a class I would not have been able to shcedule any other way. I really enjoyed the material and Melody's teaching style. I especially liked that she shared her work and was able to interact through the discussion area. I found that being able to read other students work and comments was very beneficial. I will refer back to this material often, I'm sure. Thanks, Melody. ”