FAQ

Asynchronous Group Workshops

Our asynchronous group workshops take place in a state-of-the-art online platform (Wet Ink),the only online platform designed exclusively for writing. You have 24-7 access to your writing community and classroom from anywhere there’s an internet connection and a device to receive it. There is no live component; you participate at the convenience of your own schedule. Typically these workshops "open" on Mondays at noon. You’ll receive an invitation to join the class once it begins.

Workshop size is generally between 6-10 people. Each week, your teaching artist will post a new lesson and assignment. Lessons are comprised of text, images, video and audio recordings, and discussion questions.

When you're ready—ideally, within the same week—you will post a work (poem, essay, etc.) in response to the assignment, and provide a written review (critique) for three of your peers. Your teaching artist will offer detailed critiques, including line-by-line suggestions as well as an holistic overview.

Time is fluid in an asynchronous workshop; some weeks, you may be inspired to write and post immediately. Other weeks, you may not be able to post right away. Because of this, our workshops are accessible for another two weeks after the workshop ends to give you plenty of time to advantage of the readings, assignments, and peer-critiques. After your workshop ends, you'll receive a .zip file containing all the content produced during the workshop, including your poems, critiques, comments and discussions, so you can refer back to them as long as you like. Note: The lessons themselves are not contained in this .zip file.

Zoom (Synchronous) Workshops

Our live video-streaming workshops are hosted on the best-in-class videoconferencing software Zoom. We may also use our online workshop platform (Wet Ink), the only online platform designed exclusively for writing, to continue the conversation in-between live video sessions.

Independent Study aka Self-Guided Online Workshops

Our self-guided, independent study workshops take place in a state-of-the-art online platform (Wet Ink),the only online platform designed exclusively for writing. You have 24-7 access to a writing community and classroom from anywhere there’s an internet connection and a device to receive it.

After enrolling, you’ll receive a private invitation to your class within 24 hours. By default, you have 30 days to work through the modules at your own pace. If you need more time, just send us an email at hello@poetrybarn.org. Please note that independent study workshops do not include interaction with a teaching artist or cohorts.

On-Site Workshops

Onsite workshops take place at The Poetry Barn, 1693 State Route 28A, West Hurley, NY 12491. You're also welcome to use our online community platform (Wet Ink) year-round.

Library

Our 3,000+ volume lending library is open year-round by appointment to all. To borrow books, please become a member.

Membership

Membership begins at just $25 per year, and includes benefits such as borrowing books from our library, enjoying 10% discounts on workshops, and receiving invitations to exclusive events.

Parking

Our parking lot is currently able to accommodate 10-12 cars. Additional short-term parking is on the west shoulder of Route 28A.

Refunds / Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel a class for which you enrolled, we will gladly provide a full refund up to one month before, and a 50% refund up to two weeks before, its starting date. If you need to cancel less than two weeks prior, we will try our best to accommodate you, but we can not guarantee a refund or a credit.