Join us for this five-week online poetry workshop. Write to inspiring prompts, get insightful feedback and connect with a supportive community of writers.
Online WORKSHOP
Wednesday, February 18 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Each Wednesday, 6:00pm EPT – see schedule
Led by Raena Shirali
Limited to 12 participants
Even those who avoid it must admit: form gives our poems structure, tension, counterpoint and deeper meaning. In this supportive workshop, we will explore five traditional and contemporary forms, focusing on how a poem’s content is enhanced, challenged or complicated by its structure. Each week, we will explore poems by writers like Terrance Hayes, William Carlos Williams and Terisa Siagatonu, paying close attention to form and content. Generative prompts will provide the option to write a new poem in that week’s form or revise a previously-written poem into that form. Writers will leave this workshop with a deeper appreciation for formal potential, and with polished work any publisher would be excited to read. Beginning and experienced writers are welcome.
“The feedback and tools from this workshop stand head and shoulders above the others I’ve attended. I can’t wait to do more.”
~ Helen, Middletown, NJ
FACULTY
Workshop Leader
Raena Shirali is the author of two collections of poetry. Her first book, GILT, was released by YesYes Books in 2017 and won the 2018 Milt Kessler Poetry Book Award. Published by Black Lawrence Press in October 2022, her second book, summonings, won the 2021 Hudson Prize and was shortlisted for the 2022 Julie Suk Award. Winner of a Pushcart Prize & a former Philip Roth Resident at Bucknell University, Shirali is also the recipient of prizes and honors from VIDA, Gulf Coast, Boston Review, & Cosmonauts Avenue. Her poems and essays have appeared in carte blanche, American Poetry Review, Academy of American Poets’ Poem-A Day, The Nation, The Rumpus, & elsewhere. She co-organized the We (Too) Are Philly festival in 2018, as well as Holy Family University’s Distinguished Writers Series from 2019 to 2024. Formerly Co-Editor-in-Chief of Muzzle Magazine and a Faculty Advisor for Folio, Shirali now serves as a Contributing Editor for swamp pink. She holds an MFA in Poetry from The Ohio State University and lives in Philadelphia.
“As a first timer, the community opened their arms to me. I would recommend this workshop again and would definitely come back in the future.”
~ Sarah, South Amboy, NJ
How It Works
COMPONENTS
The major components of our five-week workshops typically include variations of the following elements: inspiring craft models, writing assignments, discussions and sharing. The organization and emphasis of these elements is dependent on the workshop leader’s vision. Their goal is to get you inspired and writing!
Schedule
The workshop will be held over Zoom for five Wednesdays at 6:00pm EPT:
- Wednesday, February 18
- Wednesday, February 25
- Wednesday, March 4
- Wednesday, March 11
- Wednesday, March 18
The duration of these weekly meetings is dependent on the number of participants registered. If up to 7 participants register, the meetings will take place from 6:00-7:30pm. If 8+ participants register, the meetings will take place from 6:00-8:00pm.
Each week’s materials will be made available beforehand so you have a chance to review them ahead of time.
You will receive further details about each deadline and assignment after you enroll in the course.
technical requirements
Materials for the course will be shared using a free online platform called Canvas. You will need a computer or tablet and internet access in order to use Canvas. You will also need access to word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word).
To fully participate in the weekly Zoom sessions, you will need access to a webcam and microphone. Those built in to a laptop, tablet or smart phone will do.
Pricing + Registration
Tuition — SLIDING SCALE: $350-$450
Tuition for this program is based on a sliding scale between $350 and $450. If you are able to pay at the higher end of the scale, you will help Murphy Writing offer affordable programming and scholarships for writers.
Tuition INCLUDEs
- A curated selection of readings, craft notes and prompts to inspire you each week
- Access to a private space for sharing your writing with your workshop leader and fellow participants
- Five dedicated Zoom calls with your workshop leader and fellow participants
If you have trouble registering online, or if you don’t receive an email confirming your online registration within 24 hours, email us at murphywriting@stockton.edu.
The Fine Print
- By registering for this program, you are agreeing to uphold our Code of Conduct
- Full fee due upon registration
Cancellation Policy
- By February 11 — 50% credit toward one of our upcoming programs through June 2026
- After February 11 — No refund or credit
“It was a great learning experience in a welcoming environment. I didn’t feel insecure, though most of the people in my workshops had far more experience than I did.”
~ Joyce, Piscataway, NJ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I’m new to writing workshops. Will I fit in?
Absolutely! Our experienced workshop leaders plan their courses to benefit both beginning and experienced writers. We pride ourselves on building an encouraging community of writers where all feel welcome.
I’ve taken dozens of workshops. What will I get out of this one?
Our faculty challenges experienced writers to push beyond their usual limits. If you have been writing for decades, they will compel you to go deeper, take more risks and experiment with form and content. We know that experienced writers benefit from our programs based on the fact that hundreds of “re-PETERs” have attended three or more of our writing getaways.
I’ve never taken an online workshop before. Do I need special equipment?
No. If you’re reading this website, you probably have everything you need to take this course. You can participate using a laptop or desktop computer, or even a tablet or smart phone.
meet our community
View our full collection of Writing Getaway photos.
Questions?
Email murphywriting@stockton.edu.
Write with us.
