Turn The Crystal is an eight-week poetry intensive offered three times a year by Sierra DeMulder. Comprised of weekly readings, discussions, prompts, and community feedback, this generative course explores how to effectively write about one reoccurring topic or theme from new, innovative entry points and perspectives. Upon completion, each writer will have developed the foundations of their own themed collection.

Tuition is $32o; those in need may apply for a scholarship or request a payment plan. The Spring session is currently closed. Turn The Crystal will be offered twice more in 2024, stating again in June.

HOW/WHERE IS THIS CLASS HELD?

Participants will meet virtually on Zoom; class materials and announcements will be posted on Google Classrooms. Experience on either platforms is not required.

WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR? WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

Turn The Crystal is a course for intermediate writers and advanced beginners who want to produce a themed collection of work. Each week, participants can expect a combination of lecture/discussion, multiple writing prompts, and peer-to-peer workshop for feedback, with additional opportunity for feedback outside of class hours via written critiques from TA Tristan Richards and fellow classmates. While some time will be allotted during class for writing, the majority of poems will be finished throughout the week.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A THEMED COLLECTION?

A themed collection is a series of poems that fall under a unifying theme(s), i.e. pieces written about the same topic from differing entry points or a story told in parts.

WHAT IF I DON‘T WANT TO SHARE? DO I HAVE TO HAVE MY CAMERA ON?

There is no formal grading or participation requirement, and cameras can be used at your own comfort level. Participants will be sorted in peer-to-peer workshops called “lab groups” but will not be required to share. However, anecdotally, active engagement is most beneficial for your craft and experience!

WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD IT? CAN I REQUEST A PAYMENT PLAN? ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS?

Anyone can request a payment plan. There are also scholarship opportunities for those with significant financial barriers.

DO I NEED TO HAVE A FULLY FLESHED OUT IDEA FOR MY THEMED COLLECTION?

No. You will need to commit to a collection topic by the end of the first week, but you do not need to have it finalized before the start of class. The course is exploratory, generative, and supportive, and there will be activities specifically designed to help you narrow down your ideas.

WHAT IF I HAVE TO MISS A CLASS?

All classes will be recorded and shared with participants, along with a written summary and applicable coursework, on Google Classrooms.

WILL IT BE OFFERED AGAIN?

Yes! Turn The Crystal will be offered twice more in 2024, beginning in June. Enrollment will open in May. You can sign up to be notified via email below: