THE EVERY DAY: How Honing the Craft of Image Brings Alive the Poem
The class will meet weekly via Zoom on Tuesdays, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Central Time
Focusing on the Image, specifically the everyday image, we will tune into the art of seeing and observing as a generative quality for writing poems. We will let everyday images, ideas, objects, and actions inform our revisions.
Everyday images—those quiet, often-overlooked details of our daily lives—are potent and vital sources for poetry. They tether us to the specific and the universal, grounding us in our personal experiences while connecting us to the shared threads of humanity.
In this workshop, we will explore how to observe the world with fresh eyes and translate these observations into evocative, enduring poetry. By studying the works of exemplar poets, we’ll uncover how everyday images—objects, actions, and ideas—serve as portals into the present moment and create timeless poetry. Through close reading, guided prompts, and sensory exercises, participants will cultivate the craft of deep noticing and sensate writing, unlocking the profound potential of the ordinary.
This workshop is designed to awaken your poetic intuition, strengthen your connection to the world around you, and help you craft poetry that resonates with authenticity and universal truth.
Course Texts will be provided by the instructor.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Each 90-minute session combines discussion, writing exercises, and sharing to foster deep engagement with everyday imagery in poetry.
Week 1: The Power of Everyday Images
Week 2: Sensory Engagement and Precision in Language
Week 3: Finding the Universal in the Specific
Week 4: Crafting Timeless Poetry from the Everyday
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
Deepened Observation Skills: Students will cultivate the ability to see and engage with the world around them through a poet’s lens, learning to recognize and draw inspiration from the quiet, overlooked details of everyday life.
Sensate Writing Practice: Participants will develop a practice of integrating sensory details into their poetry, creating work that is vivid, grounded, and emotionally resonant.
New Poems Rooted in Everyday Images: By the end of the workshop, students will have produced several new drafts of poems inspired by everyday objects, actions, and ideas, exploring how these images can evoke universal connections.
Expanded Understanding of Image in Poetry: Through close readings of exemplar poems, students will learn how master poets use everyday images to create timeless, impactful work. This insight will inform their own writing.
Personal Toolkit for Noticing and Writing: Participants will leave with concrete strategies and prompts for deep noticing and sensate writing that they can incorporate into their ongoing creative practice.
Connection to a Larger Creative Community: By sharing work and engaging in discussions, students will connect their individual experiences to a collective understanding of everyday life, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
TESTIMONIALS:
"While I have long enjoyed writing poetry, Lindsey’s clear, kind, and concise guidance truly inspires me to embrace the practice more, to let go and allow the creativity to move me into my love of poetry. Lindsey creates a kind, concise, and generous workshop in which all who care to participate can thrive. I wish for four more weeks, but out of gratitude for what I have already been given through Lindsey’s presence and kindness, I will not push the river and sincerely express my gratitude. Thank you so much, Lindsey!" -Pamela
"I am grateful to have stumbled upon Lindsey's class. She is devoted to the craft of poetry and yet she is standing at the doors to welcome others in who care to explore the artform along with her. Her teaching is both wise and open. She offers prompts that allow you to start with the familiar and then follow a thread until you surprise yourself. There is room to play but she also gives a lot of tips and insights into technique. She managed the class in a way that gracefully kept a structure while encouraging the students to be themselves as they are. In just four weeks our class formed a unique connection that I will treasure. It is truly a gift to work with Lindsey." -Ilana
"I loved the class so much. It was very supportive and inspiring. We covered a lot of material, and I appreciate all the referrals for books, and I have purchased a number of them. One of the most helpful things was Lindsey's introduction to haiku. I feel that continuing to compose haiku will be the building block to advance my poetry. I see how beautiful, thoughtful things can be expressed in just a few plain words. I think that was such a phenomenal place to start. I would love to be in another class of Lindsey's. Her knowledge and love of poetry, your enthusiasm, and generosity really touched me! Thank you for sharing your joy with us." -Teresa
"Lindsey provided a welcoming space for learning, creativity and inspiration to unfold. Her love of the craft of poetry shined through in all of her offerings throughout our time together. I'm so happy that I took this class!" -Anita
"Not only did Lindsey share practical advice and her personal experiences with poetry, she also taught me how the world we live in reveals poetry to those of us who choose to truly notice. This class was a true gift that changed my writing, as well as my mindset." -Kayla
"This was my first ever poetry class, and I couldn't ask for a better place to start. Lindsey introduced us to an endless source of inspiration and showed us ways to write about it. She's a very sensitive and supportive teacher. Highly recommended." -Martha
"It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of three classes with Lindsey Wayland." -Sharon Wenzler
“I want to thank Lindsey again for the wonderful impact she has had on me. Since I met Lindsey, I knew I wanted to work with her. If there is one word to describe Lindsey, it is grace. I immensely enjoyed taking a class with Lindsey. It was the highlight of my summer and time actually spent since I've moved to Port Townsend. I love to learn. I love to nourish my love of writing. I cannot tell you how much I looked forward each week to Lindsey’s unique classes. Each of the weeks I experienced new techniques and opportunities in writing. The class is a priceless gem. Thank you so very much. Soli dei gloria.” —Dr. Dolores Jacoby
“What a Great Delight to have Lindsey here and for me (and all) able to experience her and her vast trove of talent, with which she is so generous! What Luck!!!”—Rachel Gaspers
"Lindsey’s classes are a must for everyone wanting to take a deep breath and be intentional about beauty and creativity in their lives. Fun, inspirational, and really a gift to yourself!! Lindsey is a gentle, generous, and a real gem!!! This is art that you can incorporate into your everyday life." —K.B.
ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:
This class meets weekly via Zoom. Come prepared for a super fun class with live interaction on Zoom each week and plenty of writing, reading, and talking!
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Tuition is $299 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.
Instructor: Lindsey Royal Wayland — email me with any questions: hello@lindseywayland.com
This seminar will meet on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
Live Seminar via Zoom 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Central Time
Tuition is $299 USD