The Walt Whitman School Of Poetics

The Walt Whitman School Of Poetics was founded by Lawrence Johns in 2004 to strengthen the role of the poet in American society and to provide innovative poetry lessons online. We take our inspiration from Walt Whitman, who broke the rules and invented the American poetic voice, and take our mission to be the discovery and development of this unique personal inventiveness in every student. Poetry is simultaneously power and intimacy, idea and feeling, conception and expression, and our customized courses enable you to present the ideas and feelings you want to express in their most effective form. The Walt Whitman School Of Poetics welcomes students of all ages, vocations and backgrounds. We at WWSP believe that poetry, like music and athletics, encourages well-rounded development in children and adolescents. Adults from all walks of life, often far removed from their academic days, find great personal satisfaction in the creation of their own poetic style. Walt Whitman did it his way, and our goal at the WWSP is to guide you through the forests of style, technique and content as you become a poet your way.

Instruction at The Walt Whitman School Of Poetics is based on private online tutorials designed to fit the needs and busy schedules of our students. Just as no two poets are alike, no two courses are alike at WWSP, and our tutorials reflect your goals.

A selection of poems by WWSP students is published yearly.

Our Personal Poetic Services

We believe that the presence of a poet can make every important event more exciting and memorable. Throughout Western Culture the Poet has been a key fixture at historic personal and civic events. Lawrence Johns and the staff of WWSP provide this poetic service in person or online for weddings, funerals, graduations, civic & corporate gatherings, parties, etc.---essentially any function you would like immortalized in verse.

Cost: Personal Poetic Services start at $250. Available in person, and online. For more information and details, please email info@consciouspublishing.com.

The Online Introductory Course

This course is recommended for those starting out or starting over with poetry. We will read up to three of your poems and provide constructive criticism online via email so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of your efforts.

Please send your submissions to info@consciouspublishing.com

The Poetics Course

For those that have completed the Introductory Course or have writing experience we offer a customized online tutorial based on your needs and desires. From overcoming writer's block to technical advise on work in progress---and everything in between---WWSP designs a customized program for the amateur and professional poet to solve the problems presented by the art of poetry. The Poetics Course starts at $250 for a three-month course. For more information please contact info@consciouspublishing.com.

Editing

For poets who wish to have their manuscripts edited by Lawrence Johns and the staff of WWSP.

Cost is $75 per hour. For further information contact info@consciouspublishing.com.