Workshops & More

In addition to writing published works, Dennis Maulsby conducts a variety of writing workshops, book signings, readings, and public appearances. Below are current available workshops. For pricing and other information Contact Dennis.

Haiku: Understand Them, Write Them

Time: Workshops may be structured from a single two-hour session to a more in depth series of sessions totaling six hours. Class limit: 15.
Cost: Contact for quote based on distance traveled and number of participants
This course will examine how these popular short poems (three lines or less) generate an ‘aha’ response from readers.

In a relaxed group, setting participants will practice writing haiku and some of its many variations, discovering ways these short forms give insight into creating the poetic moment. No poetic or writing background required. The course is structured for both beginners and those wishing to improve their grasp of the form. Participants will take home a workbook of handouts and reference materials.

The Continuing Evolution of the Haiku

Time: Approximately ninety minutes.
Cost: Contact for a quote based on distance traveled and number of participants.

This workshop traces the continuing evolution of the Japanese Haiku form. From a structured three-line alternating five-syllable, seven-syllable, five-syllable version describing human interaction with nature, it has evolved into various free-form versions. Most recently, haiku authors are writing genre versions: Saifiku, horrorku, and fantasyku. 

The evolution is illustrated with numerous examples throughout the presentation. Attendees will leave with a beginning knowledge of how to write the form. Materials provided include a copy of Maulsby’s chapbook KU and a list of references and journals accepting genre haiku.

Verbal presentation entitled “It’s All Around Us.”

This short talk, running twelve to fifteen minutes, describes how poetry permeates our lives — many times without our notice. It is almost impossible to go through a day in modern society without reading or hearing poetry. Unbelievers will become convinced.
Cost: Normally no charge.

The presentation is especially designed for clubs and organizations that meet for breakfast or lunch and need a short program.

Revise, Rewrite, Rework

Time: Course normally runs four three-hour sessions.
Cost:  Contact for quote based on distance traveled and number of participants.

In a relaxed group setting, participants in this creative writing course will be introduced to an eight-point format for revising their writing, whether poetry or prose. Revising the first drafts of drafts of authors’ work is the time where everything should be made more vivid, more coherent, and more powerful.

The course is structured for both beginners and those wishing to improve their ability to polish their writing skills. Class members will take home a workbook of handouts and reference materials. Participants will bring to the first class samples of their current writing: no more than two pages of poetry (single spaced) or four pages of prose (double spaced).