Joshua Turek Weekend Poetry Workshop on Zoom May 30&31

The purpose behind this two day online gathering is to encourage you to ponder, inspire, and concentrate deeper into writing poetry. We use the word poetry but it's about any writing as a companion to your life.

Whether you are curious about picking up a pen, already scribble as a therapeutic outlet, or have ambitions of sharing your work at a larger scale, this gathering’s goal is to nourish your resolve and awaken new channels of expression. The tone will be encouraging and welcoming. I’ll dig into personal experiences and revelations from a lifetime of writing and learning far outside of academia. 

I’ve managed to sell thousands of my self published poetry books and it's allowed me to meet a lot of cool people simply because my words have resonated with them. Writing poems will be highlighted as a bridge from us to others and to different parts of ourselves. We'll focus on the pleasures of self interrogation and translating magic from the world around us.

In this remote workshop, much of our time is dedicated to writing exercises to awaken your impulses and carve out space to simply get words onto paper. We find all kinds of side doors in through our conversations and sharing. Participation makes this workshop energizing. You make the workshop.

Poetry is not outdated nor inaccessible, mine have reached millions of people. In an age of frazzled attention spans, this craft of verse still cuts through the din. I think writing and reading poetry is one important method for how we retain our minds and hearts. 

This will be an approachable course for people of all experience levels and requires only an inclusive spirit and the interest in contemplating creativity and sharing pieces of our lives together. 

Only 30 spots available. This is an intimate but varied workshop and capping it at this number allows an ideal level of personal feedback and participation.

Zoom Workshop Schedule

Day 1 - May 30, 2026 10am-1pm PST

I’ll be sharing prepared words on why we write, how to keep our morale going through the trials of creative and professional frustrations, the worthiness of inspiration, and the blessedness of forging our identities as poets. You will introduce yourselves and discuss poetry in a friendly structure. We will do several short but effective writing exercises and engage in the acts of practicing what we preach. I will also touch on the practical matters of sharing your work. Even if that's not your end goal, it's worthwhile to consider this lane in the process of continuing to grow as an artist. We will also have time for Q&A and conversation, more writing, followed by a light homework assignment (relatively painless don’t worry). I will also be open to discussing social media, sharing any tricks of the trade on growing an audience, and perspectives on how to deliver your words to the world. Self publishing is also something I can discuss and have much to contribute on the topic.

Day 2 - May 31, 2026 10am-1pm PST

Exercises to motivate and sustain writing. Sharing of homework and group discussions on how engaging other forms of visual media can work in tandem with your poems. The group discussion will inform a significant part of this day and poetry will emerge. We often run longer on this day too for those who wish to continue past the end time. 

Sign Up Below: 

(Please read all FAQ’s prior to payment and joining the class)

What does the weekend workshop cost?

$50-100 sliding scale low income, (no proof necessary)

$150 suggested price

$250 benefactor price to help offset sliding scale

When is the sign up deadline?

Deadline to sign up is day before the workshop starts or when full.

What do I need to bring?

It’s on Zoom so be with trusted wifi and device. A pen and pad of paper next to you. An open attitude. Water. Caffeine. Etc. We will break briefly each session.

Refund Policy?

All sign ups are final and no refunds. Poetry is subjective, so sign up trusting it can go any way but know that the instructor will be giving his all to the process. In case of emergency all considerations are at discretion of instructor. Also any behavioral disruptions and harrassment of any kind will not be tolerated and any dismissal from the class will not be refunded. Entrance and remaining in workshop are at the discretion of instructor who believes it will all go well!

When Will I Have the Zoom Link?

Link to the workshop will be sent out an hour prior to each session to the email address given upon signing up.

*How to Sign Up and Pay to Ensure Spot*

1. Venmo, Zelle, or Paypal payment to links below

2. Then screenshot (or show proof of payment) and email to: acalmquietplace@gmail.com keep in mind that this email thread you create will also be where you get the Zoom link sent on the day of the workshop.

Payment Links:

Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/JoshuaTurek

Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/joshuaturek

Zelle: acalmquietplace@gmail.com 

Pay on Site: Options for credit card payments in the products page https://joshuaturek.com/buy-books

*Very Important* Remember to email me after payment with proof to ensure spot and email for the Zoom link.