‘I think a big part of taking on poetry was realising that poetry was seen as this kind of ultimate kind of language…’
– Raymond Antrobus, writer, poet and educator.
The food of love…
Do you have the soul of a poet?
Explore a world of poetry — from inspiring events and hands-on writing courses to expert advice and top tips from renowned poets. Whether you’re honing your craft or simply soaking in the beauty of verse, you’ll find tools to deepen your understanding and elevate your writing.
At the National Centre for Writing, we’re passionate about poetry. We’re continually growing our resources for both writers and readers with a love for poetic expression, past and present. This is your one-stop shop for all things poetry.
Kickstart Your Poetry (12-week course)
Ready to immerse yourself in the art of poetry?
Blossom as a poet with this inspiring poetry course online. Explore imagery, metaphor, voice, layout, rhythm, and rhyme as you create a striking portfolio of original poems with personalised tutor support.
Led by poet and visual artist Helen Ivory (Constructing a Witch, Wunderkammer: New and Selected Poetry, Elfshot)
Through a combination of insightful lessons, experimental exercises and practical assignments, you’ll gain an understanding of poetry and of yourself as a poet.
Hear from the experts, from published poets to industry professionals:
Poets in conversation: Lewis Buxton & John Osborne on performance, humour, and place
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Norwich-based writers John Osborne and Lewis Buxton discuss writing poetry for page and performance.
12 January 2026
NCW recommends… five poets to inspire your writing
Reading poetry can make a profound impact on your writing, whether you’re an aspiring poet looking for inspiration or you’re a fiction writer who is keen to learn how poetry can improve your writing. Here are five inspiring poets and examples of their work.
22 July 2024
The poetry of motherhood: Erica Hesketh and Jenny Pagdin on language, recovery, and balance
In this episode of The Writing Life Podcast, Erica Hesketh and Jenny Pagdin discuss how their experiences of motherhood have shaped their poetry.
6 October 2025
How to read like a poet
Poet Kathryn Simmonds recommends what to read and how to read it from a poetry mindset.
‘What are you reading? Writers usually ask each other this question when they meet, because every writer is a reader first, (they’re also curious about the way other people write, and the only way to find that out is to read).’
Podcast: Life as a Poet with Raymond Antrobus
In this episode of The Writing Life, Raymond Antrobus discusses the challenges and joys of life as a poet and working in the poetry ‘business’.
3 July 2023
From the Estonian bogs to the Norfolk Broads
Read Penny Boxall’s blog about her collaboration with the Estonian poet Maarja Pärtna, from the Estonian bogs to the Norfolk Broads.
31 May 2024
Podcast: Into the contemporary poetry archive
In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, we celebrate the launch of new poetry archive collection, ‘Towards a Centre for Contemporary Poetry in the Archive’.
4 December 2023
Finding character through voice
Never trust a novelist who says their characters ‘write themselves’.
In this article, award-winning poet and novelist Joe Dunthorne shares his techniques for developing characters and tackles the semi-mystical concept of character ‘writing themselves’.
This article is part of our Early Career Writers’ Resources pack Character, made possible by Arts Council England. Discover more here →
What’s on — upcoming events, workshops & courses
Broaden your mind and writing skills, gain insights from industry experts, and refine your poetry through our upcoming events and practical workshops.
First Steps in Short Form Poetry
Free self-paced poetry writing course.
Super-short forms of writing give us the gift of concision; the ability to drive straight to the beating heart of something.
There are many ways the super-short form can speak to us and, in this course, you will:
- Explore the origins of super-short form poetry
- Be introduced to some of the best super-short poems through history
- Try your hand at writing Haiku, Landay, Kernal, and Tanka
- Invent your own super-short form
NCW Book Club: recommended reads for fans of Lewis Buxton
If you enjoyed Boy in Various Poses, we think you’ll love these books too
22 April 2022
The poetry process with Khairani Barokka
A deep dive into the unconscious process of writing with Khairani Barokka and Rishi Dastidar
21 March 2022
Writing poetry – five tips for staying motivated
‘Make some time to think about your writing, and the things you want to write about.’ – poet Rebecca Goss on staying motivated
16 March 2022
New Ways with Short Form Poetry
Free self-paced poetry writing course
There are new poetic forms, trends and traditions being created all the time. Aki Schilz, editor and poet, has been at the forefront of super-short form poetic trends and is here to guide you through the latest in super-short poetry.
In this course, you will:
- Explore the origins of digital and visual poetry
- Find poetry in unique places
- Discover the buzzing Instagram and Twitter poetry scenes
- Try your hand at creating Dog-Ear, Found, Twitter, and Instagram Poetry
- Join in with the modern digital poetry scene
Translating Science
Translating Science was an experimental collaboration between Norwich Research Park scientists and writers from the National Centre for Writing, turning cutting-edge research into poetry. Norwich Research Park scientists were paired with writers to turn vital research—on health, climate, and biodiversity—into poetry. Through collaboration and creative exchange, the project shows how poetry can bring science to life.
It Comes Through the Air
A Translating Science commission ‘It Comes Through the Air’ from poet Heidi Williamson, inspired by research from Vincent Were.
3 April 2023
Orange
A Translating Science commission ‘Orange’ from novelist and NCW tutor Megan Bradbury, inspired by research from Professor Pete Wilde.
3 April 2023
Hardy
A Translating Science commission ‘Hardy’ from scriptwriter and performer Shey Hargreaves, inspired by research from Professor Anne Osbourn
3 April 2023
Microfictions
A Translating Science commission ‘Microfictions’ from writer and singer-songwriter Jess Morgan, inspired by research from Dr. Bethany Nichols
3 April 2023
Soil Health: Traces of a Beginning
A Translating Science commission ‘Soil Health: Traces of a Beginning’ from author Vahni Capildeo, inspired by research from Dr. Nasmille Larke-Mejía
3 April 2023
‘An Atheist Goes for a Walk in the Woods’ by Inua Ellams
Internationally touring poet and playwright Inua Ellams examines the connection between plot and style.
A story is the telling of a series of connected happenings, and the main events in a story, gathered together, is what we know as plot. The plot typically includes the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution, the bare bones of a story, and every story has a plot.
More for poetry writers and readers
Please note these lists are not exhaustive, check out organisation, prizes and festivals in your local area!
For poetry writers:
- National Poetry Centre celebrates poetry as a highly accessible and democratic art form across Yorkshire, the UK and globally.
- Young Poet Laureate programme seeks to inspire and empower young poets, ensuring accessibility through diversity, education and celebration.
- The Poetry Society is a charitable organisation dedicated to amplifying and support poets both in the UK and internationally, offering education, events, competitions and more for those who love poetry.
- Young Poets Network is an online platform for people under 25 who love poetry, celebrating and inspiring budding, and seasoned, poets.
- National Poetry Library at Southbank Centre is a world’s largest public collection of modern poetry and a dedicated place of study.
Poetry writing prizes:
- National Poetry Competition, run by The Poetry Society, celebrates unpublished poetry. 18+, UK and international entrants welcome. (October)
- Forward Prizes for Poetry is celebrates new poetry as names with international acclaim. Four different categories, run by Forward Arts Foundation. (March)
- Bridport Prize is an international poetry competition with top prize including anthology feature and automatic entry into Forward Prize for Poetry. £12 entry fee. (July)
- Foyle Young Poets Award for poets aged 11-17 years, 15 top winners and 85 commended winners. Free entry. (July)
- East Anglian Book Awards is an annual award celebrating writers shaped by the region of East Anglia. (July)
Poetry festivals:
- European Poetry Festival celebrates poets and poetry across Europe in June and July
- Poetry in Aldeburgh Festival 2025 is a Suffolk-based out-door festival celebrating poetry in November.
- StAnza International Poetry Festival, based in St Andrew’s, Scotland, is a weekend of accessible poetry in March.
One-stop shop for genre
Find all the resources you need for the genres you love, designed for readers and writers alike. From upcoming events, courses and workshops to articles and podcast episodes with award-winning authors and experts, plus how to find support for your writing.
