This workshop aims to open a lively, inclusive, & generative dialogue about getting comfortable with writing poetry that takes sex & desire as its dominant themes/concerns. We look at more straightforwardly erotic work, but also widen our scope to approaches that aren’t explicit, couple-centric, or particularly “sexy”. In-class writing exercises & discussions are framed by illustrative examples of what poems about desire & sex can look like, from the sensual to the silly, the profound to the profane. The workshop is for adults aged 18+, & open to all poetry familiarity/experience levels. Come prepared to write! Sharing is optional, but highly encouraged.

Alina Pleskova is a poet, editor, and Russian immigrant turned proud Philadelphian. Her writing has been featured in American Poetry Review, Thrush, Peach Mag, the Poetry Project, and other places. She co-edits bedfellows and is a Leeway Foundation Art & Change grant awardee. Her first full-length poetry collection, Toska, will be published by Deep Vellum in 2023. More at alinapleskova.com or @nahhhlina.