In the Countryside: A Generative Pastoral Poetry Workshop with Lauren Davis

Begins Saturday, September 5, 2026

Live Seminar via Zoom from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM ET

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Instructor Bio

Instructor Lauren Davis is the author of the short story collection The Nothing (YesYes Books), the poetry collection Home Beneath the Church (Fernwood Press), the Eric Hoffer Grand Prize short-listed When I Drowned, and the chapbooks Each Wild Thing's Consent, The Missing Ones, and Sivvy. She holds an MFA from the Bennington College Writing Seminars. She is a former Editor in Residence at The Puritan's Town Crier, and she is the winner of the Landing Zone Magazine's Flash Fiction Contest. Her stories, essays, poetry, interviews, and reviews have appeared in numerous literary publications and anthologies, including Prairie Schooner, Spillway, Poet Lore, Ninth Letter, and elsewhere. She has earned a Harvard Bok Higher Education Teaching Certificate and has taught creative writing workshops at numerous venues, including Hugo House, Writing Workshops, and the Adirondack Center for Writing. She is the Poet Interview Coordinator and Editorial Assistant for the Two Sylvias' Weekly Muse.

Who is this class for?

This seminar is perfect for writers looking for support and inspiration to get words on the page. Whether you're new to writing pastoral poems or an experienced writer looking for a creative boost, this online writing class welcomes all levels.

What to expect:

Join us for a generative session writing pastoral poems. This genre of poetry explores the relationship between nature and humans, and it often celebrates an idealized vision of country life. Together, we will study the definition, history, and contemporary landscape of the pastoral poem before turning to the page ourselves.

This is a generative, encouragement-focused poetry workshop built around forward momentum and creative confidence. You'll write alongside fresh prompts inspired by contemporary masters, and you'll have the chance to read your work aloud during the session. Instructor Lauren Davis offers feedback exclusively on what is strong and exciting in each piece shared—so the energy of this creative writing workshop stays squarely on what's working and where to take it next.

By the end of our time together, you'll leave with a folder of new drafts and a renewed sense of possibility in your pastoral writing.

What are the writing goals?

In this course, students will write at least six new poems, generated live from prompts inspired by contemporary living poets such as Jennifer Chang, Robert Hass, and Rita Dove. Sharing is voluntary; those who read aloud will receive verbal, strengths-based feedback from the instructor focused on the most compelling elements of their work.

Readings

Readings and prompts will be provided via a handout distributed to participants on the day of the workshop. The session draws on the work of contemporary poets including Jennifer Chang, Robert Hass, and Rita Dove, and the handout includes additional prompts to explore beyond the workshop.

COURSE OUTLINE

Segment 1: The definition and history of pastoral poems

Segment 2: The contemporary landscape of the pastoral poem

Segment 3: Generative writing prompts inspired by contemporary masters

Segment 4: Additional prompts from a variety of sources

Segment 5: Voluntary sharing and strengths-based feedback

COURSE TAKEAWAYS:

• A working understanding of the pastoral tradition, from its history to its contemporary landscape
• At least six new poem drafts generated during the session
• A toolkit of generative prompts, including additional prompts to use beyond the workshop
• Strengths-based feedback that builds creative confidence and forward momentum
• Renewed inspiration and a supportive, all-levels space to get words on the page

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Tuition is $99 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.

ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:

• Instructor: Lauren Davis
• Begins Saturday, September 5, 2026
• Class will meet for one live session via Zoom on Saturday, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM ET
• Tuition is $99 USD.