SUNSET RESET Workshop Series

Write Bloody PRESENTS
Sunset Reset
a poetry centered creative writing workshop for writers
with author, comedian and poet Derrick C. Brown featuring Dr. Mindy Nettifee and TV writer Ed Voccola
Join us online at 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Pacific Time. Four Sundays in April.
ARE YOU READY?
Are you ready to enhance your poetry, get published and improve your delivery? Want to conquer writer's block and explore unconventional paths like TV and humorous poetry writing? We're here to guide you. Get insider tips on getting published and winning contests. Let's infuse a little "woo" into your poetic arsenal. Let the journey begin!

Week 1: Creative Writing for Poetry

  • Introduction to the course, goals and fellow sunset pals
  • Understanding the essence of making poetry more powerful
  • Expanding poetic devices: metaphor, simile, imagery, 
  • A writing exercise to spark creativity and experimentation
  • Getting your writing life together, goals, sorting your system
  •  Visualization exercise
  • Techniques for managing writer's block and overcoming creative obstacles

Week 2: Humor and Writing for TV

  • Using your poetic voice in screenwriting
  • How to deliver your poems for live readings
  • Introduction to writing for television: understanding the medium and its unique storytelling demands
  • Learning about screenplay formatting, structure, and character development
  • Discussing strategies for pitching and selling your poetic work in both non-traditional and television writing realms

Week 3: Mindfulness and Craft

  • Understanding the connection between mindfulness and creativity
  • Exploring mindfulness practices to cultivate a conducive environment for writing
  • Guided meditation and visualization exercises to tap into deeper creative reservoirs
  • Integrating mindfulness into the craft of poetry writing: enhancing focus, clarity, and emotional resonance in your work

Week 4: Inside the Publishing Industry

  • Delving deeper into the inner workings of the publishing industry
  • Navigating the submission process: researching literary agents, writing query letters, and preparing submission packages
  • Understanding contracts, rights, and royalties in publishing and screenwriting
  • Exploring the role of editors, literary agents, and other industry professionals
  • Overview of the publishing industry: traditional vs. self-publishing routes
  • Q&A session with guest speakers from the publishing industry to provide insights and advice

Throughout the course, we encourage active participation, discussion, and collaboration among participants. We provide resources, reading materials, and homework assignments to further enrich the learning experience. And most importantly, foster a supportive and nurturing environment where students feel empowered to explore their creativity and push themselves to make their most unforgettable work.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Are you ready to invest in yourself as a writer? Picture this: a month-long insight-adventure filled with poetic exploration, creativity, and positive empowerment. Welcome to Derrick Brown's Sunset Reset poetry writing course.

Join live, interactive 90-minute classes every week, right from the comfort of your own home via Zoom. With links to each session sent directly to your inbox an hour before the meeting, you'll never miss a beat. It's one day a week for a month, just an hour and a half that will change you as a writer.

This isn't just any poetry class on reflections and mirroring the self, etc. Oh no, this is a transformative experience where you'll not only craft new poetry but also receive invaluable tips to elevate your creative mind. No more hour-long "quiet time" sessions here; it's all about meat and practice.

And guess what? We've got your back, especially if finances are tight. We're offering three scholarships for those who need them, with the gentle request that recipients fully engage in all sessions. Because we believe in your potential and want to see you thrive.

This year, we're spicing things up with three exciting additions: lessons in humor writing in poetry and poetry performance, and insights into the business side of poetry publishing, using your poetry skills for film, and TV writing. Get ready to expand your horizons and explore new avenues of creativity.

And as if that wasn't thrilling enough, we're honored to welcome guest lecturers Dr. Mindy Nettifee (April 21) and TV writer, Ed Voccola (April 14). They'll share their wisdom on screenwriting tips and mindfulness practices, helping you center yourself, ease your mind, and summon inspiration.

But it's not just about learning; it's about creating a space where your creativity can be pushed. Each class includes a holistic component designed to quiet the chatter of the mind and cultivate an environment conducive to creativity. Expect guided meditation, creative visualization, and more.

By quieting distractions, including our inner critic, we create space to tap into our best selves and produce our finest work. If you're ready to fully harness your creativity and unlock your poetic potential, then this is your year. Join us, and let's make better writing together!

To reserve your place (as enrollment is limited), shoot us an email at writebloody@gmail.com and include your name, a brief note about your creative interests, and what you're most looking forward to in the class.
RATE: 250.00 for the 4 week class.
We also accept:

PayPal: writebloody@gmail.com

Venmo: @derrick-brown-4​

Note: Refunds will not be granted, but credits for future classes will be provided.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
Derrick C. Brown is the recipient of the 2013 Texas Book of The Year award for Poetry. A former paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne, he is also the president of Write Bloody Publishing, recognized by Forbes and Filter Magazine as one of the best independent presses in the country. Brown is the author of ten books of poetry. His new comedy album, A Close Shave with Heaven, released on sub-pop, was named one of Paste Magazine's albums of the year. The New York Times describes his work as "...a rekindling of faith in the weird, hilarious, shocking, beautiful power of words." His indie poetry press is over 20 years old that has launched over 165 titles with authors mandated to tour as poets.

TESTIMONIALS
Derrick's River workshop was packed with actionable, practical advice for beating writer's block, and sparking creativity. I found the prompts charged me to write outside of my normal style and I left each session with at least one fresh, dynamic piece I could really feel proud of.
—Megan Zak
This workshop was an amazing opportunity to explore the experience of writing. It provided an engaging cross between writing as a profession as well as a passion. The insights Derrick was able and willing to share from his time spent in this community were entertaining, educational, and invaluable for anyone looking to learn more about the art and practice of poetry.
—Joanna Haas, Fort Lauderdale
The Your River Is Waiting workshop is delightfully jam-packed with generative prompts, illuminating editing exercises and crucial publishing tips. It was the ideal class to shake up my creative practice and reignite a fearless engagement with writing.
—Emily Mundy, Seattle
I cannot say enough good things about the Your River is Waiting workshop. It's by far one of the most inspired writing classes I have ever participated in. Derrick is such a thoughtful instructor and each week's class had wonderfully curated exercises and speakers. My formal training is in writing prose, so presenting my poetry to strangers was a daunting thought. The workshop lent to such an inviting atmosphere, I was never uncomfortable in sharing my work. I've since even started sending off incomplete pieces to friends without hesitation. The writing practices Derrick encouraged us to put into action will no doubt help me in many aspects of my work going forward. If even a tiny part of you is intrigued by the workshop, sign up! You will be so glad you did.
—Michelle Samcoe, Toronto, Canada
Between Derrick's wealth of experience, the amazing guests and hanging with my fellow river rats, my understanding of poetry was constantly challenged, and I found myself waking up each day more inspired to write. You know it's a good workshop when you exit both full and more hungry.
—Glenn Mobley, New York City
Your River is Waiting is the workshop for people who’ve got the chops to write, but need guidance on where to bite down. Derrick Brown uses his wealth of experience, and soothing vocal stylings, to take you through a no-nonsense look at brainstorming, editing, crafting, and publishing poetry. With guests from different arenas of the writing world, he gives you all the juice you need to squeeze something fresh out of your own mind. I spent 10 years writing poetry that never saw the light of day, and after four weeks in this workshop I’d written five brand new poems and shared them widely. 10/10 would ride the river again.
—Chris K. LA
I found Derrick's workshop incredibly fulfilling! The depth of his knowledge and experience, the caliber of guest lecturers, and warmth & openness of the participants kicked me out of a long creative drought. And it was super fun with zero pretension. I couldn't recommend this series more highly.
—Mike Gravagno, Denver
Ever get your mind blown with a magic trick and wonder how the hell it got pulled off? Well Derrick Brown is a magician and a certifiable witch that doesn't hold anything back in revealing a big bag o' tricks in his workshops. He lets us see his early seeds of inspiration, the germination, the growing of it, the trimming and coming to fruition. And he brings in guests like editors and great poets and producers to talk about their process and successful actions. All in all, a great bang for the buck! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
—Conrad Romo