February 20 (evening), 21 and 22 (daytime), 2026
Get into the spirit of creativity with a group of poets writing and sharing work in the newly restored Bishop House, where the renowned poet wrote many of the poems in her landmark collection, North & South. Just as Bishop harnessed her powers of concentrated observation, so too will you: through prompts, communal writing time and lively discussion you will be encouraged to dig deeper into the creative well.
Led by multi-genre author Rosalind Brackenbury, former poet laureate of Key West, this weekend intensive will leave you with a batch of new poems and refreshed ideas about what to do next. Modeled on workshops taught by Sharon Olds, Rosalind will establish a safe atmosphere in which students explore personal experiences by engaging in what Olds called “pleasurable daring.” Following craft discussions and prompts, you will write new poems together and read them aloud, focusing attention on the musicality of the language. Participants will share comments, guided by a recommended critique structure, with the writer of the poem speaking last. Before class begins, students will send Rosalind a poem to acclimate her to your style. This intensive is open to poets with all levels of experience and is limited to twelve students.
All classes will be held at the Elizabeth Bishop House, 624 White St. During work sessions/ lunch breaks you can choose to stay in the Bishop gardens, return to your home, or go a local café/ restaurant. Cost: $440
Friday February 20
5:30 – 7:30 pm: Getting to know each other, establishing workshop guidelines and warming up with a prompt
Saturday February 21
10 am – 12 pm: Craft discussion and readings
12 – 2 pm: Working lunch break
2 – 4 pm: Reconvene at Bishop house to workshop new poems
Sunday February 22 10 am – 12 pm
10 am – 12 pm: Craft discussion and readings
12 – 2 pm: Working lunch break
2 – 4 pm: Reconvene at Bishop house to workshop new poems
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Rosalind Brackenbury has spent a lifetime tracing the threads between place, memory, and the human heart. Born in London and educated at Girton College, Cambridge, she has long been drawn to the stories that shape who we are — the layered narratives of family, culture, and geography. For more than thirty years, Rosalind has made her home in Key West. The island, with its shifting light and vivid sense of place, has shaped much of her recent work. In recognition of her literary contributions, Rosalind was honored as Key West’s Poet Laureate from 2015 to 2017.
Rosalind’s work spans poetry, novels, short fiction, and literary biography. A two‑time Creative Writing Fellow at the College of William and Mary, she has led poetry and prose workshops across the UK, US, Spain, and Australia. In May 2026, Rosalind will serve as one of the guides for Coming to Our Senses, a week‑long retreat in Arles, France, designed to explore creativity, deep listening, and mindful reconnection. Her teaching philosophy is simple and generous: every student carries their own creative voice; the work lies in helping them discover it.
REGISTER NOW – limited to twelve students
