Throughout the class, we will use short prompts and exercises to help your creative juices flow into passages that you will be proud to share (or hold on to!) You will learn how to turn fleeting thoughts into writing while experimenting with imagery, rhythm, narrative flow, and other techniques. Instead of learning all the dos and don'ts of poetry, we will use this space to write freely and encourage each other to try new things. You will have opportunities to share your work, talk through your choices, and receive feedback from the class. Sharing is NOT mandatory!As a self-published poet and counselor in training, I value using creative expression to help others connect with their voices and build their confidence and self-esteem. I understand how vulnerable it may be to share your personal thoughts, so my goal is to create an environment that is welcoming, fun, and allows everyone to take creative risks without the expectation of being perfect.I’m Danyelle, a self-published poet, graduate student, and creative who believes that sometimes we discover things about ourselves simply by giving ourselves permission to put our thoughts into words or other forms of creative expression. I published my debut poetry collection in 2022, but writing has been an important part of how I explore ideas, emotions, experiences, and storytelling since my teenage years.My background in psychology has also shaped the way I think about creative expression. I’m especially interested in creating spaces where people can slow down, explore their ideas, and express themselves without feeling like they have to be perfect. That perspective is what drew me to creating this course, not as a place to follow a rigid formula, but as a creative space where people can experiment, find their own voice, and shed any expectations of perfectionism.