Lunar Guts: Exploring the poetry process from start to finish

About this event

Maybe you’ve noticed the range of poetry workshops and events on offer in Nottingham but haven’t had the confidence to attend one yet. Maybe you love the idea of writing poetry but don’t know where to start.

Or maybe you’ve already been to a few workshops and want to think more deeply about what you want from your writing, whether that’s performing, getting published, finding a creative community or connecting more fully with your own self-expression.

This workshop, led by Hannah Norris and Esme Rose Marsh (bios below), aims to demystify the poetry world and help you discover what excites you creatively. You’ll be guided through the entire poetry process in a relaxed, low-stakes and non-judgemental environment. Expect: creativity, playfulness, discussion, practical advice, writing time and space to explore your voice.

What you’ll cover:

· Ideas and inspiration with dedicated writing time.

· Finding opportunities to share your work in the future e.g. open mics, submissions and writing residencies.

· Feedback, editing and community.

There will be a 20-minute lunch break from around 1.10pm – 1.30pm. You’re welcome to bring lunch to eat in the room or pop out to buy some.

No experience necessary. Age guidance: This workshop is intended for adults (18+). Lunar Guts is a space for open, honest creative expression and discussions may explore mature themes and personal experiences.

THE TUTORS

Hannah and Esme started out as poetry pals and their friendship and love for each other has blossomed since meeting at a Nottingham Writers’ Studio workshop in 2024. Lunar Guts is their first creative project together and they are very excited!

Hannah Norris

Hannah (she/her) is the founder of Diamonds and Rust, monthly poetry workshops in collaboration with Nottingham Writers’ Studio, now approaching its second anniversary this summer. Hannah describes herself as an ‘obsessive diary writer’ who turns this material into poetry. She started writing poetry to help navigate her grief following a bereavement. She enjoys writing poetry that rips up the rulebook around rhyme, stanzas and line breaks.

Her poetry has been featured in Left Lion, JARG, Streetcake, Postscript, Moonflake Press, Black Cat Poetry Press and on BBC Radio Merseyside. She published her first poetry pamphlet, ‘Incognito Window,’ in 2025 from work created on the GOBS Collective Residency, with support from Bad Betty Press, the Arvon Foundation and Arts Council England.

Esme Rose Marsh

Esme Rose Marsh (she/her) is a writer and artist fascinated by the coalition of memory and truth. She explores these themes in a seven-year running newsletter, I’ve Been Meaning to Say… (now on Substack) and is currently working on a related memoir.

Esme is the former founder and editor of Hook Magazine, a print publication for the spiritually-curious and the consciously-driven. It sold out across 17 different countries and inspired her to launch a workshop series teaching others how to create their own magazines.

Diamonds and Rust is both a creative and social highlight of Esme's month and thanks to the championship of the community, her poetry has made it out of the Notes app.

THE DETAILS:

This event takes place in The Studio at Broadway Cinema and hot and cold drinks will be provided.

No experience needed; all welcome!

Contact [email protected] if you need any more info.