One-to-one surgeries for poets, offering advice on professional and artistic development; support and mentoring in poetry writing; performance technique; entering competitions and submitting to journals; and getting a pamphlet or collection published. You do not have to live locally – surgeries are available over the phone, by Zoom and via email, as well as in person
Qualified counselling support for writers and artists exploring personal experience in their work
Writers’ groups – available at new, intermediate and more advanced levels, always with an eye to individual development as a poet and future publication
Workshops – for groups of mixed ability, with an emphasis on sparking ideas and providing inspiration through a variety of exercises and discussions, as either half or full
day sessions
Manuscript editing and consultation for full-length collections, pamphlets, and individual poems; copy-editing and proof-reading of drafts – to be conducted in person, or via email or phone, as appropriate
Advice and support for schools, community groups and other organisations – we are experienced in organising a range of activities and can tailor an event or project to suit your needs
Here is a taste of a project we ran in conjunction with Poetry Can and Elmfield School for Deaf Children, as part of Paper Nations
Formal consulting services to larger organisations which may deal with such matters as arts and business strategies, management, organisation and operational processes, including individual project development and management
Fees do vary, so please contact us to discuss your specific needs
Silver Street Poetry – we run a welcoming open mic for poets at all levels of development at St Stephen’s Church, 21 St Stephen’s Street, Bristol BS1 1EQ. Sessions are held on the last Friday of the month and run from 12.30 to 2.00pm, with guest poets and the opportunity to improve reading and performance technique. Suggested entry fee: £4 Nearest affordable parking is at the Galleries Shopping Centre, Newgate (or Fairfax) Street, Bristol BS1 3XD.
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Guest reader Chaucer Cameron (photo by Helen Dewbery)
The Leaping Word works with everyone, regardless of their level of poetic development. We are committed to working with people in a fair and equal manner, and in accordance with the law, regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, class, disability or sexual orientation
The personal lyric is omnipresent in human cultures because it serves an essential function: to assist in the survival of individuals as they undergo existential crises.
Gregory Orr
The Leaping Word 