How to Haiku with Maeve O’Sullivan

Course Summary

Haiku is the shortest and one of the oldest poetry forms in the world, having originated in Japan in the 17th Century. It is primarily a nature poem but can also be used to describe human situations. In this introductory workshop, you will get a short history of the form, with examples from classical and contemporary haijin, and learn some key techniques for writing and editing haiku and senryu (human-nature haiku). You will also be encouraged to go on local ginko (composition strolls) on which you will seek and hopefully find inspiration in the sights, sounds and smells of early summer. 

Note 1: Only haiku and senryu written on the workshop will be discussed

Note 2: Workshop notes and resources will be emailed out to participants afterwards.

Course Outline

Day One:

Hour 1: Introduction to haiku & its history, with examples

Hour 2: Preparation for a ginko / composition stroll in your own locality and editing of haiku from it (with a Plan B for anyone who prefers to stay on Zoom)

Hour 3: Conducting of a workshop of some of the haiku from today’s ginko. 

Also suggestions for haiku journals for reading and submissions.

Day Two:

Hour 1: Introduction to senryu (human-nature haiku) & its history, with examples

Hour 2: Preparation for a ginko / composition stroll in your own locality and editing of senryu from it (with a Plan B for anyone who prefers to stay on Zoom)

Hour 3: Conducting of a workshop of some of the senryu from today’s ginko.

Also suggestions for senryu journals for reading and submissions.

Course Outcomes

It is hoped that participants will come away from this course with: 

A strong knowledge about, and understanding of, haiku & senryu, their history (in Japanese and in English), and how they differ from other types of poetry.

Confidence in their ability to read haiku & senryu in a meaningful way, to write and edit their own verses to a good standard, and to have an idea where to submit them.

Maeve O’Sullivan’s poetry and haikai (haiku and related forms) have been widely published, anthologised, awarded and translated. She is the author of five collections from Alba Publishing, the most recent of which is Wasp on the Prayer Flag (2021). Maeve is a professional member of the IWC and a long-term member of the British Haiku Society. Maeve writes reviews and features for various journals. See more at Maeve O’Sullivan’s website.