about

Come take thE workshop that started it all

Developed through his years working with inner-city students in the Bronx, Willis presents SPLITS and the in-depth analysis of the basics of poetry. Over 5 weeks, students explore structure, point of view, language, imagery, tone, and sound, and discover how poets use these elements to make the poems we love and sometimes hate. Each class includes an opportunity to write and receive feedback from the instructor. Here is the roadmap for our 5 weeks together:

Week 1: Structure
We start by learning the building blocks of poetry: lines, stanzas, and meter, and how a poem's shape and structure can help tell the story and enhance the theme.

Week 2: Point of View
Poetry is often defaulted to the first person (1), but what happens when we shift the lens? We will explore the unique power and emotional depth that the second-person narrative ('You') brings to a piece.

Week 3: Language
We go beyond simple vocabulary. In this module, we explore the concept of a "Speaker's Lexicon"-finding the specific language that belongs to your poetic voice and using it to enhance poetic devices.

Week 4: Imagery
A poem should be an experience, not just a picture. We will practice connecting language to all five senses, moving beyond just sight to create a visceral experience for the reader.

Week 5: Tone/ Sound
In our final week, we bring it all together.

• Tone: We will explore how your feelings about a subject are inferred through the adjectives used to describe nouns.

• Sound: We will examine the power of the operative word' within a sentence, how vowel sounds sit physically in the body, and what those vibrations communicate to the reader about feeling.

Participants will receive live feedback each session, with additional weekly office hours available for premium subscribers.

By the end of the course, you will have an expanded tool kit to help elevate your poetry.

Ready to expand your voice?

Class Dates: Saturdays, September 12–October 10
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET

Join the full 5-week workshop and experience the SPLITS method, where you will expand your poetry by learning the power of a few simple tools.

Upgrade your experience with permanent access to class recordings and exclusive weekly office hours for personalized feedback on your writing and performance. This comprehensive package ensures you never miss a lesson and receive direct mentorship on your developing