POETRY AS TRANSFORMATION (14).png
POETRY AS TRANSFORMATION (1).png
POETRY AS TRANSFORMATION (14).png
POETRY AS TRANSFORMATION (1).png

Poetry As Transformation: Online Poetry Writing Workshop

$400.00

What does it mean to write poetry as transformation? 

Transformation can be subtle or sudden. It can happen when we go through a big change in our lives, like a birthday, new year, or anniversary, or it can happen spontaneously.

We can achieve transformation through writing poetry. This can happen through many avenues, including surprise: when we receive pleasure or delight or a new insight, when we create novel metaphors that change the way we see the world, or when a tricky, stuck emotion finally gets expressed onto the page.

In other words, transformation is about change. And that change, hopefully, leads us to something better, the next stage in our lives.

Hosted by Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus and Founder of The Poetry Vessel, Nathan Hassall, Poetry as Transformation is a poetry writing workshop that focuses on four key areas, based on Nathan’s 18 years of poetry writing, editing, and teaching experience.

Throughout this course, we will: 

  • Use guided meditations to get into a flow state

  • Read and discuss poems connected to each week’s themes

  • Create new poems with writing prompts

  • Share our writing (optional!)

  • Learn “soft-skills” to write stronger poems

At the end of this course, you can expect to have a deeper understanding of transformation and poetry, connect with a new community of other poets and seekers, and emerge with many new poems (2-3 per workshop).

Course Structure:

  • WEEK 1 | Thursday, May 7th (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST): Writing Shadow and Light Poems

  • WEEK 2 | Thursday, May 14th (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST): Writing Dream Poems 

  • WEEK 3 | Thursday, May 21st (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST): Writing Ecological/Nature Poems 

  • WEEK 4 | Thursday, May 28th (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST): Writing Spiritual Poems

Please note that portions of this workshop may be recorded for future educational or marketing purposes. By registering, you consent to being recorded. However, we will never share a clip of your personal sharing without your explicit, additional written permission. Recordings and materials will be shared with participants weekly. Workshop Registration is open to Adults (18+) only.

What does it mean to write poetry as transformation? 

Transformation can be subtle or sudden. It can happen when we go through a big change in our lives, like a birthday, new year, or anniversary, or it can happen spontaneously.

We can achieve transformation through writing poetry. This can happen through many avenues, including surprise: when we receive pleasure or delight or a new insight, when we create novel metaphors that change the way we see the world, or when a tricky, stuck emotion finally gets expressed onto the page.

In other words, transformation is about change. And that change, hopefully, leads us to something better, the next stage in our lives.

Hosted by Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus and Founder of The Poetry Vessel, Nathan Hassall, Poetry as Transformation is a poetry writing workshop that focuses on four key areas, based on Nathan’s 18 years of poetry writing, editing, and teaching experience.

Throughout this course, we will: 

  • Use guided meditations to get into a flow state

  • Read and discuss poems connected to each week’s themes

  • Create new poems with writing prompts

  • Share our writing (optional!)

  • Learn “soft-skills” to write stronger poems

At the end of this course, you can expect to have a deeper understanding of transformation and poetry, connect with a new community of other poets and seekers, and emerge with many new poems (2-3 per workshop).

Course Structure:

  • WEEK 1 | Thursday, May 7th (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST): Writing Shadow and Light Poems

  • WEEK 2 | Thursday, May 14th (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST): Writing Dream Poems 

  • WEEK 3 | Thursday, May 21st (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST): Writing Ecological/Nature Poems 

  • WEEK 4 | Thursday, May 28th (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM PST): Writing Spiritual Poems

Please note that portions of this workshop may be recorded for future educational or marketing purposes. By registering, you consent to being recorded. However, we will never share a clip of your personal sharing without your explicit, additional written permission. Recordings and materials will be shared with participants weekly. Workshop Registration is open to Adults (18+) only.

What People Are Saying

Workshop Reviews

  • “I’ve never taken a [poetry] workshop before, I’m in my 50s, and I came back as soon as I found out there was another one. It was fantastic and Nathan was amazing. Can’t wait for more!”

    - Robert Roman, Producer at Sony Entertainment

  • “Nathan is a sublime poetry instructor, and we’ve had a terrific time reading and writing and getting to know each other. It’s just been a lovely experience. I’m so glad I found this group! Nathan’s workshops are a thoroughly fulfilling experience. I just thought it was marvelous.”

    - Julie Daniels, Voice/Speech Instructor at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts

  • “Nathan believes so deeply in poetry and in the power of the spoken word and in community…With these workshops that he’s given, Nathan nourishes that and makes community possible.”

    - Dr. Ann Buxie, PhD in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, focusing on Hinduism and Buddhism.

  • “The choices of the poems have moved me, and sometimes I find one phrase that brings up a poem for me, so that’s been my favorite part. Nathan has shared an inner obligation to express drive musically. A song to sing, a rhythm to thrum, we listen applaud all that stirs us to breathe poetry into the bright community air. Thank you, Nathan!”

    - Charlotte Ward, Author, MBTI, Neuro-Linguistic Programing, Photo Reading, and Success Unlimited Network expert.

  • “Not only is Nathan a really good poet, tonight’s event was spectacular. We pulled the largest audience we’ve had so far, which is fun to see, and tonight exploring the transformative dark-side was really a fun and interesting experience. The different exercises were fun and engaging and had a great audience response. A good number of people shared their experience, and the whole thing went extremely well, and I was very glad to be part of it.”

    -Gerald Zwers
    Artist, Writer, and Board Member at Studio Channel Islands

  • “I really enjoyed tonight’s [poetry workshop] about writing poetry for transformation. I enjoyed what Nathan said about pausing when you read your work, as that’s an area I really want to grow in. [My favorite part is] just connecting with others in a stress-free environment and learning and creating together.”

    - Jennifer Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist, Artist, Writer, and Board Member at Studio Channel Islands

  • “I love when we do the timed writings. Nathan has incredible prompts, he really puts a lot of effort into his worksheet that he gives us, and brings in wonderful poems. It’s just very rich and inspiring, and makes poetry just sing…I’ve met all kinds of wonderful poets here and I just hope [Nathan] continues doing all his great work in the world.”

    - Tracy Katz, Poet & Creative Writing Instructor

  • “It’s hard for me to be motivated to write but because of the workshops I write regularly. And the sweetness about the workshop is that there’s an intimacy in these classes that I share with everybody who shares their writing that I don’t share with anybody else. When you share your writing, you’re sharing a sacred part of yourself. And because of you guys, I get to do this. I’m honored to be apart of this poet society that Rachael and Nathan have created for our community. They really have blessed us with creativity and sweetness and community.”

    - Debbie Pommer-Siegel, Poet and Yoga Instructor

About Nathan Hassall

Nathan Hassall is an English-American poet, educator, and Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus based in Malibu, California. Hassall’s tenure as Poet Laureate was marked by significant growth for the city’s arts programming, including the launch of monthly community workshops and high-profile events featuring state and national Poets Laureate. His legacy is now physically cemented in Malibu’s Legacy Park via a newly installed poetry stone in April 2026 (pictured).

Originally from Horsham, England, Hassall earned his Master’s in Creative Writing – Poetry in 2018. His chapbook of haiku, dregsongs from blab cartilage, was published by Bones: A Journal of Haiku and featured as The Haiku Foundation’s Book of the Week. His poetry has also appeared widely across international literary journals.

Nathan continues to be a driving force in the local and international literary community through The Poetry Vessel, a company he founded during his laureateship. The organization provides workshops and resources that leverage the transformative power of verse. Nathan also hosts The Poetry Vessel Podcast on YouTube, where he engages in deep-dive interviews with award-winning international poets, artists, and other thinkers.

As a sought-after freelance editor, he collaborates with poets, writers, and entrepreneurs, helping them articulate their voices with clarity and depth—skills he brings directly to his workshops. He looks forward to writing with you soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime here. Enrollment open now with limited spaces.

  • This is a 4-week journey. We meet online once a week for four sessions, with each session lasting 2 hours. Each week focuses on a specific theme of transformation, blending guided writing prompts, brief readings, and group sharing.

    Course structure:

    • Four 2-hour sessions via Zoom

    • 12 participants (optimal for sharing and community)

    • Includes: Session recordings, exclusive video content, reading materials, ongoing email community

  • Our journey is designed to move from the internal landscape to our connection with the wider world. While each cohort evolves uniquely, we anchor our writing in these core pillars:

    • Shadow and Light: We use poetry to navigate the hidden parts of the self, bringing the "shadow" into the light of awareness through creative expression.

    • Psyche and Matter: Exploring the bridge between our inner psychological world and the physical reality we inhabit.

    • Body and Earth: Reconnecting our physical presence with the natural world, using sensory language to ground our personal narratives.

    • Poetry and Consciousness: Investigating how the act of writing actually shifts our state of mind and expands our awareness.

  • We meet online via Zoom. You’ll receive an invitation to the workshop link with further instructions after registration. We recommend finding a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable being vulnerable and creative.

  • We limit each cohort to 12 participants. This ensures an intimate environment where everyone has ample space to be heard.

  • The total investment is $400 per poet. This covers all four sessions, curated weekly resources, and the facilitated group experience.

  • We understand that life can be unpredictable.

    Because our workshop size is limited, each spot is vital to the group. As sessions are recorded and resources are shared weekly, you will have full access to the materials even if you cannot attend live.

    If you need to cancel or have an unexpected emergency, please let us know as soon as possible at info[at]thepoetryvessel[dot]com.

  • We welcome poets of all experience levels. Whether you have a published collection or haven't written a poem since middle school, we invite you to enroll. All participants must be 18+ years of age.