Poetry in the
Woods Workshop 2025
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October 4 & 5, 2025
 Eduardo CorralEduardo C. Corral is the son of Mexican immigrants. Graywolf Press published his second book, Guillotine, in 2020. His first book, Slow Lightning, won the Yale Series of Younger Poets competition. His poems have appeared in Ambit, New England Review, The New Republic, Ploughshares, and Poetry. He teaches in the MFA program in Creative Writing at Washington University. He lives in St. Louis. |  Traci BrimhallTraci Brimhall is a professor of creative writing at Kansas State University. She is the author of five collections of poetry, including Love Prodigal (Copper Canyon, 2024). |  Adam VinesVines directs the Creative Writing Program at the University of Alabama Birmingham and he is editor of Birmingham Poetry Review. |
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 Jason Vasser-ElongJason Vasser-Elong is a professor of English and African American Studies in the Pierre Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri – St. Louis (UMSL), where he recently earned a Doctorate of Education with a focus in Educational Practice. He is an applied - anthropologist with a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology with a concentration in African Diaspora studies. He is the author of Shrimp (2Leaf Press, 2018). |  Andrea ScarpinoAndrea Scarpino has published the poetry collections Once Upon Wing Lake, What the Willow Said as it Fell, and Once, Then, and the co-edited anthology Undocumented: Great Lakes Poets Laureate on Social Justice. She received a PhD in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University, and an MFA from The Ohio State University. She is also co-editor of Nine Mile Magazine and served as Poet Laureate of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula 2015-2017. She teaches at St Louis University High School. |  Clayton Adam ClarkClayton Adam Clark lives in Saint Louis, his hometown, where he works as a mental health counselor in private practice alongside his wife, Tina, and their therapy dog, Tank. His latest poetry collection, Auscultate, was published by Galileo Press in 2025, and his debut poetry collection, A Finitude of Skin, won the 2017 Moon City Poetry Award (Moon City Press, 2018). |
2025 Workshop Schedule
PITW Workshop Details: 2025.
Scholarship Opportunity
Scholarships are available for applicants from the St. Louis Region whose combined household income is below $50,000. Additional Student Scholarships will also be awarded.
Member Discounts
Already a member of one of our partner organizations? If not, become a member and still receive the member discount.
No Cost to Apply
There is no fee to apply and the application form takes only a few minutes to complete.
Workshop Breakdown
Flat Workshop Rate: $125
Membership Rate: $75
Student Rate: $50
Scholarships: $0
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If accepted, applicants will be notified of their acceptance rate.
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NOTE: Participants are responsible for travel and lodging costs (where applicable).
More Questions?
Workshop Description
Up to twenty applicants will be selected to join our poets for an immersive poetry workshop on Saturday, October 4th and Sunday, October 5th.
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There will be faculty-led poetry discussions, inspiring nature hikes, open air readings, and participant poetry readings.
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When & Where*:
Day 1 (Saturday, 10/4/25) 10AM - 4PM CST: Workshop will be held at the St. Washington University's Tyson Research Center in the Living Learning Center (10AM - 4PM CST).
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Day 2 (Sunday, 10/5/25) 10AM - 4PM CST: Workshop will be held at the St. Washington University's Tyson Research Center in the Living Learning Center (10AM - 4PM CST).
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Snacks and drinks provided. Dinner will be provided (gluten free, dairy free, vegan).
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* Specific program details with instructions will be sent to all selected participants. Any participant accepted into the program MUST be able to attend both workshop days.
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Selection Process:
Applications for the Workshop can be submitted through this website and will be reviewed by PITW. Applicants are required to complete a short questionnaire and submit a sample of their poetry.
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Timeline:
Applications window will remain open through September 14, 2025..
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Costs:
There is no cost to apply for the Workshop. Eligible applicants will be awarded scholarships (financial and student) and members of our partner organizations will be given a member discount.
Visit the FAQ section below or reach out via email to admin@poetryinthewoods.com.
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You can begin your application by navigating to Apply located on the top menu of the website.
Workshop FAQ
Is there a schedule activities for the Workshop?
Yes, a formal schedule will be made available to all participants who are accepted into the workshop.
There will be organic, faculty-led discussions, inspiring walks/hikes through secluded Missouri woods, dedicated composition time, group workshop where participants can get feedback from peers and faculty, and a capstone campfire poetry reading and wolf howl.
Who reviews applications for the Workshop?
Each application is selected by a member of PITW.
How are faculty selected for the Workshop?
All faculty are selected based on their expertise in the craft. But also, PITW works hard to bring in local and visiting faculty with ties to the St. Louis region. We are also focused on bringing in voices from a wide range of backgrounds and orientations with a focus on inclusiveness. Each year, you can expect to see new faces and names.
Will food/lunch be provided at the Workshop?
Light snacks and beverages will be available all day. Participant may opt to bring their own meals to the workshop.
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What if my application is not accepted this year?
Keep an eye for next year's application window. The seats are competitive, but we also want to extend the opportunity to as many St. Louis Area poets as possible. Also, visiting faculty rotate.
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Also, there will likely be a waiting list. Should an accepted applicant drop out, those on the waiting list will be offered a seat.
If I was accepted and attended workshop last year, can I apply again this year?
Yes.
If I'm accepted, what time should I arrive at Workshop each day?
Workshop participants should expect to arrive a minimum of 1/2 hour before Workshop begins.
What do I need to bring to Workshop?
Participants can bring their own preferred writing materials (including journals, laptops, tablets, etc.). Legal pads and writing implements will be provided.
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Poems for Workshop: Applicants who are accepted will be invited to submit a poem for workshop.
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Dress for the weather: On Saturday, the workshop will hike approximately 3 miles with a moderate elevation increase. Participants are not required to participate in the hike and may instead opt for outdoor composition time. All outdoor activities are subject to the whims of the weather. Participants should check the weather and dress appropriately (a decent pair of sneakers or hiking shoes is recommended) and umbrella in case of rain.
Do I need to attend both days of Workshop?
Yes. Seats are competitive, and PITW wants to ensure the seats are filled.
