Independent Study is The Poetry Lab’s self-guided workshop format.
These are full-length BrainTrust classes rewound for intentional, self-paced learning. Each Independent Study includes everything you need to move through the workshop on your own timeline — without losing the depth, structure, or rigor of the original live session.
When you enroll, you receive access to a private digital classroom that includes:
The complete workshop recording
The full slide deck
All class materials such as poem packets and links
Related resources for further study
Clear navigation and structure inside a curated Notion workspace
Independent Study is designed for writers who prefer autonomy — who want to pause, reflect, revisit sections, and return to the material as their work evolves.
There’s no Zoom to hop into.
No scheduling conflicts.
No pressure.
Just craft, guidance, and space to write.
For every Independent Study we create an interactive Notion experience.
See the example page below 👇
Browse Study Offerings
Manifesting Through Metaphor
Manifesting Through Metaphor blends tarot symbolism with the craft of metaphor to help you clarify creative direction and generate new work. Through guided reflection and structured prompts, you’ll transform symbolic language into powerful poetic movement.
Instructor: Annie Freshwater
Original delivered January 2026
Runtime: 1h 57m
After This Workshop, You’ll Have:
New generative drafts sparked by symbolic prompts
A clearer sense of creative direction
A framework for using tarot as metaphor (not mysticism)
A repeatable ritual you can return to anytime
Prefer to experience class in real-time?
Independent Study is designed for writers who enjoy moving at their own pace. But if you’re looking for more community, real-time interaction, and the opportunity to ask questions directly, we recommend joining a BrainTrust workshop live.
BrainTrust sessions include:
A guided community check-in
Live facilitation and Q&A
The energy of writing alongside other poets
A sliding-scale price point to keep the experience accessible
If you thrive in shared creative space — or want the accountability of showing up at a set time — the live BrainTrust container may be the better fit.
Explore upcoming BrainTrust workshops and join us in real time:
Exploring Small Poems
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
5:30pm PT - 7:30pm PT
via Zoom
One-Time Generative Writing Workshop