Do the Twist: The Art of the Volta: A Generative Poetry Workshop with Alexis Sears (on Zoom)

The volta—a shift in a poem’s tone, emotion, or perspective—is essential to the sonnet. But the

twist doesn’t stop there: any poem or song can pivot when you least expect it! In this course, we’ll

explore how voltas function across a wide range of poetic forms and musical styles, from

Shakespearean sonnets to Eminem bangers. We’ll discuss what makes a volta effective, how its role

has evolved over time, and—most importantly—how we as writers can approach the volta with

intention and skill. How can we introduce a shift that feels surprising yet earned, rather than abrupt

or clumsy? Through analysis, close reading, and writing prompts, you’ll hone your ability to craft

voltas that elevate your work with unforgettable impact.

Alexis Sears is the author of Out of Order, winner of the 2021 Donald Justice Poetry Prize and the

Poetry by the Sea Book Award: Best Book of 2022. Her work appears in Best American Poetry, Poet

Lore, Cortland Review, Cimarron Review, Rattle, and elsewhere. She earned her MFA in poetry from the

University of Wisconsin-Madison and her BA in Writing Seminars from Johns Hopkins University.

Editor-at-Large of the Northwest Review and Contributing Editor of Literary Matters, she lives in Los

Angeles.