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