The Casual Union is a one-year program, running from February through December, with January preserved as a pause for rest and planning. Your access to the member space ends on December 31, 2026.

Our members range from secret poets, newly publishing poets, and those with books and teaching practices of their own. Everyone has participated in at least one course or retreat with Holly, so we have some common ground from the very beginning. The warmth and conviviality of this group is unlike any other. You will belong. The membership is capped to ensure a feeling of intimacy.

Sharing is optional. You’re always welcome to simply listen, write privately, or participate in the chat. At the end of each year, we have a celebratory reading where we present finished work, which is something to work toward, and tends to feel good. Anytime there is an opportunity for feedback, it is carefully facilitated to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

You are encouraged to find your own rhythm by attending when it suits you, without worrying if you can’t be with us every time. Many members find that the regular cadence of the Union helps them return to writing after a pause, (for example, in the height of summer)—but without feeling that they’ve fallen behind. Conversely, some members use this space to maintain a commitment to their writing during those times when it is most likely to fall by the wayside (for example, when kids are home for vacation).  There is no missing, or behind. There is only returning to the work, and enjoying when that feels right. I will no longer be recording Live sessions as an incentive to appreciate the specialness and ephemerality of each gathering when it happens. You can think of it the way you might think about a gym membership. 

Holly opens the space on the Third Thursday of the month with a poem and a gentle invitation to write something new, for those eager to do so. Alternatively, you are encouraged to seize this opportunity to return to an existing draft that may be calling to you, perhaps incorporating some aspect of her provocation, to help you return to the page.

During the final 20 minutes of Studio Time, we hear from members' work in progress. This is optional and does not include critique: only positive support, often in the form of favorite lines and outstanding imagery or music, which is shared in the Zoom chat. Periodically we use breakout rooms to encourage conversations and organic collaborations between members, about current projects.

All of this is facilitated with a sense of safety and belonging in mind.

This time is devoted to writing something new. Holly will open the session with a brief reading, often related to that month's theme, followed by a creative writing provocation and craft focus. We'll use much of the session to move this work forward. Then we'll step back to reflect on the process, and give voice to what's exciting about our early drafts. You can count on this time to energize your practice, even if you haven't written in a while. In 2026 we're adding extra time to make this feel as spacious as possible but if you need to leave early for any reason, you never need to feel bad about slipping out. These workshops take on the First Friday of the month, Noon-1:15 pm Eastern (with one exception: note the calendar dates on this webpage).

Beginning in March 2026, we’ll spend a portion of every other workshop giving a close reading to a poem that has been nominated by someone in our group. We’ll learn to annotate and talk about the work we admire, identifying writing strategies to support our individual writing goals.

We will gently hold the idea of the grower's year as we move through the seasons, planning and tending our writing as if they were tender crops. You'll sense how the themes are woven into our reading selections, craft discussions, and creative and reflective writing provocations.

Within our member portal, you will find an extensive library containing videos from past union workshops, as well as Poetry as Consolation workshops, and highlights from other archived courses such as Other Doors and Mountains and Rivers. Return to these resources anytime you need additional guidance or inspiration outside of our usual meeting times. Reach out to Holly if even you need help with this sort of thing.

Yes, always. You can always reach out directly to Holly if you need a different payment plan than the one that is offered on this webpage.

We'll meet on Zoom to review and edit individual poems or your manuscript in progress, and/or to address any challenges or questions related to your creative process or writing project. These flexible, high impact sessions will leave you feeling encouraged and supported and clear about your next steps.

The only way to work with me (Holly) in a private capacity in 2026 is in one of these sessions, which are priced at $150/hour for CUWP members, or in my sold-out manuscript program.

The Salt Lines Poetry Retreat happens July 10-12, 2026, in Kittery Point, Maine. You can read all about it on this landing page. This retreat is included in the New Member rate. (Returning members must register separately.)