"150-Swiftly": A Creative Writing Workshop Inspired by Taylor Swift and conducted by Chi Elliott and Tychicus McClendon

Writers know that music can inspire poetry. Great song lyrics move us, make us wonder, and teach us important things about the craft of writing. This April, we’re leaning into that music-inspired knowledge with a series of 30 writing prompts inspired by Taylor Swift. While they were designed by a poet and a Swiftie, these prompts are easy and accessible to non-poets and non-Swifties alike. We’ll celebrate each day of National Poetry Month with a new song-inspired poem prompt. And we’ll take over the English Department Colloquium to do an in-person writing workshop complete with music, snacks, some Swift-inspired poems written by famous poets, and a friendship bracelet making afterparty.

About the Workshop Title: "Back in 1996, the Notorious B.I.G. rapped, 'escargot / my car go / 150 / swiftly,' and I fell in love with the rhyme strand. In 2025, a Case Western senior—Tychicus McClendon—curated a Taylor Swift “song of the week” playlist to introduce me to one of his favorite musicians. Swift+Swiftly: I heard the rhyme in my head, and this poetry write-along was born.” –Chi Elliott, Professor of English, CWRU.

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Co-hosted with: Explore

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