Dustin Brookshire

I love inspiring poets to write new poems through the generative workshop process. Poets will leave our generative workshop with three or more first drafts

As a Dolly queen, my specialty is a generative workshop that uses the music of Dolly Parton to inspire new poems. We listen to Dolly’s music, discuss, and then get to writing! To my knowledge, there are only a few others that offer a generative poetry workshop using Dolly as inspiration. (Check out Lynn Melnick. Lynn sometimes offers a Dolly intensive poetry workshop!)

Contact me for rates if you’re interested in a generative workshop for your class, organization, festival, conference, or even for yourself.

TESTIMONIALS

Dustin is a phenomenal workshop teacher; it is always a thrill to watch him to his thing. He is a perfect mix of brilliant editor, encouraging mentor, and honest friend. Students most assuredly come out of any of his workshops with the tools they need to go forward in their poetry with knowledge and confidence.

Lynn Melnick
I’ve Had to Think Up a Way to Survive: On Trauma, Persistence, and Dolly Parton (2023)

Dustin’s generative workshop featuring the ever-inspirational Dolly Parton was interesting, unique, and I wrote poems I would have not written without his prompts. Dustin creates a supportive environment and his enthusiasm for both Dolly Parton and poetry is contagious. Even if you don’t know Dolly’s music, you’ll love this workshop for its creativity and unusual – in a good way! – approach to writing poems. 

Courtney LeBlanc
Her Whole Bright Life (2023)
EIC of Riot in Your Throat

Like Dustin Brookshire, I am passionate about poetry and Dolly Parton, so I knew this workshop would be fantastic and I was right! Each Dolly Parton song that Dustin played for us was followed by a writing prompt. I came away with first drafts of several poems, one of which developed into a finished piece that was recently accepted for publication. Dustin is a wonderful teacher: kind, intelligent, and encouraging. I have been writing poems for more than half a century and this was definitely one of the most interesting and creative poetry workshops I’ve ever attended. I can’t wait to participate in another Dustin/Dolly workshop.

Lesléa Newman
October Mourning, A Song for Matthew Shepard (2012)
I Carry My Mother and I Wish My Father (2021)

Dustin has a way of making you feel like every poem you write, even those poems you aren’t sure about, are a masterpiece-in-progress. Having him in a workshop with you is a gift. He is quick with a compliment and even quicker with a suggestion to elevate your poem. He is the perfect mix of mentor, teacher, and funny friend.

Kelsey Stancliffe
Converse Low Residency MFA Poetry Student