A Bermudian self-published poet will be leading a series of poetry workshops this summer — aimed at teaching people the fundamentals of writing and performing.Yesha Townsend, who recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music composition from McNally University, also serves as the education coordinator for Chewstick’s youth spoken word and poetry club, ChewSLAM.She will be starting her Masters programme in Creative Writing in the fall.Ms Townsend, 26, will be facilitating the workshops, starting tonight, for writers aged 19 and up. She wants people to be able to use this time to explore themselves, both as artists and individuals.“I don’t want to build poets. I am trying to help build good people,” she said. “Poetry and writing is a tool for self-exploration. You can write a good piece of work, but if you don’t feel anything or feel changed by anything what was the point?”She is also hoping people will leave with more confidence in their ability and trust in their work and its ability to stand on its own.“I also want them to have a little more courage to write outside the box and completely eradicate the box and find their own voice,” she said.Ms Townsend said she always loved creative writing growing up, but her passion was taken to a whole new level as a teenager when she discovered poetry and rap.These days she has self published two books, including her latest called Cross Hatching.Though the workshop is mainly geared towards poets, she also hopes to be able to work with rappers and other creative writers throughout this summer.The workshops, produced by the Chewstick Foundation, will include an overview of successful performance techniques and strategies used by classic and modern writers.Organiser Deidra-Lee Bean encouraged people to come with an open-mind and a willingness to participate.She said: “These workshops will be dynamic and engaging; the first covers the elements of writing and questions why we write, followed by a workshop in trusting self in creating and editing.“Be prepared to share, learn and drift from your comfort zone as the workshops will not just focus on the aesthetics of writing but also the act of writing and it’s physiological effects upon you.”Participants will meet every other week on either Tuesdays or Saturdays at Chewstick Headquarters on Court Street, Hamilton.Each workshop is $30, but there is a discounted price available if you sign up for all three. There will also be a special price for members.Space is limited so sign-up early.For more information call 292-2439 or e-mail info@chewstick.org.