Author Tyler Pennock Joins OpenEd as Creative Writing Instructor This Winter

OpenEd is pleased to announce that creative writer and author Tyler Pennock will be joining the list of experienced instructors this winter. Pennock will be teaching Writing Poetry, an elective course in the Creative Writing Certificate program.

With a bachelor of arts (hons.) from the University of Toronto and a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of Guelph, Tyler brings their knowledge and experience back to the (virtual) classroom.

“Each professor in the creative writing master’s program pushed me in new directions that enhanced my ability to write in any genre,” recalls Pennock. “Writing Poetry will give students a stronger appreciation of the English language, writing in general, and a strengthened ability to communicate using imagery.”

Pennock’s passion for writing came at an early age when their grade five and six teacher read literary classics like A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Telltale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe, and Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Since then, Pennock’s love for writing grew to include genres such as young adult, fiction, and of course, poetry.

Tyler’s publications include their debut book of poetry, Bones, an article entitled 'Endaayaan: My Home. Why Land Matters' for Shameless Magazine, and a creative non-fiction piece called 'Elijah Harper' that was published in Yellow Medicine Review. This past October, Tyler presented poems from Bones during the 2020 Toronto International Festival of Authors. Come February 2021, they will be sharing techniques for writing insightful poetry.

“Every person speaks in a way that is different from you,” says Pennock. “The study of poetry is studying that person’s unique view—understanding something that is unusual to you. Poetry is about slowing the listener down and giving each moment its rightful place to be fully appreciated before understanding the whole.”

Tyler believes that inspiration for poetry can be drawn from anywhere and anyone, which is why their advice for those looking to explore writing poetry includes carrying a notebook, constantly writing thoughts, and trusting your own voice.

“One person’s everyday words can be poetic to others,” says Pennock. “This course will help you understand your voice as much as the voices of others.”

Writing Poetry begins February 3, 2021 and will be delivered remotely on Wednesday evenings.