See part one with Zoe Brigley: https://youtu.be/9c6mYXqTHmw In this episode of diVERSES, we continue our conversation with poet Zoe Brigley, shifting the focus toward the craft of community building and the ethics of storytelling.Zoe introduces the concept of the "Sinister Myth"—the idea that some stories can inadvertently perpetuate violence—and discusses her podcast of the same name. We explore the vital role of mentorship in a writer’s journey, sharing the success story of Jane Campbell, and challenge the hyper-competitive nature of the modern writing business.Zoe also offers a powerful critique of the traditional "Iowa Model" of writing workshops. She advocates for a more inclusive, writer-centered approach, drawing on Felicia Rose Chavez’s The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop to propose alternative models that prioritize the poet’s agency and emotional safety.Welcome to Pour Over Poems, where host poet Geoff Anderson invites a poet out for coffee to hear one of their poems and then see where the discussion goes. See part 1 with Zoe: https://youtu.be/DrbwlCYKx-kGet a free podcast/mp3/audio version: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vAdMbaunOPziRoovm0K5P?si=pGDmsZ_1T9qjWzTR7KQeYgIn this video, we discuss:The "Sinister Myth": How stories and mythology can influence real-world violence.The impact of mentorship and building a supportive creative community.Rethinking the writing business: Why competition is the "starving artist's" trap.Critiquing the traditional creative writing workshop model.The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop: Centering the writer’s voice and agency.Practical tips for giving feedback and asking for permission in workshops.Alternative workshop methods: The Courtroom and Index Card models.00:00 - The value of podcasting and finding time to talk.00:25 - Zoe discusses her podcast, Sinister Myth, and how stories can perpetuate violence.02:09 - The importance of community building and the impact of social media opportunities.03:51 - Zoe’s passion for mentoring writers in both the US and the UK.04:53 - A success story: Mentoring Jane Campbell and the publication of Dyland.06:14 - Rethinking the writing business: Moving away from hyper-competitiveness.07:30 - Critiquing the "Iowa Model" of workshops and the need for writer agency.08:25 - Felicia Rose Chavez’s The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop and centering the writer.09:15 - How to ask for permission when giving feedback in workshops.10:58 - Exploring alternative workshop models, including the "courtroom" and index card methods.12:31 - Avoiding workshop "derailing" and keeping the focus on the poet’s goals.