Elline has cultivated a fan following among aspiring poets in Los Angeles. Her workshops are carefully thought out and tailored to meet the needs of the writers in the class. Elline encourages students to experiment with different ideas and forms. Although I have taken her class several times over, I am constantly learning about new poets, new forms, and new approaches to use for my work. This is a testament to Elline's depth and breadth of poetry knowledge, and her adept ability to impart that knowledge upon her students. 

Annette Wong

My mentor was emotionally present for me, which helped me in those times when I was doubting my writing and, consequently, myself.

Julia Laxer, AWP W2W Mentee, Spring 2015

After having taken a poetry class with Elline Lipkin, I am much more confidant in my writing. Ms. Lipkin's methods include an astute balance of both academic discussion and specific writing feedback. Her teaching style is the embodiment of constructive and insightful criticism. The quality of students she attracts also speaks volumes. I would highly recommend her as a teacher to any poet.

Cybele Garcia Kohel

In addition to being a wonderful poet, Elline is a dedicated and inspiring teacher. I have so enjoyed Elline's Writing Workshops Los Angeles class that I have enrolled in each session she has taught since February 2015.

A.W.

Elline Lipkin's poetry sessions are unfailingly warm and constructive. In her approach to teaching, she holds back from imposing any given style, subject or critical lens on her students' work. Instead, she teaches how to nurture a poem by letting it interrogate itself, in order to answer its own questions fully. Because of Elline's empathy and rich intellectual curiosity, she is adept at inviting students of all levels and backgrounds to join her in the practice of poetry.

Rebecca Henretta

I’ve known Dr. Elline Lipkin personally and professionally for several years and have absolutely loved having her as a poetry teacher. As an educator, Professor Lipkin (Elline to her students) is insightful, specific, and generous. Her love for strong writing is contagious! Dr. Lipkin is a mentor to girls and women of all ages, a loving mother to an incredibly articulate son, and an enthusiast for writers of all stripes. Studying poetry with her was eye opening, as she shared with her students the breadth of her knowledge of styles, schools, and individual writers. Elline is the embodiment of an encouraging teacher and will be an asset to any institution she represents. 

Meg Heffernan

It doesn’t take long to recognize Elline’s passion for poetry. If her encyclopedic knowledge of poets and poetic styles isn’t enough, she can fill you in on readings, submissions, or any of the relevant goings-on within the community. I didn’t just become a better poet studying under her, I became a better student of poetry.

Robert Schreiber

I highly recommend Elline Lipkin's poetry class! It seems to me an emerging poet (or any writer really) seeks encouragement and open-hearted readings in equal measure to insightful critique and practical editing. Elline Lipkin, a working poet, delivers it all.

Elline instantly creates an environment that is honest and inclusive and open to all forms of poetry. She offers wonderful in-class exercises and shares valuable knowledge about craft and intention. Elline provides many articles, links, and books that seem almost like an additional course. She is great at eliciting all of the poets to participate in providing specific and actionable feedback.

Buffy Shutt

Elline’s workshop “Poetry Generator” was an inspirational experience. As an accomplished and well-read poet herself, Elline was able to effortlessly present various forms of poetry written by contemporary poets. Discussing these poems with Elline inspired me to write several new poems (two of them have already been accepted for publication). Our discussions on revision were also very helpful to me. After taking this workshop I am able to see my own work with a clearer eye.

Natalie Marino