The Mind at Work: Writing the Literary Essay

The contemporary literary essay serves as a designated space to try, fail and try again. It is a venue for interior wandering, questioning, doubting and prioritising inquiry over definitive answers. Widely regarded as the most private of literary exercises, essay writing requires vulnerability, exhumes parts of the self for the reader, and demands radical trust. A compelling essay mimics the experience of watching another mind at work. Over the course of this workshop, participants will examine masterworks by Teju Cole, Kristin Dombek, Jenny Erpenbeck and Kate Evans to observe how these writers trial their thoughts before testing their own. Through exercises, diagrams, arguments and punchlines, participants will have the opportunity to develop new work. Course requierements: bring pen and paper or a fully charge devide to participate in the writing exercises.

You Will Learn:

• The breadth and scope of the literary essay
• How moving from concrete details to abstract reflections can build a sense of intimacy
• The value of a community of readers whose aspirations align with your own
• ​​To honour the elements of every life, no matter how grand or small, that make for compelling writing

About the Tutor:

Raeden Richardson is a writer of essays and novels. His debut novel, The Degenerates was nominated for the Miles Franklin Award, the ALS Gold Medal and the Voss Literary Award. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, his writing has appeared in New Australian Fiction, Meanjin, Griffith Review and The Sydney Morning Herald.