Writers Victoria

Why is prose so good at being poetry? That is exactly the kind of leading question you might fold into your next prose poem. In this workshop we will talk about the strange and lively things going on in prose poetry, one of the strangest and liveliest forms of writing around. Everyday language seems able to stand outside itself, becoming an exuberant structure for holding literary deviance and marginal subjectivities. Let’s stand outside everyday language with prose poetry.

You can find details of how Covid-19 restrictions will affect the workshop here: https://writersvictoria.org.au/about-us/covid-19-information/. You are encouraged to wear a mask in the workshop space. The Wheeler Centre’s policy is that close contacts should not attend the building. If you are a close contact of somebody with Covid-19, or have Covid-19 symptoms yourself, please do not attend; please contact [email protected] to arrange a refund in this situation.

You Will Learn:

• Key moments of the prose poem in the western literary tradition
• Key moments of the prose poem in the anti-imperialist, feminist counter-tradition
• Ways into the inherent mystery of description
• Ways into the exquisite power of address
• Ways to write and read your first draft

About the Tutor:

Lucy Van writes poetry and criticism. She is a senior research associate in the English and Theatre Studies program at the University of Melbourne. She was a writer in residence at Overland (2019-2020), and a Melbourne Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne (2018-2019). Her first poetry collection, The Open (Cordite 2021), was longlisted for the Stella prize, shortlisted for the Mary Gilmore Award and highly commended in the Anne Elder Award.

Not a Member?

Members of Writers Victoria receive up to 37% off the full price of our workshops, seminars and courses. In addition, members have access to a range of other discounts and opportunities and receive a subscription to 'The Victorian Writer' magazine. Memberships start from just $50. Find out more about becoming a member here.

Book early to access our early bird prices! These expire 9 days before the course begins. Please keep in mind that our workshops require a minimum number of participants to run, so booking early also helps ensure that a workshop will go ahead. 
When: 21 May 2023 - 10:00 through 04:00 pm
Where: 176 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, 3000
Australia