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Classes & Workshops
Please register below,
or email with your questions.
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A long poem is traditionally 10+ pages in length. It can be lineated or in prose format, it can be in sections, or one rambling poem of many stanzas. There are no rules per se, but there are plenty of ways to tame this long and unwieldy form.
If you have a poem you'd like to write/edit for submission to The Malahat Review's Long Poem Prize (FEB 1st deadline), this is the workshop for you!
If you've NEVER WRITTEN a long poem, this workshop is also for you!
Leading up to each class, we'll read award-winning long poems as structural and technical examples. We'll dive into generative writing, uncover ways to deepen the work, identify possible gaps, and explore ways to stretch the poem. We'll also look at narrative and non-narrative, linear and non-linear methods of writing a long poem.
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Before being invited to join the editorial board of The Malahat Review, one of my poems was shortlisted for the Long Poem Prize. Later, as a poetry editor for the journal, I was part of the team selecting poems for the shortlist. I know what makes a good long poem, and what gets attention in a contest, and I'd love to share this with you!
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WELCOME TO THE GENRE BLUR!
Whether you're a poet, a playwright, a fiction writer or a creative non-fiction writer, you can use each of these four forms to push the boundaries of your own genre. E.g. If you're a poet, you'll write from the perspective of a poet, and use the forms to generate new a fabulous poetry.
Expect ample rule-bending & breaking as we traverse this hybridized world.
WEEK ONE: The Rant
WEEK TWO: The Dramatic Monologue
WEEK THREE: Micro-fiction
WEEK FOUR: The Prose Poem
WEEK FIVE: Fusion, editing, mini-reading.
PORTFOLIO
We'll investigate excellent literary examples of these four forms, including both page and stage versions. We'll dive into writing at least two pieces in each genre (or perhaps eight hybridized pieces!) and aim to polish a portfolio of four short forms over our weeks together.
EXTRAS
Expect pre-class readings via email, in-class handouts andtake-home prompts. After each session is over, I'll offer an extra 30 minutes of editing/trouble-shooting time—open to anyone who'd like 5-10 minutes of one-on-one assistance with their short forms.
This is my favourite workshop to teach! I've taught it at The University of Victoria, I've taught it live and online, and I'm excited to offer it to YOU!
Free Community Workshops Series
with Planet Earth Poetry
(downstairs at Russell Books Victoria)
Recent Workshops & Classes
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