Dear Writers,
I am really excited about the workshop I am offering this winter. Please join me!
Kate
Compression, Lightness and Agility: Lessons from Prose Poetry
for Writers in All Genres
NOW: *9* Meetings
Wednesday evenings
January 22 – March 26, 2014 (no class February 26)
As writers, we—like Elizabeth Bishop, in her prose poem Strayed Crab—often “admire compression, lightness and agility, all rare in this loose world.” The prose poem is a form that relies on these attributes. What can a study of the prose poem teach us about writing for maximum impact, in all genres?
In this workshop, we’ll explore the particular nature and power of the “proem.” We’ll read a variety of prose poems as well as selected essays that expand our understanding of the form. We will continually ask: What is a prose poem? Where does its essential drama originate? How is it like and unlike its short-form siblings, flash fiction and flash creative nonfiction? And how do short prose works in any genre operate differently from their long-form cousins? We’ll try our hand at short prose in class each week. Participants are invited to write in any genre and/or across genres as desired. We’ll expand our craft toolboxes as we enjoy playing with the magic of the brief prose work.
Textbook(s): The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Prose Poetry, ISBN 978-0-9789848-8-5 (suggest buying from the publisher directly)
Details: Each meeting, we’ll enjoy discussion of that week’s reading selection, which we will have read in advance. Next, we’ll spend time writing new drafts and sharing them (if we wish), as we respond to a prompt related to that week’s discussion topic. The final two meetings of this class will focus on supportive workshop critique of participant manuscripts. This class will be facilitated in the AWA method, in which all shared writing is treated with respect and honor. The focus is on the writing itself, and the writer will learn what is strong, what is memorable, and what people admire in his/her first-draft work, as well as receive supportive feedback and strategies for continued work on the submitted manuscript. No one is required to submit a manuscript. Manuscripts will be distributed, and read through once, before the night of their discussion; manuscripts limited to one piece of prose (or portion of a piece) per person (up to eight double-spaced pages, size 12 font) per course—OR—for poets, limit is up to three poems, with the one poem to be workshopped in class placed on top (eight pages total max, double spaced, size 12 font). Talk casually with other writers as you connect more deeply in our writing community. Snacks and tea provided.
Class Size is Limited: This private workshop is limited to 9 participants, plus the facilitator. Writers in all genres and at all levels are invited to participate.
How Do I Reserve a Space? Email asche (dot) kate (at) gmail (dot) com. I will send you a brief registration form. To complete registration (and reserve your place), please mail your completed registration form to me with payment. Registrations are accepted in the order received.
Workshop Cost and Payment Due Date: NOTE: Costs are different from past workshops, to reflect the additional class meeting. The cost of this 9-week workshop is $285 for returning students (if postmarked by 1/8/14) or $285 if postmarked 1/9/14 or later. The cost is $299 for new students (if postmarked by 1/8/14) or $315 if postmarked 1/9/14 or later. Payment due at time of registration. (Referred by a friend? Ask about my referral program—you may both be eligible for discounts!) **Note: PayPal and credit cards are now payment options; there is a small processing fee. For details, email asche.kate@gmail.com.**
Time and Location: We will write together at the ThinkHouse Collective (1617 18th Street in Sacramento) on Wednesday evenings. Our social time begins at 5:45 p.m., with class beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m. until around 8:45 p.m. If you wish to participate but cannot arrive before 6:00 p.m., please discuss with Instructor. Permission for late arrival may be granted at Instructor’s discretion, but no discount or make-up instruction will be given for time missed.
Happily, Sacramento and environs were well represented at this year’s event. Sacramento’s three literary journals–
