Autobiographical Poetry
Date:
With:
Madison Godfrey
Rating:
ALL
Summary:
How can you create poems about your everyday experiences that resonate with strangers? In this course, you’ll be guided through readings and exercises that illuminate a relationship between autobiography and poetry. What’s so special about your favourite park? What do you reach for before bed? Is there a shirt you can’t wear without visiting a past version of you? Here, autobiography and memory become tools that construct a strong poetic persona. Lead by Madison Godfrey, the author of Dress Rehearsals, which is described as “a memoir made of poetry”.
Details
This workshop will take place online. Detailed instructions for participation will be provided.
You Will Learn:
- How poems can rework lived experiences into stanzas and similes.
- How the personal can be political, by reading the work of poets who use their own everyday lives as the diving board into complex themes and ideas.
- The role of a poetic persona, as a device used in poetry, rather than a perfect replica of the author themselves.
- Entry points for drafting new poems.
- Strategies for editing, titling, and structuring poems – from someone who works simultaneously as an editor and an author.
About the Tutor:
Madison Godfrey is a writer, editor, educator, and the author of Dress Rehearsals (Allen & Unwin: JOAN 2023). Their writing is described as “sensual and often funny” by The Guardian and “fiercely punk and undeniably powerful” by ArtsHub. Madison has performed poetry at the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral and Glastonbury Festival. They are a previous recipient of the Kat Muscat Fellowship and the Varuna Flagship Poetry Fellowship. Madison lives and teaches on Whadjuk Noongar land.
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.
Venue:
Australia
Contact:
Phone: (03) 9917 8463
Email: [email protected]