In this generative writing class, poet Joyelle McSweeney’s vivid notion of the Necropastoral will guide us into creative engagement with environmental writing, mortality, spells, and unconventional poetics. Biological principles such as mutation, contamination, and decay are transformed into artistic forces in works by McSweeney, Don Mee Choi, Kim Hyesoon, Jane Wong, CAConrad, and Maya Jewell Zeller. Their hybrid and haunted poetry and prose will help us explore the paradoxic beauty and harm of climate change, species loss, eco grief, and environmental disruption. What is the power of poetry in decadent times? “It’s what Plato wants to put back in the bottle,” McSweeney says, “the pharmakon—the cure that harms, the poison that heals.” We’ll consume heady draughts of inspiration from readings and discussions, then brew our own unexpected literary elixirs. Access Program We want our writing classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available. Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
A nonprofit literary center in Portland, OR dedicated to engaging readers, supporting writers, & inspiring the next generation with great literature.
