At the heart of all fine writing is a sense of the poetic. Poetry makes the reader experience your writing with all five senses, six when you consider kinetics and rhythm. This class will explore the poet’s tools (metaphor, personification, rhythm, etc.) as they are used in prose/narrative writing, as well as how prose writing can become poetry. Core reading, handouts and discussion will be enhanced by in-class writing prompts and assignments.

Core (required) reading for The Poetry in Prose is Road Atlas: Prose and other Poems by Campbell McGrath and The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje. Students are encouraged to bring samples of their favorite poetic prose pieces or favorite poems to class. All that is required for this class is a desire to write!

Choose one of two class sections: The Poetry in Prose (afternoons) or The Poetry Workshop (mornings).

Note: Albert is teaching two writing classes this week in the tradition of how Norbert Blei, who taught the class for over 40 years, structured the week. Albert will contact students prior to class.

Albert DeGenova began his studies with Norbert Blei at The Clearing in 1996 and began teaching at The Clearing in 2013. A prize-winning poet, writer, editor and publisher, Albert is the author of five books of poetry and two poetry chapbooks. He also worked as a journalist and marketing communications professional. In June of 2000, he launched the literary/arts journal After Hours, for which he continues as publisher and editor. In 2014, After Hours Press published The Professor’s Quarters, student perspectives on Norbert Blei and his class at The Clearing. Albert holds a Master of Fine Art degree in writing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. He is also a blues saxophonist and one-time contributing editor to Down Beat magazine. Albert is now the Executive Director of Write On, Door County.

Level: All Levels