A creative writing workshop led by Ursula Robinson-Shaw
When we think of a short story, we might be forgiven for thinking of an aesthetic surface — an exercise in style, something glossy, contrived, merely accessory. Yet when we write fiction, we’re often encouraged to think first of intention — to ask what is my point?, then to figure out how to make it. Sontag describes style as ‘the principle of decision in a work of art, the signature of the artist’s will’. Will, for Sontag, is the attitude of a writer toward the world — the unconscious sensibility that motors a story. As opposed to work that merely rehashes or reformulates received forms, a stylish artwork expresses volition, or desire.
What does it mean for a story to desire? How important is literary intention to a writing practice? What would it mean to write shamelessly? This workshop will explore alternative approaches to narrative prose writing, aiming to move away from a focus on writerly craft, authority and self-discipline towards a desiring poetics.
The Darebin Intercultural Centre is fully wheelchair accessible, has all gender bathrooms, a prayer room and a low sensory space.
If you would like to come along and require Auslan Interpretation please send us an email at writingprojects@darebin.vic.gov.au.
Register here
Ursula Robinson-Shaw is a writer living in Naarm and co-director of sick leave. Her recent work has appeared in Sydney Review of Books, Cordite, Overland, and Public Books. She is the author of chapbooksYEARN MALLEY (2022) andNOONDAY (2019). She teaches creative writing at the University of Melbourne.
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Intercultural Centre, 350 High Street, Preston, 3072, View Map
350 High Street , Preston 3072
Free to attend but bookings required | Limited spaces available