Poetry Alchemy VI

Diamonds and Rust

“Avoid idleness. It is the rust that attaches itself to the most brilliant metals” –Voltaire

During April, National Poetry Month, Susan Lilley has vowed to write a poem every single day, along with some poet friends around the country. This will take nerves of steel and willingness to try anything on days when the muse is on break and there are way too many other things to do. A situation which, ironically, often leads to the best ore for a real poem. Along the way she will collect the best tips and exercises she discovers for the May workshop, and pass on the best-of list. Four exercises during our time together will lead, potentially, to four finished poems. And you’ll have plenty more ideas to take with you.

Note: Participants are asked to bring two books in their possession on any topic—biography, history, cooking, science, psychology, whatever, just not poetry. Curious? Come try some new and mind-opening exercises and make May a poetry extravaganza.

Susan Lilley is a Florida native. She is the 2006 co-winner of the Yellow Jacket Press Chapbook contest for her collection Night Windows. In 2009 she won the Rita Dove Poetry Award and was a recipient of a Florida Individual Artist Fellowship, as well as winning honorable mention in the annual Passager poetry contest. She was an Associate Artist at Atlantic Center for the Arts where she studied with the poet Diane Di Prima. Her most recent and forthcoming publications include The Southern Review, New Madrid, The Florida Review, Poet Lore, CALYX, Minnetonka Review, The Apalachee Review. She has a Master’s Degree in English from the University of Central Florida and an MFA in Creative Writing from Stonecoast at University of Southern Maine. She taught literature and writing at The University of Central Florida for twelve years, and she currently teaches at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, Florida, and is an adjunct professor at Rollins College.

Praise for Susan Lilley & Poetry Alchemy:

“I love Poetry Alchemy!” – B.C. “You can’t beat the price. Compared to college courses or ‘trainings’ it’s well within my meager budget. I know I get more for the money when Susan’s in charge. My least favorite part would be packing it up and going home.” – C.H. “Susan Lilley’s Poetry Alchemy Workshop was just what I needed! I was in a dormant phase, the words were there, waiting to be arranged, but I couldn’t get to them. Susan’s gentle instruction, the energy from my fellow writers and a most congenial atmosphere, opened up the pathway and my thoughts have been streaming onto paper ever since.” – E.L.

Advance Registration Required • Space is Limited • Reserve Early

When: Sunday,  May 16, 2010 from  11 AM to 3 PM

Workshop starts promptly. Please come up to 30 minutes early to network and settle in.

Plan on staying after the workshop for wine, cheese, and chat with Susan Lilley and your fellow poets. It’s a Poetry Alchemy tradition!

Where: Community Clubhouse, Winter Park FL 32792 -  Map and driving instructions

Fee: $65. –  Includes post-workshop wine and cheese.

Register Online:

Fast, secure online payment with a credit card

Register by Mail:

Make your check payable to MAD about Words. (Sorry, we can only take credit card payments online.) Please include your full name, address, phone number and email address. Mail your information and payment to MAD about Words, P.O. Box 5057, Winter Park FL 32793-5057

Terms of Registration: You must be age 18 or older to participate. Special offers and discounts cannot be combined. Refunds cannot be issued for cancellations unless we receive your written refund request one week before the workshop date. Fees for returned checks and cancellations apply. If, at our discretion, the workshop is canceled, refunds will be issued. Your registration is confirmed via email from MAD about Words.