"Organic Poetry" Workshop at Doe Bay on Nov. 29

Paul Nelson will give a poetry workshop on “The Personal Mythology of Organic Poetry” at the Otter Lodge at Doe Bay Resort on Sunday, Nov. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Paul Nelson worked in radio for 26 years, earned his M.A. from Lesley University in Organic Poetry, and his first book of poems, A Time Before Slaughter, was published by Apprentice House of Baltimore this October. It is a serial poem re-enacting the history of Auburn, Washington, where he lived for 17 years.

Who are you now and what are you becoming? To what are you training your attention? The process of training your ear to capture the chaotic energy of the moment, “Organic Poetry,” is where composition’s an occasion of experience.

This entertaining workshop for serious and open writers of all levels of experience includes sound from interviews with poets like McClure, Myles, Rothenberg, Ginsberg, Waldman, lively discussions and exercises designed to help the act of writing be exhilarating revelation of content

Cost $35 (enrollment limited to 15) Two scholarships are available.

To apply, email two pages of poetry (tops) by deadline, Nov. 15,  to Paul Nelson (splabman@yahoo.com), and he’ll pick the winners by Nov. 22). Sign up with Paul Nelson via email; or pay directly with cash or check at workshop.

Chicago native Nelson is also a teacher and co-founder of SPLAB!. He’s interviewed Allen Ginsberg, Anne Waldman, Michael McClure, Jean Houston, Rupert Sheldrake, Wanda Coleman, Matthew Fox, Jerome Rothenberg and others for a syndicated public affairs radio program.

Also, on Monday Nov. 30, Nelson is the featured guest reader for the Artsmith Salon at Doe Bay Cafe. Workshop participants are encouraged to share their writing at the Salon open mic. Participants staying at Doe Bay Resort receive 25% off low-season rates. Call 376-2291 for reservations.