Save the date: "Endangered Music" at Los Angeles AWP

Presentation at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference in Los Angeles:

• Friday, April 1 at 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM

• Room 513, L.A. Convention Center, Meeting Room Level  1201 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Panelists: Annie Finch, Timothy Steele, Dean Kostos, Amanda Johnston; 

moderator Larissa Shmailo.
 

What are the consequences of what Brad Leithauser has termed the "metrical illiteracy" of contemporary poetry in the U.S.? Poetry readership here has diminished, in contrast to the vitality of poetry in countries where formal poetry is strong. Offering controversial views from a now minority aesthetic, panelists will discuss why basic knowledge of metrical analysis and prosody has waned and why accentual forms such as spoken word are popular. We will demonstrate the essential role of rhythm in poetry today and as a tool vital to understanding poetry of the past. Panelists will read their own contemporary formal poetry.

Moderating a Panel on "Metrical Illiteracy" at AWP16 in LA

I was delighted to learn that my proposal, "Endangered Music: Formal Poetry in the 21st Century," has been accepted to AWP 16's program in LA.  The all-star panel includes Annie Finch, Timothy Steele, Amanda Johnston, and Dean Kostos.  Our topic follows.

What are the consequences of what Brad Leithauser has termed the "metrical illiteracy" of contemporary poetry in the U.S.? Poetry readership here has diminished, in contrast to the vitality of poetry in countries where formal poetry is strong. Offering controversial views from a now minority aesthetic, panelists will discuss why basic knowledge of metrical analysis and prosody has waned and why accentual forms such as spoken word are popular.  We will demonstrate the essential role of music in poetry today and as a tool vital to understanding poetry of the past.

If you are in LA next AWP, I invite you to join us.