Fire Walk With Me: Putting a Poetry Manuscript Together

So, you have at least 12 poems that you are proud of, and are mulling the possibility of readying your very first poetry manuscript for publication. What are the factors to consider, rather than randomly foisting a bunch of works together?

This question is at the core of this three-week programme as we deep-dive into the process of writing and editing a nascent manuscript – why, how and when to unleash it to the world. We will probe the motivations and mechanics of this exciting, unnerving poetic adventure.

Taking its title from David Lynch’s cult classic Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (1992), this series of workshops will walk you through the various stages of fire-walking through poetic creation and publishing.

This begins with kindling your original spark (trepidation, hope, ego, all of the above); then to rifling through the tinder box of tools for editing and rewriting (via other pop-cultural platforms such as films and music); and finally to polishing the manuscript so that it makes an impression on potential publishers.

Every week, participants will be encouraged to edit/rewrite their manuscript and write new, prompt-led works, and share their poems and opinions on each other’s work.

This workshop is eligible for SkillsFuture Credit and you can apply via https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/training-exchange/course-directory/course-detail.html?courseReferenceNumber=TGS-2025052879. Please note that the additional $4,000 SkillsFuture Credit (Mid-Career) is not applicable for this course.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Cancellation:

The programme can be cancelled or postponed two weeks before the programme date if the minimum number of participants is not met. Participants will be fully refunded for workshops cancelled by us.

Participants who are unable to attend a workshop they have registered for are to inform us of the reason two weeks before the workshop date. They will be fully refunded in the event of extenuating and mitigating circumstances (E.g. illness, bereavement, accidents) . Those who inform us up to 5 working days before the workshop date will receive a 50% refund. Those who did not turn up at the workshop will not receive a refund.

Upon registration, you are deemed to have read and understood the cancellation and withdrawal policy and accept the terms contained therein.

Saturdays, 22 February, 1 & 8 March 2025

10am - 1:30pm

Singapore Book Council Training Room

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Course Fee: $147 - $245

Eventbrite Registration Fee: $4.67 - $7.76

EVENT HAS ENDED

Promotions

Request promo code via email to [email protected] to enjoy:

40% off for students and seniors*
20% off buddy tickets (min. 2 tickets)
20% off past participants of SBC Academy
10% off for Kinokuniya Privilege Card members

* Please be prepared to present your student pass or senior citizen card on the day of the talk for verification purposes.

Learning Outcomes

1. To introduce participants the joys and fulfilment of appreciating and writing poetry
2. To acquire a deeper knowledge of the tenets of poetry so that participants are empowered to put together a manuscript
3. To learn from other art forms such as films and music and be sensitised to worldly inspirations

Course Objectives

By the end of the programme, participants will:
1. Have a refined collection of poetry organized into a compelling manuscript
2. Gain the skills to edit, critique, and present their work effectively
3. Understand the publishing landscape and how to approach it with confidence
4. Build connections with fellow poets and develop a supportive creative community

Programme Outline

First Session: FIRE
You have a chapbook, or a selection of at least 12 poems. Is this good enough? Does it need more work? Where do we go forth from here? This session zooms into the checklist: how to ascertain a coherent voice or point of view, and do the works add up to an awe-inspiring vision? Participants are required to submit their manuscripts before the Session, do some reflection beforehand, before we come to class to start afresh, ready for the fire.

Second Session: WALK
Now that you recognise the areas/pitfalls of your manuscript which need to be addressed, we will go into a deeper level and analyse formal strategies (form, tone/atmosphere, rhythm, imagery, and more) employed. In this Session, we will walk through the process, and imbibe lessons from other books and artforms such as films and music, thus challenging our perceptions of how a manuscript can push boundaries.

Third Session: WITH ME
Is the manuscript ready to see the light of day, and walk with the rest of the world? This Session looks at issues such as how to structure one’s manuscript, and how to pitch to editors/publishers. This involves self-critique and a good hide as you stand apart from your work, and share candid feedback. It will end in a poetry recital where participants will share their takeaways and their newly-minted works.