Writing Nature

How do we write poetry about nature in an era of environmental change? How do we bear witness to loss on the one hand and, on the other, explore emerging possibilities for living more creatively in a multi-species world?  What does a sensitivity to the voices of country, to the whispers of memory, and to an appreciation of place open up to us both as writers and as co-inhabitants of this complex landscape? Join presenter Yann Toussaint to explore how creative non-fiction, environmental poetry and ‘the new nature writing’ can help us give voice to the stories of this country and the more-than-human world we share.

Author Biography

Yann Toussaint has participated in threatened bird species recovery projects in Mauritius, India, France and Australia, worked as a Native Title anthropologist, and ran a bush regeneration nursery for several years. He now lives in Albany where he looks after a community garden and teaches Permaculture. Yann has tutored in creative writing for UWA’s School of Indigenous Studies and is the author of a collection of poetry, The Tercel Bird.

These workshops are provided free to the community thanks to funding support from Horizon Power, however if you are able to make a donation your contribution will assist us to cover additional costs associated with the Readers & Writers program including travel and accommodation for some of our visiting authors. Donations can be made in cash at the event or directly by EFT (BSB: 036-150 ACCOUNT: 283565). All donations over $2 are tax deductible. If you make an EFT deposit please include your name in the reference and email us if you would like a receipt.