Poet shares love of written word

Dr Beatriz Copello, an Argentinian-born poet, playwright and psychologist based in Australia, leads a group of students on Oct. 6 in one of the first workshops to open the week-long Ubud Writers and Readers Festival 2005: Creative Modern Poetry for Publishing and Performing.

Copello's key objective for the one-day workshop, held at the Left Bank, was in "getting people to write", with an emphasis on encouraging the use of their subconscious in the process.

Beginning with an overview of the technical aspects, or theory, of writing, Copello also introduced practical techniques to increase output, such as sensory input, visual stimulation and word-association.

Students were guided through an exercise in comparative analysis, with a focus on creative elements in modern and post- modern poetry, while they also composed their own poetry to present to their peers for feedback.

The group of aspiring poets was comprised of Indonesian, American, Australian and Canadian nationals, who emerged from the session seemingly having established a bond among themselves as well as with Copello, although one participant commented that the workshop could have been extended over two days.

"They were an excellent group," she said. "I enjoyed the workshop very much... I wish I could come every year. I love Bali, I love the people (here)."

With a doctorate in Creative Arts majoring in creative writing from the University of Wollongong, a leading university just outside Sydney, Copello joined the festival for the first time this year - and on her own initiative, having followed its development on the official website.

"I came for love of writing. I came for love of Bali," she said. -- The Jakarta Post