Chalise van Wyngaardt

What exquisite pain is love, that we insist on enduring it?

Two women fall in love almost instantly, and dive into unblanketing each other's hearts. Upon discovering Poet's deep fear to truly trust, Lyricist takes Wind's suggestion to lead Poet on a journey through a pine forest from her past. Time, conspiring in shadows, stalks always a step behind. 

Hello you. Hey there. Thank you for taking the time to stroll by a project I'm deeply passionate about. 

My name is Chalise van Wyngaardt. I am a poet, writer, theatre-maker, performer, insistent on staying a child who believes in dragons and love. 

I've always written, it's a deep necessity for me. The last four years especially I've been dedicated to the art of poetry. That craft that they call 'the great distillation' has been my survival, my lense through which I see the world, my expression and my love.

I've been performing poetry, performance art and theatre around Melbourne since 2015, including events like White Night, Commonground Festival and Seven Sisters Festival. 

The Poet and the Lyricist is a hybrid script, poetry chapbook (styles ranging from traditional romantic to experimental), and an epic poem.

The fable is a tale of pure love, and the forever imprint it has on us. 

The Poet and The Lyricist is:

• A hybrid script, poetry chapbook (styles ranging from traditional romantic to experimental), and epic poem.
• A contemporary fable that written in romantic style.
• A survival-kit for severed lovers.
• A celebration of queer love and relationship.

Too much queer fiction fetishises or mystifies love between two women, and usually themes the story around obsession or self-discovery. This story shows love between two humans who happen to be female, and explores the innocent aspects of relationship, regardless of gender.

It's nearly ready for publication. It is written, has gone through editing and cover illustration and is currently in design process. I plan on self-publishing and selling the book online, in local bookstores and on my person through spoken word tours in Melbourne and around the country.

How you can help

• Pre-order a copy of The Poet and The Lyricist
• Pledge a donation however much you can afford, in exchange for a personal gift (optional)
• Share this campaign through social media (facebook, instagram etc), talk about it, sing about it, tell your friends through interpretive dance
• Get in touch with me about extra ways you want to support (eg. do you own a venue? Would your regular gig be interested in featuring me as a part of a tour around this book? Do you have a slab of dark mint chocolate to share with me?)

My dream of getting this book out there is only possible with your help.

Actually, my entire artistic career so far would not have happened if it weren't for people giving me a chance, showing up, pushing me, teaching me so many valuable lessons, and supporting my work.

I hope you also believe in the importance of this project and any help at all will be so greatly appreciated.

Warmest love, kindest heart and most dragon-y roar to you.

Chalise

Budget

Illustration (cover + inner) = $600

Design = $750

Print (200 copies) = $1000

Editing + proofreading = $350

Pozible % = $300

= $3000

If we reach over:

$3500 = Funds more illustrations throughout the book

over $4000 = Funds a Melbourne - Sydney launch tour

The challenge, besides the emotional turmoil of writing a semi-autobiographical book about relationship and breaking up, is making enough money to get it out there. I don't make much money in my day to day life, and cannot fund this book by myself.

Publishing The Poet and the Lyricist is for far more than just my own self-satisfaction. It's a care package for everyone who's suffered loveloss, and every queer person who's love has been misrepresented as obsession or lust or enigmatic. 

Love comes from a place of love. Love has no gender.

Warmest love,

Chalise