Guide to the Papers of Stephen K Kelen [MSS 109]

Finding Aid Index Request Information

 

Overview | Administrative Information | Container List

Each Finding Aid can be keyword searched using the Ctrl F function on your keyboard.

Manuscript Name Papers of Stephen K. Kelen
Manuscript Number MSS 109
Last Updated July 2021
Extent 12 boxes + 2 oversize + 1 AV box
Location Special Collections, UNSW Canberra
Abstract Correspondence, drafts and published works, education and teaching papers, materials from Indonesia and Vietnam, financial records and posters relating to Stephen K Kelen's poetry, research and teaching

Collection Subject Type

Literary

Scope and Content

The papers of Stephen K Kelen comprise extensive correspondence with newspapers, libraries, universities, publishers, journals, and magazines, as well as personal communication. Other material includes publications, notebooks, drafts, education papers, and materials collected on Kelen’s travel in Indonesia and Vietnam

Date Range of Content

1983-2008

Biographical Note

Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._K._Kelen

Australian poet and educator Stephen K Kelen was born in Sydney in 1956. He began writing poetry at a young age and won a Poetry Australia prize for young poets in 1973. After studying Philosophy and Literature at the University of Sydney, he moved to Canberra and worked as a Commonwealth public servant and as poetry editor at The Canberra Times. Other occupations included book reviewer, teacher, and literary fellow. As well as publishing his poems in books and anthologies, Kelen’s works (also including short stories and book reviews) have appeared in Australian and overseas magazine and newspapers, and in 2007 Kelen’s collection Earthly Delights was a joint winner of the Judith Wright Prize.

References:
Austlit : Stephen K. Kelen 
https://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/A23129 retrieved 11 August 2020

Australian Poetry Library : Kelen, S.K. https://www.poetrylibrary.edu.au/poets/kelen-s-k retrieved 11 August 2020

 

Administrative Information

 

Access and Copying Conditions

Access: Check with Curator

This collection contains a variety of copyright material. Copyright is held by the creator of each item. Specific conditions for this collection are listed below. If no conditions are stipulated then the standard terms of the Copyright Act apply for published and unpublished items. Digitised material from manuscript collections is provided to clients by UNSW Canberra in good faith for private study and research only, and may not be published or re-purposed without the express and written permission of the individual legal holder of that copyright. Refer also to the UNSW copyright, disclaimer and takedown policy. 

Copying: Check with Curator

Preferred Citation

Stephen K Kelen, Special Collections, UNSW Canberra, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, MSS 109, Box [Number], Folder [Number].

Provenance

Check with Curator

Related Material

The papers of Stephen K Kelen’s father, Stephen E Kelen, are also held by Special Collections, UNSW Canberra at MSS 049

Arrangement

The numbering of the folders in this collection restarts at Box 6

 

Subject Keywords

 

Subjects

Stephen K Kelen, 1956- — Archives

Australian poetry — 20th century

Poets, Australian—20th century — Archives

Personal Names

Stephen K Kelen, 1956-

Occupations

Poets

Authors

 

Container List

 

Box 1

Folder 1

Poetry 1973-1986

‘To the Heart of the World’s Electricity’ - St. Ives High School Magazine, 1973

Folder 2

Notebook : ‘A Weekend in Hell’

Folder 3

Miscellaneous verse, includes : ‘In the Brewery’; ‘The Battered Goalie’; ‘The Golden Age of Television’; ‘To the Heart of the World’s Electricity’; ‘TV or the Bush’; ‘Zen Maniacs’; ‘Swoon Harbour’ and ‘Suspense’  (1970/1980s).

Folder 4

Union Recorder, vol. 56 no. XIII (1976?)

Exercise book - miscellaneous drafts (1978?)

Zen Maniacs’ : cover

Miscellaneous poetry

Folder 5

Essays, prose, verse (1970s) - as a schoolboy, five years old

Folder 6

Miscellaneous poetry (1980s)

Correspondence

Folder 7

Miscellaneous poetry

Folder 8

Exercise book - handwritten poetry, essays

 

Box 2

Folder 9

‘Introduction to the Work of Hugh McCrae’ long essay, February 1989 (Draft form and photocopy of ‘final’)

Folder 10

Hugh McCrae : notes; correspondence (Adrian Mitchell, 30 March 1988); first draft

Folder 11

Hugh McCrae : notes and first draft ‘Interlocking Worlds - Poetic Technique in the Writing of Hugh McCrae’

Folder 12

Manuscript ‘Atomic Ballet’ - poetry

Correspondence

Working notes ‘Eight Months Old’ poetry (submitted to ABC)

Folders 13-15

Journal of handwritten poetry

Folder 16

Poetry drafts

Correspondence (1989 ?)

 

Box 3

Folder 17

Poetry originals 1981 - 1982

Notes for poetry 1988 - 1990

Book Reviews : Scientific Lyricism and  The Death of the Artist as Hero (Bernard Smith) - handwritten

Folder 18

Reviews and related correspondence

Folder 19

Correspondence 1990 - 1991

Drafts of reviews, 1989

Poetry by Arthur J. Sloane ‘Objectif Lune’

Poetry by Stephen K Kelen

Folder 20

Poetry by Stephen K Kelen - includes ‘Atomic Ballet’

Folder 21

Correspondence, 1989 - 1992

Folder 22

Correspondence, 1987 - 1990

Folder 23

Annotated proof copy of To the Heart of the World’s Electricity by Stephen K Kelen

Typed poetry drafts

 

Box 4

Folder 24

Notebook containing handwritten poetry drafts

Folder 25

Notebook containing handwritten and typed poetry drafts

Folder 26

Correspondence from publishers, 1991 - 1992

Folder 27

Typed annotated poetry drafts

Reviews by Stephen K Kelen of : Taming the Great South Land (A History of the Conquest of Nature in Australia,  by William J. Lines; India by Stanley Wolpert; A Review of Poetry Books 1991; Tourism by Bernard Cohen; Heart of Light by Heather Grace; African Silences by Peter Mathieson.

Folder 28

Typed annotated poetry drafts

Drafts of Reviews by Stephen K Kelen of : The Dream at the End of the World by Michelle Green; Tangier by Iain Finlayson; The Falling Woman by Susan Hawthorne; Crime of Neglect by Stephanie Johnson

Folder 29

Typed and handwritten poetry drafts

Notebook containing poetry drafts

Folder 30

Draft of Dingo Sky by Stephen K Kelen - collection of poetry

 

Box 5

Folder 31

Working draft of Dingo Sky by Stephen K Kelen (poetry drafts)

Folder 32

Still Life with Elements - collected poetry. Draft

Folder 33

Dingo Sky, collected poetry by Stephen K Kelen. Draft

Drafts of Book Reviews by Stephen K Kelen : The Fallen Woman by Susan Hawthorne; Crimes of Neglect by Stephanie Johnson; Selected Poems by Ken Bolton; Freeze Frame by David Smith; The Jumping Jeweller of Lavender Bay by Hugh Atkinson; Greater Things by Ray Grant

Folder 34

Dingo Sky - draft - poetry by Stephen K Kelen

Folder 35

Correspondence 1989 - 1993

Folder 36

Book cover design for Dingo Sky (mounted on copy of Marngit by B. Wongar)

Correspondence

Poetry drafts and book reviews

Folder 37

Correspondence, 1992 - 1993

Folder 38

Correspondence, 1992

 

Box 6

Folder 1

Correspondence

Newspapers:

The Age, June 1992 – November 2006, mainly ‘thank you’ notes with poems submitted for publication;

The Australian, undated but probably 1990s, rejected Weekend Australian Review section submissions with items attached, and short notes on compliments slips;

The Canberra Times, September 1992 – March 2001, including a letter to Michelle Grattan regarding setting up a quarterly literary arts magazine;

The Courier-Mail, October 1993 and December 1993, rejected submissions with letters written by Bruce Dawe, poetry editor;

The Sydney Morning Herald, January 1991 - March 1995, mainly agreements to review items for the newspaper

 

Libraries:

National Library, June 1993 – September 1996, letters about invitations, Friends of the Library, submissions for publication, items sent to Stephen Kelen;

University of New South Wales/ADFA, October 1986, March 1992 – October 1995, concerned with donation of papers, employment applications, grants to library

 

Universities:

University of Adelaide, March 2001 – December 2005, letters about doctorate enrolment, thesis program and graduation matters;

Australian National University, June 1993 – June 2006, letters about invitations to events, poetry prizes and submissions, Pandanus Books publication matters;

Letters from Melbourne, Newcastle, Canberra, South Dakota, Sydney, Deakin (undated) and Wollongong (undated) universities, November 1993 – September 2007

 

Book publishers:

Collins Angus & Robertson / Angus & Robertson, March 1992 – September 1995, publication of poetry, memorandum of agreement, anthology proposal matters, submission for publication

Folder 2

Correspondence

Book publishers (continued):

Hale & Ironmonger, October 1988 – September 1996, memorandum of agreement, financial matters, submissions and royalties;

HarperCollins Publishers, September 1993 – October 1995, proposals and ideas for poetry publications;

Letters from Macmillan, ETT Imprint, Bloodaxe Books, Macmillan, Black Inc., Anchor Books, May 1995 – August 2006, project grants, submissions for publication; undated letters from Random House New Zealand, Polonius, DW Thorpe, Round Table Publications

 

Poetry journals and publishers:

Imago, April-May 1994, submissions, payment, rejected poems, with undated short letters;

Meanjin, July 1994 – July 2008, regarding poetry proofs, submissions, payments for contributions, ‘thank you’ notes, with undated letters and brief notes on same as above;

Southerly, December 1993 – December 1996, mainly ‘thank you’ notes for submissions and publication payments; undated letters with returned rejections attached;

Various poetry-related journals’ and publishers’ letters to Stephen Kelen, April 1993 – November 2007, regarding submissions, payments, rejections, invitations, contributions, writer’s residencies, recitals; with undated letters from identified institutions on same subjects

 

Government departmental-type communications:

Australia Council for the Arts, October 1993, May 1994 and April 2006, concerning applications for fellowship, residency and skills and arts development (individuals);

ArtsACT, December 1999 – December 2007, deed of grant/agreement, ACT Poetry Prize;

ABC / ABC Radio letters, September 1991 – August 1993, poem broadcasting offer;

Various Australian and UK (i.e. BBC World Service) letters to Stephen Kelen, September 1993 – November 2007

Folder 3

Correspondence

Personal-type communications regarding poetry:

Geoff Page, Curtin ACT, letters to Stephen Kelen, April 1993 – January 1997;

Various other persons, June 1992 – December 1996 and one undated, mainly opinions, suggestions, ‘thank you’ notes and attached submissions;

Emails, April-May 1995 to Stephen Kelen on poem critiques, suggestions, and visiting writer position at University of South Dakota

 

Personal correspondence:

‘Dear Pistika’ letters, from Christopher Kelen to Stephen Kelen, undated;

Various other persons, June 1992 – June 2006, handwritten, typed, email on poetry and family matters and events, with a few undated letters;

Postcards, greetings cards, birthday cards

Folder 3a

Correspondence

Invitations to poetry festivals, literary events, art-related openings, readings, 1998-2007

Folder 4

Personal – education and teaching

Curriculum vitae and course completion/graduation;

Indonesian language course, Chatswood Evening College and Hunters Hill Annexe (1990);

LGC community education program (1994);

ACT Writers Centre community writing initiative (1997);

Invitations to attend education, cultural and poetry-related functions, lunches, readings, recitals, dinners (mid-1990s)

 

Box 7

Folder 5

Notebooks

Six notebooks containing handwritten ideas, drafts, notes, for poems, literary/prose pieces, reviews. Only one notebook is dated – ‘16 August 1992. Notes for poems & other jottings’

Folder 6

Publications

Stephen K Kelen (editor), (The) Final Taxi Review, Glandular Press (Sydney University, 1981);

Stephen K Kelen (editor), June Poems, poem of the day project 6/2002 (2002), two copies;

Chris Mansell (editor), July Poems, Poetry Espresso, (2002);

Stephen K Kelen, West of Krakatoa, Limestone Press (Ainslie, 1994);

Stephen K Kelen, West of Krakatoa, version 1.1 1995, Limestone Press (Ainslie, 1994);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘When Holograms Kiss: Poetry and Star Trek’, Five Bells: Australian Poetry, vol. 5, no. 3 (April 1998), pp. 4-7

Folder 7

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, Atomic Bullet, draft/galley proofs (1990);

Stephen K Kelen, Dark Matter: poems, draft (November 1993)

 

Box 8

Folder 8

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, Flaming Sands: poems, draft (February 1995);

Stephen K Kelen, Flaming Sands, draft (August 1997);

Stephen K Kelen, Flaming Sands, draft (undated)

Folder 9

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, ‘A Further Existence: Writing Goddess of Mercy’, draft of doctorate thesis, University of Adelaide (c. 2003);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Writing the Goddess’, draft of doctorate thesis, University of Adelaide (c. 2003);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Writing the Goddess’, draft (?) of doctorate thesis, University of Adelaide (2005);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Writing the Goddess’, draft of PhD Thesis, University of Adelaide (undated), pp. 26-72 with changes, annotations

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Poetry in Public’, draft version of Chapter 6 that appears in PhD Thesis, University of Adelaide (undated)

Folder 10

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, Earthly Delights, draft (c. 2006);

Stephen K Kelen, Earthly Delights, draft, missing cover, publication and acknowledgments pages (c. 2006);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘The Wedding’, four draft versions of a short story (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Medan’, short story (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘The Glad Birds Sing: A Review of Hugh McCrae’s Poetry and Prose’, Master of Arts thesis, University of Sydney (n.d.);

Stephen K Kelen (?), ‘Ding Dong Theory’ (n.d.)

Folder 11

Literary drafts

The following four manuscripts despite their different titles may be all versions of one later finished work, due to similarity of cover page and poems used:

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Jack Blizzard’, draft (May 1996);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Coyote Dream’, draft (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Pumpkin Wolf’, draft (undated);

‘S. K. Kelen’ (undated)

 

Box 9

Folder 12

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, Wild Erratic Fancy, draft (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, Wild Erratic Fancy, draft (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, Wild Erratic Fancy, draft (1995);

Stephen K Kelen, Spheres & Sunlight, draft (1995)

Possible working titles for the book published as Trans-Sumatran Highway and Other Poems, Polonius Press (Cook, Australian Capital Territory, 1995)

Folder 13

Literary drafts

Christopher Kelen, Tarot Australis: Boy’s Own Mythologies, draft (mid-1990s? [based on references to Eddie Mabo and Terra Nullius appearing in the notes at end of manuscript])

Folder 14

Literary drafts

Unpublished small anthologies of poems:

Stephen K Kelen, ‘four poems’ (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘The Andromeda Bureau’ (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘engage’, with note that it is entry for Wesley Michel Wright Poetry Prize (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Goddess of Mercy: poems’ (undated);

John Forbes, ‘Roman Poems’ (1994), with inscription to Stephen Kelen on title page

Folder 15

Literary drafts

Drafts of poems (undated), in alphabetical and title order (A-K)

Folder 16

Literary drafts

Drafts of poems (undated), in alphabetical and title order (L-Z)

 

Box 10

Folder 17

Literary drafts

Handwritten notes, ideas, jottings, drafts, (undated)

Folder 18

Literary drafts

Reviews:

Draft versions of Stephen K Kelen’s various book, anthology, poetry reviews that were published in various journals, magazines and newspapers, 1990s and early 2000s;

Reviews of books that were faxed to Nicole Strang (Australian bookseller and publisher), and Bob Hefner (literary editor, The Canberra Times), 1993-1994;

Published newspaper, magazine, journal reviews, April 1991 – October 1995; March 2003

Folder 19

Research materials

File: ‘McCrae Book’ – research materials for proposed book on Hugh McCrae (1876-1958), Australian stage actor, poet and public servant;

File: ‘NSW Premier’s Awards’ – documents and notes concerning the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, with meeting agendas, rules for judging, contact names and addresses, bookings, 2004-2005;

Articles on Stephen K Kelen, Sr. (obituary and excerpt from autobiography, Writers Voice (February-March 2006) and Stephen K Kelen, Jr. (‘A Tuning Fork For Poetry Of Life’, The Canberra Times/Sunday Times, 29 March 1998), with 1987 student ID card, a few photographs and negatives

Folder 20

Financial records

Harper Collins Publishers (June 1993 – September 1994);

Copyright Agency (July and October 1993);

Australia Council Summary of Literature-related Grants (September 1993);

Publishing companies: Federal Capital Press of Australia (July 1993 and September 2007); Rural Press (September 2006 and October 2007); ACT Writers Centre (August 2001), Ulitarra Literary Magazine (April 1994), Newcastle Newspapers (July 1994);

Others: invoice/statement for receipt of poems (August 1993), transport and communications receipt (September 1996), University of Adelaide Doctor of Philosophy enrolment (March 2001), TNT receipt (March 2005), Canopy Tree Experts (October 2005), post office account deposit (June 2006), ACT jury service fee (June 2006)

Folder 21

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, ‘When Poems Collide’ (1994?);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘When Poems Collide’ (1994?), with rejection letter from Reed Books, 19 September 1994;

Stephen K Kelen, ‘To the Heart of the World’s Electricity’, draft (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Outer Moons’ (undated), draft with title ‘To the Heart of the World’s Electricity’ crossed out.

Folder 22

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Outer Moons’, draft (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Outer Moons, draft (undated);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Outer Moons, draft (1994?), with letter addressed to HarperCollins / Angus & Robertson’s Poetry Reader, Mr. John Forbes, 20 September 1994;

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Outer Moons’ (undated), with title and cover pages, and author’s contact details on the front.

 

Box 11

Folder 23

Correspondence

Newspapers:

The Age, July 1998 – 28 July 2003, regarding material submitted for publication;

The Canberra Times, December 1996 – March 2004, mainly concerning poems accepted for publication

 

Libraries:

National Library, June 1999 – November 2003, letters about invitations, Friends of the Library, submissions for publication;

State Library of Victoria, October-November 2003, publication and short-listing matters

 

Universities:

University of Adelaide, July 1999 – September 2004, about book and candidature annual review of progress;

University of South Dakota, August 1995 – August 1999, offers of employment, submission for publication ;

Letters from University of Canberra, ANU, Radford College, University of Otago and Australian Catholic University, 1997 – 2001

 

Book publishers:

Angus & Robertson, October 1993 – June 1995, publication of poetry, Fellowship of ACT Literary Awards, submission for publication;

Hale & Ironmonger, January 1996 – December 1999, citation requests, publishing and book sale matters;

Fremantle Arts Centre Press, December 1997 – March 1999, poetry anthology to be published;

Letters from Ginninderra Press and Macmillan, October 1997 – February 1999

Folder 24

Correspondence

Poetry Journals and Publishers:

Meanjin, October 2000 – November 2004, regarding poetry proofs, contributions, submissions, payments for contributions;

Southerly, March 1999 - October 2004, mainly ‘acceptances of submissions and publication payments;

NCAC: Newcastle Community Arts Centre, October 1999 and undated (1998?), Newcastle Poetry Prize contribution;

Letters from a variety of poetry publishers, June 1997 – September 2004, concerning accepted poems, payments, rejections, inclusions in anthologies;

Various poetry and publication-related letters, February 1997 – July 2002, regarding participation at festivals, celebrations, tours, conferences

 

Government departmental-type communications:

Urban Services, June 2002 – November 2003, mainly ACT Arts Funding Program

 

Personal and employment-related correspondence:

Various persons, June 1994 – December 2003, handwritten, typed, email on poetry and family matters and events, with several undated letters

Folder 25

Correspondence

Postcards, greetings cards, from mid-1990s to early 2000s

Folder 26

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Jack Blizzard’, macroformat 49, April 1997;

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Jack Blizzard’, with correspondence for August 1997 and January 1998

Folder 27

Literary drafts

Stephen K Kelen, ‘This Island Earth’ (1998, 98 pages);

Stephen K Kelen, ‘Spaced Out (undated, 70 pages);

Book review: Steve Kelen, ‘The Death of the Artist as Hero’;

‘Major Creative Work proposal’

Kathleen White, ‘Ratt’;

Untitled prose piece [‘an exegisis for the volume of poems, Goddess of Mercy’];

Rejected poems for publication in Southerly (undated);

‘Summary’;

‘New poems by John Foulcher 19 March 2004’;

Documented with ‘Romanticism’ heading (undated)

Folder 28

Financial records

Teaching/lecturing, Australian Public Service, royalty statement, Fellowship, invoices, for the period November 1995 – April 2003

Folder 29

Publications

Surfers Paradise, nos. 3 (undated) and 4 (Spring 1986), rare magazine of poetry and prose;

Narcissus [ANU student publication], no. 7, 1993, includes ‘Interview Steve Kelen’, pp. 20-23 (undated);

Hobo: Poetry Magazine, no. 9 (June 1996)

Folder 30

Miscellaneous

Invitations to Stephen Kelen to attend various shows, poetry readings, artsACT functions, dinners, including memorial service for Judith Wright McKinney (1915-2000);

ID for Stephen K Kelen: University of Adelaide (2002) and ACT Writers Centre (1998, 2001)

 

Folios

Folder 31

Posters – one A3 size laminated poster titled ‘S.K. Kelen Dingo Sky’; two very large paper posters with headings ‘Evening in the Botanic Gardens’ with poetic verse (undated), and ‘On Asking a Question at an A.D. Hope Reading’ (dated 18 July 1993)

(See Box 14, Folder 39 for additional oversize item)

 

Box 12

Folder 32

Correspondence

Publishing, writing-related correspondence, 17 September 1983; 24 October 1995 – 9 November 2007;

Postcards, greetings cards, birthday cards, 1996-2006, and undated

Folder 33

Newspaper clippings

‘Somerville. The poet problem’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 21-22 April 2001, cartoon, two copies

Folder 34

Publications

Christopher Kelen, ‘Viral Trope’, Angelaki: Journal of the Theoretical Humanities, vol. 3, no. 3, 1998, pp. 69-85;

Cassie Lewis (editor), Poetry Espresso: poem of the day, December 2001, Fremont, California;

Picaro Press publications: Wagtail, issues 1-6, July-December 2001; and Poetry Markets Update, September, 2001

Folder 35

Literary drafts

Prose works: ‘Abstract: A Further Existence. Writing. Goddess of Mercy’, Adelaide University, 105 pages, with annotations, early January 2005;

‘Major Creative Work proposal’, various pagination, undated, with annotations;

Poetry works: ‘Romanticism’, undated with annotations;

Collected poems, November 2001 – 19/20 April 2002;

Annotated poems from a draft manuscript, pp. 18-54 (incomplete);

Annotated poems from a draft manuscript, pp. 62-68;

Other annotated, undated poems

Folder 36

Business papers and financial records

Traveller’s cheques records and receipts for 1998;

Publishing-related receipts, remittances and sample of ANU publishing agreement (sample), early 2000s

Folder 37

Miscellaneous

Brochures, maps, pamphlets, flyers, guides, promotional materials, from Indonesia

Folder 38

Miscellaneous

Brochures, maps, pamphlets, flyers, promotional materials, guides, business cards, admission tickets, souvenirs, from Vietnam

 

Audiovisual material

Box 13

1 Apple Powerbook 150

 

Oversize material

Box 14

Folder 39        

Dingo Sky by Stephen K Kelen - galley proofs (was ‘Valhalla BBQs’) - Angus & Robertson

(See Box 11, Folder 31 for additional oversize item)