Inspired by French structuralists and the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, Nicole Brossard is one of Quebec's most experimental writers. Her poetry is oriented toward exploring the formal, rather than thematic, possibilities of language. She is also known for her active involvement in the preparation of influential literary and feminist publications, films, and conferences.

Brossard was born to Guillaume and Marguerite Matte Brossard in Montreal in 1943. After obtaining her education at several institutions, including the University of Montreal, she taught briefly (1969-1971) and then decided to devote herself to writing, both as a poet and a novelist.

Her first collection of poetry, "Aube à la saison," was published as part of a volume entitled Trois (1965), which also included verse by Michel Beaulieu and Micheline de Jordy. These poems, like Brossard's first full-length book, Mordre en sa chair (1966), bear strong affinities to the poetry of Alain Grandbois, Hector de Saint-Denys...