Looking for ways to tap into your memories and turn them into stories or poems? Try heart mapping, a creative exercise in exploring what you hold close.
Poetry, Fiction, or What? “The Long Take” by Robin Robertson
“The Long Take” by British poet Robin Robertson, shortlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize, is a poetry book, a novel, and a noir movie.
Halloween Poetry Prompt: Never Too Old For …
Join Callie Feyen as she confesses why Halloween is a favorite holiday, and also, that she hopes to never grow too old for its make believing.
Paul Kingsnorth: The Poetry of the Future Landscape
The poetry of Paul Kingsnorth is continually looking at the landscape, the landscape of the future superimposed on the landscape of the past.
Poetry Prompt: Fall Invitation Poems
Writer Callie Feyen takes advice from poet Tania Runyan and instead of describing, she invites the reader into a memory of a fall day.
Fall Poetry Prompt: Coming Home Poems
A new name for an old tradition takes author Callie Feyen on a trip down memory lane, and she finds herself at home on a rainy fall evening. Come home, too, with your own poems!
Poetry Prompt: October, Fall, and Foliage “As In” Poems
October, as fresh and beautiful as it is, lends itself to cliche. This week, try an “As In” poem to see and describe October, fall, and foliage in a new way.
By Hand: By Heart—”Ulysses”
By Hand is a monthly prompt focused on freeing our words by using our hands. This month, Megan Willome shares the connection between our hands and our hearts as we prepare to launch By Heart in October.
Poetry Prompt: The Alphabet—Your Name
What poetry hides in your name? Join Callie Feyen for poetry prompts that have to do with the letters that make up you!
A Poem in Every Heart: John Borling, John McCain and the Hanoi Hilton
The late John McCain and his fellow prisoners of war tapped poetry and story between the walls of their cells, making a poem in every heart (and a story in every soul) a key to helping each other live.
World War I: Mary Borden – Nurse, Novelist, Poet
American Mary Borden married a missionary, financed a hospital in World War I France, had an affair, published novels — and wrote poetry.
Poetry Prompt: The Farm—Endings and Pretending
What poetry can be found in an ending? Can we play pretend long enough to believe? Join Callie Feyen as she writes about disintegrated definitions and why poets make some of the best friends.
A Strangely Contemporary Verse Play: “Murder in the Cathedral” by T.S. Eliot
“Murder in the Cathedral” by T.S. Eliot, written and produced in 1935, was one of the last verse plays written for the stage. It is also oddly contemporary.
Poetry Prompt: Farm Blackout Poetry
Not sure where to begin when crafting a poem (or learning about a new concept)? Join Callie Feyen to write blackout poetry from new and unfamiliar material.
Marjorie Maddox and “Transplant, Transport, Transubstantiation”
The poems of “Transplant, Trnasport, Transubstantiation” by Marjorie Maddox take us to the world of change and loss, and what sustains us.
Writing Prompt: Play With Your Food
Creative nonfiction writer, Callie Feyen, takes help from poet Tania Runyan to write food poetry. Come along and craft your own poem or story—purple carrots optional!
TSP #1: Luci Shaw Talks Friendship, Freedom, and Love in a Golden Box
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“Love Songs”: Claiming Sara Teasdale for St. Louis
Sara Teasdale lived 34 of her 48 years in St. Louis; she was born and buried there, and St. Louis can claim her as one of its own poets.
Writing Prompt: Beach Metaphors
How is an exploration on the beach like an experience in a new school, a new town, or a new phase of life? Come write with a beach metaphor!
Writing Prompt: Speckled Scenes
What is mysterious and magnificent about speckles? What excites us about small patches of color on a summer’s evening? Join us as for a speckled writing prompt.