Poetry Month is Coming

Tom Roby and Jenene Ravesloot are proud to announce a very exciting set of writing workshops as part of the Chicago Public Libraries’ 2014 Poetry Fest.  The workshops will explore and discuss writing skills and poetic techniques, including often overlooked

ones like the use of effective titles and vocalization.  Three of the four workshops are scheduled from 1-3 pm for the first three Saturdays in April at Sulzer Regional Library.  Each will focus on one of the basic activities in creating poems: inspiration, formulation, and presentation, using an aspect of the general topic of Spring in Chicago.  These workshops will culminate in a performance in which the poets will read their completed poems from 12-1 pm in the Harold Washington Library Center as part of the Poetry Fest events on the final Saturday of National Poetry Month.  The performances will be backed by the improvised sounds and music of Omniphonic’s Lem Roby on his synth guitar. Since the workshops are dialogic and cumulative we are asking for a commitment to all four workshops from the participants, if possible.  These are open workshops.  We look forward to seeing you there. 

Poetry Workshop Series
Engaging the Muse in Spring I
Tom Roby & Jenene Ravesloot

Saturday, April 5, 1 PM
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 North Lincoln Avenue
Free Admission

Poetry Workshop Series
Engaging the Muse in Spring II
Tom Roby & Jenene Ravesloot

Saturday, April 12, 1 PM
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 North Lincoln Avenue
Free Admission

Poetry Workshop Series
Engaging the Muse in Spring III
Tom Roby & Jenene Ravesloot

Saturday, April 19, 1 PM
Sulzer Regional Library
4455 North Lincoln Avenue
Free Admission

Poetry Workshop Performance
Engaging the Muse in Spring IV
Workshop Participants

Saturday, April 26, 12 PM
Harold Washington Library Center

400 South State Street

Free Admission

Another Poetry Event

Antler & Jeff Poniewaz, Two Milwaukee Poet Laureates in one day?
Saturday May 3, 2014; Unity Temple, 875 Lake St. (Kenilworth & Lake) Oak Park, IL (2-4 pm & 8 pm).
Antler Workshop, 2-4 p.m.--(Tickets $15 now available - order now as space is limited)
Jeff Poniewaz Reading?doors open 7:30, open mic 8; Feature at 9

Open Mic Saturday, March 8

Monthly Open Mic beginning March 8, 2014 - sponsored by Naperville Writers Group (NWG), Illinois State Poetry Society (ISPS), and Poets and Patrons of Chicago.

Time: Second Saturdays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Wicked Good Café, 790 Royal St George Dr #140, Naperville, IL 60563
(331) 457-5566. The café is easily accessible from Ogden Avenue and there is a big parking lot.

Authors and poets are encouraged to present their short works for eight minutes or less. Poetry, reflections, flash fictions and excerpts from longer stories are ideal for this event. Since children might be present at the venue, readers are requested to be considerate. The event will be mildly moderated.

Poetry Events in March

Dear Poets -

March is coming up fast and so are several submission deadlines.  Get moving and don't miss out on the following:
March 1st - submit poems about Animals (30 lines or fewer) for joint ISPS/Highland Park Poetry display at the Highland Park Public Library. Visit www.highlandparkpoetry.org for details.
March 3 - deadline for 2014 Poetry Challenge.  This year's options: Colors, Fairy Tales & Legends, and Cinquains.  Submission guidelines and entry form attached.
March 13 - deadline for East on Central.  Visit www.eastoncentral.org for submission guidelines and entry forms.
Jennifer Dotson is offering Poetry Writing Workshops on Tuesdays in March from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.  Workshops held at comfortable and conveniently located Coldwell Banker Office at Second Street/Laurel in downtown Highland Park.  Cost is $20/session or $75 for all four.  Space is limited so register now by contacting jennifer@highlandparkpoetry.org.

NW Suburban Poetic Moment Meetup presents "Fun & Games" - Pam Larson facilitates a free writing workshop in Rolling Meadows on March 2 at Coffee Planet.  See attached flyer for details and how to rsvp.

Highland Park Poetry presents two (2) fabulous poetry events in March:


Friday, March 14 at 8:00 p.m. at The Art Center (1957 Sheridan Road) - Donna Pecore Reading & Poetry Open-Mic.  Donna Pecore reads from Bindle Stick, winner of Journal of Modern Poetry Book Award published by Chicago Poetry Press.  Copies available for purchase.  Refreshments served.  Poets may bring up to 6 poems to share.


Saturday, Amrch 29 at 8:00 p.m. at Madame ZuZu's (582 Roger Williams Avenue) - Tania Runyan Reading & Poetry Open-Mic.  Highland Park Poetry welcomes back prolific poet/author Tania Runyan.  Her recent publications include Second Sky and How to Read a Poem.  Poets may bring up to 6 poems to share.
BONUS OPPORTUNITY - Poets may participate in Highland Park Poetry's Synesthesia Project at both of the events.  This is a stimulating exercise inspired by the surrealist poets that will expand your mind and your imagery.

Please share this information with other creative folks you know!

Many thanks,
Jennifer
www.HighlandParkPoetry.org

ISPS Poetry Critique March 1

Dear Poets,

The Illinois State Poetry Society will be having a poetry critiquing meeting on Saturday, March 1, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple Street.  Bring 8 - 10 copies of up to 2 poems, a food item to share, and a drink for yourself.

The Hinsdale Library is located just one block north of the Metra train station.
Caroline Johnson
http://jupiter-caroline.blogspot.com

Indiana State Federation of Poetry Clubs Contest

Hello Poets.

I hope you had a good weekend. This is Caroline Dewey, Contest Director for Indiana State Federation of Poetry Clubs (ISFPC).

Our 36th Annual Fall Rendezvous Contest brochure has been printed, and is going out for competition. You can be part of this excellent contest.

We have over 16 forms of poetry represented, two anonymous sponsorships, interesting subjects called for, and a highest prize ever, with our #1 Category on friendship (see brochure); First Place award = $250.00; Second place prize = $150; and Third Place = $100. Now that is lovely!

Several other notable and exciting categories are contained. We achieved more categories this year than in the last two years at least, resulting in sponsorships for 31 categories! One category specifically names a high school teacher, who is being honored. Have you ever had a teacher who made a great impact on your life?!  This was that perfect reflection. We hope you try your hand at this contest, as your writer mentor would be proud.

If you have questions or comments, please private e-mail or call me. I would be happy to answer.  Entries begin being received beginning July 1st. Please have your membership in before the new (July 1st) period, to be counted as an ISFPC member (at the reduced rate), all other non-members may enter at the slightly higher amount. Have some fun and enter. Thanks. Happy writing, and wishing you the best! Have a great day.

Open Mic March 8th

Dear Poets and Writers, Come join us on March 8 for the first ever open mic in Naperville!!

Monthly Open Mic beginning March 8, 2014 - sponsored by Naperville Writers Group (NWG), Illinois State Poetry Society (ISPS), and Poets and Patrons of Chicago.