Welcome to April and…

April is National Poetry Month!

Last year I used this month to prep my science fiction and fantasy poetry, including writing several new pieces, for my soon-to-be-released collection, Imaginari. This month, I am planning on participating in a poem-a-day challenge where I write a new poem every day, and I’ll be attending an open mic event at my work. Follow along on my social media channels for updates and snippets of how poetry is going this month for me. I’m also going to have a guest post on my blog each month talking about poetry from the various poetic forms to what poetry means to them.

Also, sign up for my newsletter so you can get notified when my poetry book goes up for preorder, and catch all of the poetry guest posts I have planned through the end of the year!

Step into lyrics of science, science fiction, and fantasy where robots fight for their autonomy, fairies wage war against goblins, and humanity reaches for what awaits them in the stars. This collection of poetry holds a glimpse of the human experience disguised in fairytales and stardust. You will encounter themes that resonate with our reality, such as motherhood, growth, feminism, hope, and nature. Whether you are a fan of epic sagas, whimsical tales, or lyrical reflections, you will find something to spark the imagination in this anthology. Prepare to be enchanted by an invitation to dreams of the fantastical.

The History of National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month was created by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996

National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture and that poetry matters.

https://poets.org/national-poetry-month

It’s now one of the largest literary celebrations worldwide with events such as Poem-a-Day challenges, social media participation with the hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth, and local events on the Poetry Near You calendar.

Why Poetry Matters

For me, poetry is another way for me to express my creativity and find unique ways to communicate. Poetry has everything from rigorous rules for rhyme and syllables, to breaking rules by writing in the shape of a pineapple. This creative expression can invoke joy, sadness, contemplation and I love that you can write about any subject. (Remind me to tell you about the time I wrote a poem about parentheses). And I love the beauty of words – when poems can find unique ways to discribe sights, sounds, and feelings in their metaphors and how the right alleteration or syllable pattern can feel like a dance. There’s music in poetry and there’s raw emotion, lessons and memories. I think poetry is a unique way to see into someone’s expression, and for others to draw an understanding of the world, separate from what can be accomplished with prose.

Scientist and experts seem to agree with me.

• Poetry can move hearts and minds lighting up our language, visual, and memory centers.
• Poetry can help people cope with loneliness or isolation and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
• Poetry can help you communicate: practice reading and writing skills while exploring the relationship between society and self.

Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month

1. Celebrate at Home:
   • Rediscover a poet or poem you’ve read before. Display it or read it with your family and friends. Discuss what it means to you.
   • Use poetry in a new way. Let it inspire you to create art such as a painting or photograph or dance.
   • Sign up for a daily poetry prompt. Some places include: Writer’s Digest 2024 PAD Challenge, Indiana Writer’s Conference, Poetry.org’s Poem-a-Day
   • Attend a virtual event like the Poetry & the Creative Mind virtual gala on April 30, 2024.
     
2. Make Poetry Local:
   • Explore local poetry events on the Poetry Near You calendar.
   • Join a local poetry group or organization. In Indiana, I have the Indiana Poetry Society but you can find other local chapters near you by looking at the National Federation of State Poetry Societies.
3. Introduce students to Poetry
   • Dear Poet project.
     • Poem in Your Pocket Day .
     • Introduce them to new forms, like ekphrastic poetry and write poems in response
4. Collaborate
   • Make poetry or poetic initiatives with others. For some ideas, see my post Unique Poetry Collaboration Ideas.
   • Submit your poem to a magazine that accepts poetry submissions. Maybe you’ll get published! 2024 Poetry Manuscript Opportunities

I’m Accepting Poetry Guest Posts!

Do you write or study poetry? Starting this month, I will have a monthly (if not more) guest post on the topic of poetry. Be sure to follow my blog to get updates on new posts. And if you are interested in being one of the guests, fill out this short form. Topics can range from discussing your favorite poetic forms to what poetry means to you. Have a poetry book? Let me plug that for you on my blog!

Poetry is powerful, pushes boundaries, and enriches our lives. Let’s celebrate it together!