One of the highlights of my writing-year is always the Massachusetts Poetry Festival. I started off as an attendee, then as a museum educator offering drop-in programs that tied the visual to the verbal arts for all ages, and then as an independent poet submitting workshop proposals on ekphrastic poetry.

For this year’s festival, I’m honored and excited to say that I’ve had two workshop proposals accepted! The schedule for the festival isn’t up yet, but sometime during the weekend of May 5-7, I will be offering the following two workshops:

Vincent Callebaut, Amphibious Garden Cleaning European Waterways, http://www.hopesandfears.com/hopes/city/life/215749-solarpunk

On Beyond Giggles: Writing Children’s Poetry

What makes a poem for children successful? Does it have to rhyme? Use short words? Feature at least one thing to gross you out? We’ll look at examples from a number of poets who write for younger audiences, and try out some of their techniques with a selection of writing prompts. Feel free to bring an example of one of your favorite poems for kids to add to the discussion!