Appalachian Center for Poets and Writers (ACPW)
Writers Group sessions are for sharing and support of the local literary arts. The Appalachian Center for Poets and Writers, which has been operating for more than three decades, is a forum where writers may bring works in progress for comment and critique. In addition, public performance events, such as the monthly “Poetry Open Mic” and annual Poetry Month reading during April, are forums to share and enlighten the general public.
The Workshop meeting, which is held the middle Friday of each month, is an opportunity for writers to study and discuss writing as an art, as well as to share their own works with examination and critique. The group is currently (Jan., ’08) discussing “The Poetry Home Repair Manual” by Ted Kooser, Poet Laureate of the US from 2004-2006. We discuss a chapter or two, as it applies to our own current or anticipated work. Participants who wish to share their own work are encouraged to bring about 10 copies for distribution.
The Poetry Open Mic is held at Zazzy’z Coffeeshop and Bookstore, 380 E. Main St., Abingdon (corner of E. Main and Deadmore Sts.) on the next-to-last Friday of each month. This is an opportunity for sharing and listening of primarily original poetry, though favorites are occasionally presented. The public is invited to share either side of the mic.
The Show and Share end-of-the-month meeting, the last Friday of each month, is an opportunity to share original works of poetry and short prose, with limited feedback. The group is usually larger than the workshop meeting, which allows for more presentations of shorter duration. Participants who wish to share are encouraged to bring about 15 copies for distribution.
For further information, contact David Winship at david@winship.us or 623-5643.