KFPL, Poet Laureate offer opportunities to improve your poetry

One of the jobs of Kingston’s Poet Laureate, Jason Heroux, is to foster creative writing in and about the city. This November, Heroux is offering two opportunities to participate in that creative process with group poetry workshops or a one-on-one mentorship at Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL).

According to a release from the library, every poem unfolds in its own way, and sometimes prompts are the best beginning. The two poetry workshops are based on using poetry prompts, which are concepts or images that provide a starting point for a poem, the library stated. Heroux will work with both budding and experienced poets to show the endless possibilities found through this simple method.

Heroux’s poetry workshop sessions will take place at the Calvin Park Branch from 2 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 12 (register: https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/7130438) and from 7 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 29 (register: https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/7130462). KFPL said that both sessions are identical in content.

Heroux will also offer three one-on-one in-person mentorship sessions on Nov. 22 and 24 at the Central Branch and Nov. 26 at the Calvin Park Branch. According to the release, these sessions are unique opportunities for local poets to fine-tune their work through the advice of an accomplished artist.

Those interested can submit a piece of poetry to [email protected]. Heroux will make arrangements with selected writers.

“Jason is a fantastic creator, library collaborator and member of our region’s rich artistic community,” said Jake Miller, Librarian, Adult Programming. “His workshops were a hit in the first half of 2022, so we had to do it again! The mentorship sessions offer creative minds a chance to analyze their work in-depth. These unique opportunities to improve your craft or ignite creative energy.”