Richard Maxson continues his boyhood farming tale, reflecting on the harvest of transcendent memories cultivated in an alfalfa field.
Poetry Prompt: The Farm—Endings and Pretending
What poetry can be found in an ending? Can we play pretend long enough to believe? Join Callie Feyen as she writes about disintegrated definitions and why poets make some of the best friends.
The Problem with Laura Ingalls Wilder: part 2, Half-Pint
There is a problem with Laura Ingalls Wilder, nicknamed Half-Pint. It’s the reason readers love her, despite the questions about some of Wilder’s cultural perspectives.
Great Friendship Tales: Provence, 1970—More Than Just Different
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Great Friendship Tales: Through Thick and Thin
Some of the stories we first love have friendship at the core, teaching us something about being a good friend and pursuing a good life.
Poetry Prompt: Farm Blackout Poetry
Not sure where to begin when crafting a poem (or learning about a new concept)? Join Callie Feyen to write blackout poetry from new and unfamiliar material.
The Problem with Laura Ingalls Wilder: part 1, Legacy
Why was the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award renamed the Children’s Literature Legacy Award? It has to do with being eight years old.
Great Friendship Tales: Provence, 1970 Book Club—The Writing Question
One of the most complex and tender questions a writer occasionally faces is “What next?” Join us, along with Julia Child and M.F.K. Fisher, for an exploration of how friendships sometimes give us surprising answers.
Great Friendship Tales: The Power of Sam and Frodo Starts With Tolkien
Some of the most enduring tales ever told rely on great friends, like Sam and Frodo in The Lord of the Rings. Where did Tolkien find inspiration for these characters? You might discover the answers starting with his own life.
Writing Prompt: Play With Your Food
Creative nonfiction writer, Callie Feyen, takes help from poet Tania Runyan to write food poetry. Come along and craft your own poem or story—purple carrots optional!
Children’s Book Club: “Two Friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass”
Drink tea, change the world. Join us for a Children’s Book Club discussion of ‘Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass’ by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Sean Qualls & Selina Alko.
Great Friendship Tales: Provence, 1970 Book Club—Friends With Edges
We begin our book club discussion of Luke Barr’s Provence, 1970, with a look at the arrival of the iconic chefs and writers to the south of France in 1970.
Poetry Prompt: Find a Farm Skeleton
Creative nonfiction writer, Callie Feyen, takes help from poet Tania Runyan to try to write farm poetry. Come along and craft your own (with or without the talking goat.)
Reading in the Wild: July’s Pages
Come learn the secrets of being a wild reader. Or just share your July pages. Megan Willome leads the way, with her July wild reads.
Commit Poetry: Romeo & Juliet’s Two Households
Sandra Heska King winds up her memorization of selections from Romeo & Juliet among crayfish and shoulder-high ferns, considering the divisions of two houses.
TSP #1: Luci Shaw Talks Friendship, Freedom, and Love in a Golden Box
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Pod Club: Hidden Brain’s “Watch Your Mouth”
In this week’s Pod Club discussion, we consider the way that language shapes the way we think and perceive the world (rather than the other way around) with Hidden Brain’s interview with cognitive scientist Lera Boroditsky.
Writing Prompt: Beach Metaphors
How is an exploration on the beach like an experience in a new school, a new town, or a new phase of life? Come write with a beach metaphor!
Writing Workshop: Writing the Journey
Choose the exotic. Or choose the everyday. Either way, take a journey with us, in this special “Writing the Journey” workshop, and step into discovery!
By Hand: Sorting
By Hand is a monthly prompt focused on freeing our words by using our hands. This month, we’re exploring sorting with Megan Willome as our guide.