For a few years now, Constance Alexander has been leading poetry writing workshops in Hopkinsville for a group of people who freely admit they hardly ever write poetry — except when Constance comes to town.
A poet, playwright and journalist, Constance resides in Murray and teaches humanity courses at Murray State University. She also serves on Hoptown Chronicle’s board.
If you haven’t experienced one of her poetry workshops, this week is your opportunity.
The Hopkinsville Big Read poetry workshop, led by Constance and sponsored by WKMS and Hoptown Chronicle, is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at Hopkinsville Brewing Co.
Constance has a knack for drawing poetry out of people of all ages and skill levels. If you think you have no skill at all for poetry, Constance will probably prove you wrong. If you think poetry sounds intimidating, prepare to feel brave.
This is not false praise. I’ve heard these things from a number of people who have attended one of Constance’s workshops. I’ve seen people laughing and crying with emotion as they worked through the prompts Constance provides to get a group writing verse.
We’ll start right at 6 p.m., so come a little early if you want to get a beer or wine before you settle into a seat. (Yes, HBC now serves wine.)
And if you don’t drink or you are under age, you’ll also find soft drinks and bottled water at the brewery. In other words, everyone is welcome, including young writers. I know of at least one high school English teacher who is offering her students extra credit if they participate in the workshop.
Hoptown Chronicle will provide snacks, along with paper and pens for writing.
I hope to see y’all there.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
