Award-winning writer Constance Alexander will teach a virtual poetry workshop, via Zoom, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, for WKMS, the public radio station at Murray State University.
“Everyone has a voice and a story to tell. So, whether you’re a well-established poet or have never written a line before, you’re welcome to join in this virtual workshop with award-winning poet Constance Alexander,” organizers said in a Facebook post. “Just bring your creativity and an hour of your time to go through some step-by-step activities to improve your poetry game.”
Alexander, who is a Hoptown Chronicle board member and columnist, has led several popular workshops in Hopkinsville.
The virtual workshop is a companion piece to the radio station’s annual observance of National Poetry Month in April. The theme this year is “family” in all forms, including chosen families. Participants can join the Zoom session using this link.
WKMS also invites residents of the region, including those in the Hopkinsville area, to submit their original poems to be broadcast during “Poetry Minutes” that will air at 8:43 a.m., about 12:20 p.m. and 3:48 p.m. every weekday in April.
There are no rules for the format, but a poem must be 30 to 45 seconds long when read aloud. Participants can record their reading on a smartphone and use this link to submit a poem.
Anyone needing assistance with a recording should reach out to the station manager, Asia Burnett, at aburnett2@murraystate.edu.
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.
