It’s like a walk-a-thon or telethon. But with poems instead of miles or Jerry Lewis.
The Valley Poetry blog recently featured Leslea Newman (left), Northampton Poet Laureate and launcher of an intriguing blend of artistry/philanthropy: She’s encouraging poets to write 30 poems in 30 days and sponsors to pledge donations per poem.
The 30 Poems in 30 Days Project raises money for a cause (proceeds go to the Family Literacy Project at the Center for New Americans, an educational resource for immigrants and refugees in Western Massachusetts) and it encourages the creation of new poems. At least 30 of them. What’s not to like? You can find a pledge form, along with instructions and writing prompts, on the Northampton Arts Council website.
Similar to the National Novel Writing Month project (which challenges authors to write a 50,000 word novel in November), the emphasis is on speed, quantity, and energy rather than flawless craft (though if you can write 30 flawless poems in 30 days, good on ya!). The poetry drive starts November 1 and ends November 30. Leslea, who is also actively participating and seeking sponsors, will host a reading at Forbes Library, where participants will read at an open mic.
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