Queens Writes Weekend: Astoria Park, May 21, 2017

Stephanie Laterza is the Site Captain for the Poetry Writing in Astoria Park event taking place on Sunday, May 21, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

I am so excited to be a Poetry Site Captain for Queens Writes Weekend! On Sunday, May 21, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., I’ll be hosting a poetry writing workshop at Astoria Park. Writers of all levels are absolutely welcome to join. Everyone should meet in front of the Astoria Park sign at the 19th Street entrance between Astoria Park S. and Ditmars Blvd. Rain location TBD.

I chose Astoria Park not only because it’s a beautiful, pastoral part of our neighborhood, but for the inspiration it’s always provided me when writing my own poetry. The workshop will be a very casual gathering in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere. I ask that everyone please bring along a notebook and a pen for the fun writing prompts. I am looking forward to see what everyone creates and hope everyone will enjoy the time we spend reading and writing poetry!

Throughout the workshop, we’ll be reading examples of various poetic forms, including haiku, cinquains, and Shakespearean sonnets. We will also look at some examples of free verse poetry, including a couple of my own poems published in Literary Mama and the San Francisco Peace and Hope literary journal. Once we’re done reading each type of poetic form, I will assign a prompted theme for the group to keep in mind when writing their own poems. So, for example, after we read a Shakespearean sonnet, I will assign the theme of “love” for the group to consider when writing their own love sonnets. Once everyone is finished writing their poems, everyone will have the opportunity to read aloud what they’ve written in an improvised open mic format. Reading will be absolutely optional, so for anyone who would prefer to listen, that’s totally fine too. The purpose of this workshop is to learn about, share, and enjoy poetry.

I can’t wait to celebrate Queens Writes Weekend with our thriving literary community! Hope to see everyone there!

Thanks, Stephanie!