A craft talk is an opportunity to think about the way you write, revise, and publish your poetry and prose. Hear from authors Bleah Patterson and Randall James Tyrone in these two special, interactive talks. We'll be in the Ziegler Room at the Fayetteville Public Library.
"Editing for Yourself" with Randall J. Tyrone
On our lifelong journeys of learning how to create art, we gather multiple tools and methods on how to create. However, as we gain more “skills” and create more art, the crafting and shaping process becomes more difficult. Without intentions and goals, the editing process can become endless. You can spend years creating multiple versions of “good” pieces of art, and they can all be valid. But how do you know what is the best version for you? You, as a writer, are no longer just following guidelines and suggestions for making “better” art, you are making decisions for what your art should be.
In this craft talk we will walk through the editing process and do away with the framing constraints like right and wrong. We will work to bridge the gap between what you, as writer, want your art to be doing and what is happening within the existing piece. We will talk about identifying desires, reoccurring obsessions and your internal goals as a writer.
"Defining Your Voice and Seeking Publication" with Bleah Patterson
Every poet has a voice that’s distinctly their own, but finding it, trusting it, and sharing it takes time. This talk invites you to lean into your strengths as a writer rather than dwelling on what isn’t working. Together, we’ll explore practical ways to recognize and nurture your authentic style, situating your work within a literary context that feels like home, one where you stand out while still being in good company. We’ll also look at how that clarity can guide you toward the right journals and audiences for your poems. Through interactive exercises, we’ll place your writing in a broader ecosystem where it can grow and thrive. By the end, you’ll have tools for both polishing your craft and building confidence in the voice only you can bring to the page.
Along the way, we’ll balance play and exploration with practical steps: assembling a poetry submission packet, identifying journals that align with your work, and promoting your writing within a community that shares your sensibilities.
