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KSPS in 2025: A Year of Growth, Gathering, and Poetry

As the holidays settle in and the year comes to a close, we’re turning back through the pages of 2025 — a year filled with meaningful events, new ventures, and many moments that reminded us why the Kentucky State Poetry Society exists: to support, celebrate, and connect Kentucky poets.

A Year of Open Mics — Both Virtual and In-Person

This year, our poetry community came together in more ways than ever. We hosted both virtual and in-person open mics, creating spaces that welcomed writers from across Kentucky and beyond. Whether gathering online or in a room filled with familiar faces, poets shared work that was bold, tender, experimental, and deeply human. These events continued to affirm that open mics are not just readings — they’re acts of community care.

Craft Talks That Deepened Our Practice

We had the honor of hosting craft talks led by incredible Kentucky poets, including a special session with the Kentucky Poet Laureate. These talks explored everything from revision to voice, imagery to narrative tension. They offered writers at every level a chance to learn, ask questions, and explore new creative approaches.

A Printed Pegasus — and a Digital One Too

One of the highlights of our year was the release of both a tangible print edition and a digital edition of Pegasus, our longstanding literary journal. Seeing the physical copies arrive was a moment of pride for the Society, especially after the dedicated work that goes into editing, designing, and producing each issue.

This year’s Pegasus also carries a special place in our hearts, as we honored the late Jon Thrower, a cherished member whose generosity, mentorship, and love of Kentucky poetry touched so many. His presence continues to guide our work and remind us why literary community matters.

A Beautiful Conference Weekend

Our annual conference was another bright spot — a weekend filled with workshops, readings, panel discussions, and joyful conversations between friends old and new. The energy in the room reminded us that poetry thrives where community thrives, and that the Society is strengthened by the people who show up to learn, support one another, and share in this art form.

Looking Back with Gratitude

From open mics to craft talks, from the pages of Pegasus to the conference stage, 2025 reaffirmed that KSPS is a place where poetry finds a home. None of this would have been possible without our members, presenters, volunteers, and supporters.

Thank you for sharing your words, your time, and your presence with us this year.

As we look toward the final days of 2025, we’re grateful for everything this community brought into being — and even more excited for what’s still to come. Start your membership today.

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Reflecting on the 2025 KSPS Conference: A Weekend of Poetry, Community, and Creative Renewal

Every fall, the Kentucky State Poetry Society gathers writers, readers, teachers, students, and lovers of language together for a weekend that feels less like a conference and more like a homecoming. The 2025 KSPS Conference—held November 1–2 both in person at Joseph-Beth Booksellers and the Lexington Writers Room, and online via Zoom—was a reminder of why poetry continues to matter in Kentucky: it brings us together.

This year’s schedule wove social connection, craft, scholarship, performance, and celebration into two full days of programming that centered one simple truth: poetry thrives where community does.

Day One: Gathering, Sharing, and Celebrating Together

Saturday opened with something beautifully simple—a meet and greet in the Writers Room at Joseph-Beth Booksellers. No pressure, no agenda, just poets reconnecting, meeting new members, and settling into a creative atmosphere. It set the tone for a day that would be equally welcoming and energizing.

The KSPS Welcome Session followed, along with the launch of the fall issue of Pegasus. For many attendees, this felt like a moment of arrival—an annual reminder of our shared work and the art we produce together.

From late morning into early afternoon, attendees explored the Kentucky Book Festival programming on both levels of Joseph-Beth. This open, wandering space between sessions became a highlight for many. There’s something inspiring about discovering authors, listening to snippets of panels, and browsing bookshelves—all with a community of fellow writers around you.

The afternoon keynote brought everyone together on the Main Stage with a conversation between Silas House and Kathleen Driskell—two voices who have shaped contemporary Kentucky literature. Their dialogue invited reflection on place, memory, responsibility, and the role of writers in challenging times. It was the kind of keynote that lingers.

The day closed at the Lexington Writers Room with a reception, open mic, and mini book fair—a space where emerging and established poets read side by side. It carried that mix of vulnerability and celebration that defines the KSPS community.

Day Two: Craft, Learning, and Creative Momentum

Sunday moved online, but the energy didn’t fade. If anything, the virtual format opened the door for even more participation from poets across Kentucky and beyond.

The day was packed with craft-focused workshops such as:

  • “What the Record Shows” with Lynnell Edwards, where attendees explored archival and documentary materials as poetic source.
  • “Your Dangerous Poem” with Letonia Jones, a generative session that encouraged poets to step into boldness.
  • “Sound & Sense” with Marianne Worthington, who guided participants through sonic properties that give poems their resonance.
  • “Poetrizzle Fo’Shizzle” with Tom C. Hunley, a playful and inventive dive into form and creativity.

Breaks between sessions offered needed breathers and informal conversation, preserving the human pace of an in-person event.

The Members-Only Business Meeting anchored the early afternoon—a reminder that KSPS is a member-powered organization continuing to grow and evolve.

Later came one of the most anticipated parts of the day: a poetry reading featuring Shauna Morgan, Lennie Hay, and Matthew S. Parsons. Their voices brought range—lyrical, grounded, experimental—and created a shared emotional thread that resonated with listeners.

The conference closed with a contest winners’ reading and open mic, where both seasoned poets and first-time readers stepped forward. It was a fitting end: a communal stage, a celebration of talent, and an open space for the future.

A Weekend That Reshaped and Recharged

What makes the KSPS Conference so meaningful each year isn’t just the sessions—it’s the sense of belonging. Over two days, writers had the chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new collaborators, share their work, learn something unexpected, and feel creatively renewed.

The 2025 conference reminded us that poetry is living work. It grows through conversation. It deepens through practice. It strengthens through community. And it thrives when we gather—whether in a bookstore, a writers’ room, or a Zoom window.

As we look ahead to another year of poems, workshops, publications, and connection, the feeling that lingers is gratitude: for the writers who shared their time, the presenters who shared their wisdom, and the members who continue to make KSPS a vibrant literary home.

Ready to Join the KSPS Writing Community?

Start your membership today.

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2025 KSPS Conference VP Poetry Contest

The Kentucky State Poetry Society Conference VP Poetry Contest is open for submissions on Nov. 1st through noon on Nov. 2nd.

All submissions must be submitted to: kystatepoetry@gmail.com with the subject line: KSPS CONFERENCE VP POETRY CONTEST (Insert Poet’s Name). 

THIS YEAR’S PROMPT: “In a perfect world…”

Guidelines: 

  • Poems cannot be longer than 2 pages
  • Poems must adhere to the prompt 
  • Any/all forms of poetry/prose are welcome
  • Only 1 poem per submission
  • Poems must be the original, unpublished work of the entrant; no AI submissions
  • Each poem must be titled 
  • Do not include your name or any identifying information in the poem(s)
  • Deadline is November 2nd, 2025, 12:00 PM EST
  • The winner will be announced at the start of the 3:30 PM Open Mic on Day 2 of the Conference 
  • The prize will be sent to the winner following the conference

Eligibility

You need to be registered for the 2025 KSPS Conference to submit. KSPS board and staff cannot participate. 

Judge: Deidra White 

Deidra White is a Lexington, Ky. native, a 2024 University of Kentucky MFA graduate, and an aspiring Affrilachian Poet. She currently teaches English and Creative Writing at BCTC and is the 2025 Vice President of the Kentucky State Poetry Society. She received the 2022 Farquhar Award for Poetry, “Meihua”, the Patricia and William Stacy Endowed Fellowship for Distinguished Honors in English, the William Hugh Jansen Fiction Award in the Art of Storytelling/Folklore, “Woodstock”, the 2023 winner of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Nonfiction Award for her contemporary piece, “DUCK”, and the 2024 Winner of the Broadside Poetry Contest, “When They Came”. She authored and voiced the 2024 University of Kentucky commercial spot, which aired during all University of Kentucky televised events. Her work engages the tradition of Affrilachian writing and explores the intricate dynamics of Black womanhood with an eye to connections of the past and present.

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Preparing for the KSPS Annual Conference

The KSPS 2025 Conference is almost here—November 1–2—and it’s shaping up to be an exciting weekend for poets across Kentucky and beyond. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, taking a little time now to prepare can help you make the most of the experience. This year’s conference promises craft talks, panel discussions, poetry readings, workshops, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other poets in meaningful ways.

Tips for making the most of the conference:

  1. Plan your schedule in advance: Review the list of talks, panels, and workshops. Identify sessions that align with your interests or areas where you want to grow. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss your must-attend events.
  2. Bring your writing: Whether you’re working on a new piece or revising an older poem, bring your notebook or laptop. Participate in workshops, join readings, or share your work with peers for feedback. The conference is an ideal space to test new ideas and get constructive input.
  3. Connect with other attendees: Conferences are as much about community as content. Introduce yourself, exchange ideas, and discuss poetry with others who share your passion. These connections often extend beyond the conference, building long-lasting relationships and support networks.
  4. Take notes and reflect: Between panels and readings, jot down insights, favorite lines, and ideas to incorporate into your own work. Reflection helps solidify what you’ve learned and inspires future projects.

The KSPS Annual Conference isn’t just a weekend of events—it’s a chance to grow as a poet, expand your creative toolkit, and become part of a vibrant literary community. Mark your calendar, make your plans, and stay tuned for updates on speakers, panels, and activities that will make this year’s conference unforgettable.

Register now! If you are a student, please use this link to register and receive a special discount.

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Revisiting Craft with Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell

This past Saturday, Kentucky Poet Laureate Kathleen Driskell led a craft talk in partnership with KSPS that focused on the art of revising poems. Attendees learned practical strategies for strengthening their work, from identifying the strongest line in a poem to trimming words that don’t serve the piece’s core meaning. Reading aloud, experimenting with phrasing, and paying attention to rhythm and sound were just a few of the techniques Driskell highlighted as ways to make poems more precise and effective.

Even if you weren’t able to attend, these ideas can be applied to your own writing. Take a moment to read a poem you’ve written and ask yourself: Which line holds the most weight? What words can be removed or rearranged? How does the poem sound when read aloud? These simple steps can help unlock new possibilities in your work.

For those who enjoyed these strategies, there’s even more to look forward. On December 6, Driskell will lead a session titled “Meaning-Making Sentences for Our Poems.” She’ll explore how syntax, sound, and form work together to create meaning, offering rhetorical and structural techniques that poets can use in their own work. Whether you’re revising a current poem or starting a new one, this upcoming session promises to provide fresh tools and inspiration.

Mark your calendars and check out the details, plus go ahead and register to secure your spot —this is a chance to dive deeper into craft with one of Kentucky’s leading poetic voices.

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Seasonal Inspiration: Writing into Autumn

As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, autumn offers poets a wealth of inspiration. The season is full of natural transformations—leaves changing color, fields being harvested, animals preparing for winter. For many writers, these shifts in the world mirror the changes within ourselves.

Why Autumn Inspires Poets

Autumn carries a sense of transition. It’s a time between abundance and rest, warmth and cold, light and darkness. Poets are often drawn to these in-between spaces, where beauty and melancholy intertwine. A falling leaf can remind us of endings, but also of cycles that begin again. The season’s quiet moods—misty mornings, longer nights, the scent of woodsmoke—create a setting ripe for reflection.

Imagery of the Season

Think of all the sensory details autumn offers:

  • The crunch of leaves beneath your shoes
  • The golden glow of late afternoon light
  • The taste of apple cider or pumpkin bread
  • The hush of wind moving through bare branches

These small observations can spark a poem. Sometimes the most ordinary details—the way sunlight filters through amber leaves or the feel of a warm sweater against cool skin—can open a door into deeper meaning.

Prompts for Autumn Writing

If you’d like to write into the season, here are a few prompts to get you started:

  • Write a poem from the perspective of a single leaf as it falls.
  • Use the harvest as a metaphor—what have you gathered from this year, and what are you ready to let go of?
  • Describe an autumn memory from your childhood. How does it feel different now?
  • Capture a moment at dusk in autumn, when day and night seem to blur.

Autumn as a Reflection

Beyond the natural beauty, autumn often invites us to pause and reflect. It reminds us of impermanence, but also of preparation—the way the earth rests before spring. As writers, we can use this season to ask ourselves: What am I ready to release? What do I want to carry with me into winter?

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The Rituals of Writing

Every poet has little rituals that bring them closer to the page. Maybe it’s a steaming cup of coffee before dawn, or the habit of drafting longhand with a favorite pen. Some poets read a poem aloud before writing, while others light a candle, put on music, or take a walk to clear their mind.

These rituals aren’t just quirks—they’re part of the creative process. They remind us to slow down, create space, and signal to our brains: it’s time to write.

Why Rituals Matter

Rituals create a bridge between the everyday world and the imaginative one. They help us shift gears, leaving behind distractions and entering a mindset where words can flow more freely. A ritual can also provide comfort. On days when writing feels intimidating, returning to a familiar routine—pouring that cup of coffee, arranging your desk just so—can make the process feel approachable again.

Examples of Writing Rituals

Writers throughout history have relied on their own unique rituals:

  • Maya Angelou rented a hotel room to write, bringing only a dictionary, Bible, deck of cards, and a bottle of sherry.
  • Virginia Woolf wrote while standing at a desk.
  • Toni Morrison famously described watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee before writing, saying the ritual helped her “enter the day and the world with confidence.”

Your rituals don’t need to be elaborate. It might be as simple as setting a timer, opening your notebook, and breathing deeply three times before beginning.

Creating Your Own Ritual

If you don’t already have a writing ritual, experiment with building one this week. Here are a few ideas:

  • Set the mood: Light a candle, play instrumental music, or sit by a window.
  • Use a special object: A notebook, pen, or mug you only use while writing.
  • Mark the time: Write at the same hour each day, even if only for ten minutes.
  • Transition in: Read a favorite poem aloud before starting your own draft.

The Takeaway

Rituals are about creating consistency and connection. They don’t guarantee brilliance, but they do invite presence. Over time, your brain will begin to recognize the signals—this is writing time. And in that space, the words often come more easily.

So this week, ask yourself: what’s your writing ritual? If you don’t have one yet, perhaps it’s time to discover the small, steady practices that will carry you into your next poem.

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Labor of Love: Why Poets Keep Showing Up

Looking back on Labor Day, we’re thinking about the work behind the work—the effort it takes to write, revise, and return to the page again and again. Poetry, after all, is labor. Not the kind that comes with timecards and breaks, but the kind that demands heart, attention, and resilience.

At Kentucky State Poetry Society, we believe that poetic labor is worth honoring. Whether you’re squeezing in a stanza before bed or wrestling with a manuscript draft, your work matters. It matters to readers, to your community, and to you.

So this week, we invite you to reflect on what brings you back to the page. Is it a sense of wonder? A need for truth? The joy of shaping sound and image?

Here’s to the labor of poetry. The quiet kind. The bold kind. The kind that helps us make sense of the world—and ourselves.

Upcoming Craft Talk with Clay Matthews on September 16

What do marionettes and musical chords, tapestries and trapezes have in common with poetry?

Join poet and professor Clay Matthews for String Theory: An Exploration of Poetry that Employs Multiple Threads—a craft talk dedicated to unraveling the secret scaffolding that holds our poems together.

🗓️ Tuesday, September 16
 🕖 7:00 PM (ET)
 📍 Live via Zoom (Free with registration)

In this generative workshop, Matthews invites poets to consider how dissonant images, voices, and themes can be braided into a single cohesive piece. What makes some poems feel seamless, even when they’re full of contrast and contradiction? How do you give the illusion of flow when the content is anything but linear?

We’ll read examples of multi-threaded poems, explore the craft choices that allow those poems to sing, and dive into prompts designed to help participants experiment with their own layered drafts. Expect lively discussion, a little risk, and a lot of surprise.

This session is part of our Kentucky Voices programming and is open to all experience levels. Whether you’re working on a sprawling epic or a tight lyric, this talk will offer strategies to balance complexity with clarity.

Registration is open now – don’t miss out!

Ready to start your membership with Kentucky State Poetry Society? Become a member today!

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A Conversation in Verse: Katerina Stoykova Interviews Silas House on All These Ghosts

Kentucky State Poetry Society is delighted to share that our President, Katerina Stoykova, recently sat down with former Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House for a thoughtful conversation about his debut poetry collection, All These Ghosts. The interview aired on Katerina’s long-running literary radio show and podcast, Accents, which highlights the voices of writers and artists with ties to Kentucky and beyond.

In their discussion, Silas reflects on the inspirations behind All These Ghosts, the personal and cultural histories that shape his work, and how writing poetry offers a distinct lens from his well-known fiction and nonfiction. The exchange is both intimate and wide-ranging, offering listeners an inside look at the craft and heart behind the book.

You can listen to the full interview here: https://www.wuky.org/podcast/accents/2025-08-27/silas-house-2025

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5 Quick Prompts to Spark Your Late-Summer Poems

Not sure what to write about lately? Kentucky State Poetry Society is here to help you keep your creative momentum going. Here are five summer-themed prompts to help you dive into your next draft:

  1. The Last Thing That Melted: A memory, an emotion, or something literal. What disappeared in the heat?
  2. Yellow That Isn’t Sunshine: Explore a color through unexpected objects or moods.
  3. The View from a Back Porch: Real or imagined. What changes from morning to evening?
  4. Instructions for a Drought: Write a how-to poem for surviving without something essential.
  5. Something Ripening Too Fast: What in your life or mind is reaching its peak too quickly?

Write one, write them all, or mix and match. Be sure to tag @kystatepoetry on Instagram if you share your responses—we love celebrating your work and your words!