writer – Kentucky State Poetry Society

Save the Date: Celebrate 60 Years of KSPS at Our Conference

Monday, July 27, 2026

Mark your calendars! Kentucky State Poetry Society is excited to announce the 2026 Kentucky State Poetry Conference, taking place Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. This year’s conference will be held online, making it easy for poetry lovers from across Kentucky and beyond to join in a full day of inspiration, learning, and community.

This year’s conference is especially meaningful as KSPS celebrates its 60th anniversary—a milestone honoring six decades of supporting poets, fostering creativity, and building a vibrant literary community throughout the Commonwealth.

We are also thrilled to welcome Ricardo Nazario y Colón as our keynote speaker. An acclaimed poet, educator, and literary advocate, Nazario y Colón’s work has inspired readers and writers across the country.

As part of the 60th anniversary festivities, conference registration is free for KSPS members. Membership not only includes complimentary admission to the conference but also provides access to additional opportunities, resources, and events throughout the year.

Not yet a member? There’s never been a better time to join the Kentucky State Poetry Society and become part of a community dedicated to celebrating the written word.

Become a member

The Society is also seeking conference sponsors to help make this diamond anniversary event truly unforgettable. Sponsorships support poets across Kentucky while helping KSPS continue its mission of promoting poetry, education, and literary excellence. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can inquire by emailing kystatepoetry@gmail.com.

Whether you’re a longtime member, an emerging poet, or simply someone who loves the power of language, we hope you’ll save the date and celebrate this historic occasion with us.

Kentucky State Poetry Conference

Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Online
Keynote Speaker: Ricardo Nazario y Colón
Cost: Free for KSPS members in honor of the Society’s 60th anniversary

Stay tuned for registration details, the full conference schedule, featured presenters, workshops, and more. We can’t wait to celebrate 60 years of Kentucky poetry with you!

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.