I delight in the aural aspects of poetry and love reading aloud, whether it’s my own work or favorite poems by other authors (especially my fellow Tennessee poets). I’m available for readings, workshops, and/or discussions with groups of all ages.
If you’re interested in a workshop, some of my past topics have included:
- Some Poems I Like (& How They Can Inform Your Own Writing)
- What’s That Song Doing in My Poem? – Using song lyrics as inspiration for your poetry
- Write Your Own “Portrait of the Artist” Poem or Statement
- Where I’m From – Taking a List Poem to the Next Step
- How to Win at Writing Competitions, Even When You Don’t Place
- Poetry, Art, and the Rising Tide of a Creative Community – more about my experience with founding and managing a reading series and open mic
Because of my background in software development, I’ve also given talks on blogging, websites, and social media for writers; and STEM and STEAM related to my acclaimed essay from She’s Such a Geek.
Past Appearances and Venues
I’ve been a featured poet at venues and events including: ♥ The Nashville Independent Poetry Festival ♥ WXNA-FM’s Transmission Radio Show hosted by J-Mar ♥ Poet’s Corner at Scarritt-Bennett in Nashville ♥ the Lyrical Brew reading series in Nashville ♥ multiple panels and stages at the Southern Festival of Books ♥ Poetry in the Boro in Murfreesboro ♥ and other venues across Tennessee and the region.
Kory and Kelsey warm up at the Southern Festival of Books, 2011. Their act’s been called “bluegrass rap,” “hillbilly cool,” and “moving, fun, spiritual and sassy.”
With my daughter Kelsey Wells, a folk musician, I’ve also performed on: ♥ WDXV Knoxville radio’s Blue Plate Special ♥ as the feature of the 2014 Martin Methodist Literary Festival ♥ and at bookstores, writers’ workshops, museums, and other public and private events.
I’ve made presentations or led workshops for: ♥ Volunteer State Community College (English Department) ♥ MTSU Write (also under its previous name, the MTSU Writer’s Loft) ♥ Alabama Writers Conclave ♥ Tennessee Arts Commission (Collective Impact 2016) ♥ Tennessee Mountain Writers ♥ 2011 Memphis Creative Nonfiction Workshop ♥ Express Yourself Arts Conference for Rutherford County youth ♥ Writers’ Academy for Rutherford County teachers ♥ Women in Technology of Tennessee ♥ and numerous civic organizations.
Contact me for more information about a reading, workshop, talk, or combination appearance.
