Good poems start with inspiration and a heartfelt need to write about something,” said Holmes. “Almost anything can inspire a poem…classical music, driving, something interesting or breathtaking in nature…” Holmes said she is compelled to write about different occurrences in her life, with humor or a sense of loss, or both.

This interactive half-day workshop is open to all audiences and writing levels high school and above. You do not have to consider yourself a poet to benefit from this workshop. The principles of poetic language make any writing sing. Holmes will discuss techniques for taking raw material and turning it into poetry, as well as how to use poetic devices to add richness in all writing.

Karen Paul Holmes will also be reading and signing books at My Favorite Books (1410 Market Street, Suite C-2, Tallahassee) from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10.

Formerly a Vice President of Communications at a global financial services corporation, Holmes is now the owner of Simply Communicated, Inc. and works as a freelance business writer and communication consultant. She is the author of two poetry books, No Such Thing As Distance (Terrapin Books, 2018) and Untying the Knot (Aldrich Press, 2014). She was chosen for Best Emerging Poets by Stay Thirsty Media in 2016, and publications include Prairie Schooner, Poetry East, Atlanta Review, diode, and Poet Lore. To support fellow writers, Holmes is a roving writing workshop teacher.