Jo Co Public Library Writers Conference

 

Friday

 

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Conference Room 1
Kansas Words with Dennis Etzel Jr.
In a non-judgmental, inclusive, open space, Dennis Etzel Jr. (he/they) facilitates a workshop on different forms of writing, showing examples from poets and writers on how they engage Kansans, while keeping in mind how all voices need to be heard and recognized. Traditional and experimental forms of writing and practices are included. 

3 - 4 p.m. - Carmack Community Room
How to Continue Writing: Developing Projects, Prompts, and Rituals in the Midst of Everyday Life
with Dennis Etzel
In a non-judgmental, inclusive, open space, Dennis Etzel Jr (he/they) elaborates on how creating projects, prompts, and rituals for generative writing can help with self care--to continue writing wherever one is in the midst of everyday life. Discussions place an emphasis on trauma-informed poetic practices, experimental writing, and healing for the self and community. 

Saturday

10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Conference Room 4
Where We Work with Dennis Etzel Jr.
Dennis Etzel Jr's (he/they) first job was at McDonald's, in which the experience informed the poems for their 2017 Kansas Notables Book Fast-Food Sonnets. In a non-judgmental, inclusive, open space, this workshop examines how poetry can speak out for workers equity and belonging. The workshop will also cover how poetry can speak for any experiences of work, balancing the positive and negative aspects of what work means-including unpaid labor.