Writers to gather at UM on Saturday for poetry, story exchange

ORONO – The Maine Poetry and Story Exchange is set for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at the University of Maine’s Soderberg Auditorium, Jenness Hall.

The event is co-hosted by the UMaine English Department, the National Poetry Foundation and SpiritWords, which is affiliated with the University of Maine Foundation.

The exchange welcomes writers of all ages and levels, published or unpublished, and storytellers, publishers, teachers and students. There is a registration fee of $10, including lunch and workshops.

Last year, the inaugural Maine Poetry and Story Exchange attracted about 150 writers from age 11 to octogenarians.

The day’s events begin at 7 a.m. at an opening fire honoring the origin of story, with John Bear Mitchell of the Penobscot Nation.

Registration for workshops and discussions begins at 8:30 a.m. in Soderberg Auditorium. Topics include “The Place of Place in our Telling,” “Global and Local: Where is the Imagination’s Home?,” “Falling Silent: the Loss of Voice and its Recovery,” “Our Changing World/Our Changing Words” and “The Necessity of the Little Magazine.”

An ongoing display in Soderberg Auditorium will feature a poetry wall, title quilt, small presses, little magazines and writers’ groups.

The writers expect to gather for an informal open mike session at the Bear Brew Pub from 6-9 p.m.

For information or registration, call 581-3822 or e-mail London at megan.london@umit.maine.edu. Registration will be accepted Saturday, but advance registration is preferred.