The Writers Guild at Bloomington is an association of writers committed to mutual support and the professional development of their craft. Its mission is to foster interaction among writers as well as other artists, educators, and the Monroe County public, thereby enhancing the vibrancy of the arts and the writing community in the greater Bloomington area.
Events Calendar
WFIU is doing a series of broad/podcasts celebrating Jenny Kander with three special “Jenny” Poets Weave episodes.
The first was December 15 (listen to here: https://indianapublicmedia.org/poetsweave/jelly-donuts.php).
Upcoming episodes will air March 30 and May 11.
The Writers Guild at Bloomington presents
The launch reading of Hiromi Yoshida’s 5th poetry chapbook Umami (Alien Buddha Press, 26 March 2025)
“Hiromi Yoshida offers up a delectable assortment of poems with Umami. Taste is the thing and getting at the intangible yet discernable vibe of these dishes is what’s on the menu. Lighter fare than Yoshida is typically known for, these poems entice with clear observant details and careful surveys of the palate. Here we are treated to dishes both traditional and modern, ethnic and monocultural. Childhood memories conjure up TV dinners in America or sticky hands in Taipei. And of course, Icarus remains, reduced by now to name-dropped specter. Salad fork, not centerpiece. A distant speck: “floating signifier like that solitary / cheese that couldn’t stand / alone, grilled for his stupidity.” Hiromi Yoshida’s Umami is a feast for the poetic senses.”
—Tony Brewer, 2024 Indiana Literary Champion
Also Featured:
APRIL RIDGE lurks in the rural hilltops of Monroe County, akin to Mothman’s tomboy cousin, listening for hints of poetry on the wind. She enjoys horror films, the sordid affairs of 1920s circus performers, long walks in pitch black tunnels and the occasional waffle cone from Jiffy Treet. She prides herself on finding the perfect outfit in which to adorn the skeleton of the soul. She hopes to highlight the needs of poems in danger, on the run, escaping from the need to fit into one form or another, on their way to the freedom of epiphany.
April serves as chair of the Writers Guild at Bloomington, and is a nominee for Best of the Net and the Pushcart Prize. Her debut poetry chapbook is Monstrous (Pure Sleeze Press, 2024) and her forthcoming first full-length collection is A Three Night Affair (Keeping The Flame Alive Press, fall 2025).
Join us for an umami-filled evening of poetry and food!
Open mic to follow readings.
5.16.25 (6-8 PM)
Runcible Spoon Restaurant & Café, 412 E 6th St, Bloomington, IN 47408
The Writers Guild at Bloomington presents
Last Sunday Poetry & Open Mic
featuring John Dorsey and Jonathan S Baker
JOHN DORSEY is the author of over ninety collections of poetry. Former Poet Laureate of Belle, Missouri, he is the recipient of the 2019 Terry Award, given at Poetry Rendezvous. He is also a founder and co-editor of the Gasconade Review, with Jason Ryberg, and River Dog Press, with Victor Clevenger. Dorsey is known for his prolific writing career as a poet, and as a major influence on small press, grassroots poetry movements in the U.S. Since 1992, his poems have been published in more than 2000 literary magazines and anthologies.
JONATHAN S BAKER is primarily composed of the stuff of dead stars and suffers from the same insecurities as everyone else. They are the author of Cock of the Walk (Laughing Ronin Press, 2022), Long Nights in Stoplight City (Between the Shadows Press, 2023) and Pressure (Two Key Customs, 2023). They are also co-editor at The Grind Stone and editor-in-chief at Pure Sleeze Press.
Emerging poets who need a supportive audience, and established poets who want to promote published works: Come 20-50 min. before the 7pm program start time so you can sign up for open mic! Your words are precious. (2-3 min. per open mic participant)
7-8:30 PM (EST) 25 April 2025
Morgenstern Books & Cafe (849 S Auto Mall Rd, Bloomington IN 47401)