Happy Spring: New Workshops. Plus, Big News!

Time to Bloom and Become!

It’s spring. Every lawn I walk by is a dizzying cluster of color: the bright orange of California Poppies, which only open in the sun, and the lavender of Jacarandas, releasing petals like rain. Tis the season for blooming and becoming. I hope this newsletter finds you in the midst of some creative magic. I’ve been a little quieter here because I have been working on a slew of new poems and finishing the first draft of my novel. I look forward to sharing more essays, craft tips, and, of course, workshops in the upcoming months. But for now, I would like to offer a poem. 

In other exciting news: My second poetry collection, Future Tense, has been picked up by Alice James Books. I can think of no better way to celebrate my birthday and National Poetry Month. AJB has published my favorite poets—Kaveh Akhbar, Franny Choi, Shira Erlichman, Matthew Olzmann, and more—whose work has guided me to my own voice. About Future Tense, publisher Carey Salerno writes, “I'm struck by how Thomas approaches difficult subject matter like cancer, infertility, loss, and illness in a way that is both personal and universally relevant. It's a book that is very generous toward its readers and welcomes them in with vulnerability and authenticity. These poems are sharp and inspirational even as they tread rocky roads.” Future Tense is not being released until October 2026, but you can preorder today. 

This month, our craft challenge will be list poems. List poems have been a catalyst for some of my most surprising and favorite work. They are sure to bring out something in you that feels fresh and blooming. Curious to see the magic they can create? Join us for this Sunday’s Begin with a List: Generative Session and unlock your creative potential. And make sure you don’t miss List and Litanies: Writing Powerful Poems (also good for essay writers) on April 28 for strategies on how to use lists to add electricity and surprise. 

Lastly, I wanted to share our new workshop calendar. As always, you can find a list of workshops (and their our library of replays) arranged under our Welcome Post. You can also find the same info under Upcoming Workshop. Just a reminder that some workshops are changing times and dates, so please be sure to check the details and register to save your spot. 

Upcoming Workshops and Events

FULL LIST OF UPCOMING WORKSHOPS BELOW

APRIL 

Begin with a List: Generative Writing Session (Sunday, 4/14 // 10:00-12:00 pm PT)

List and Litanies: Writing Powerful Poems (Sunday, 4/28 //10:00-12:00 pm PT)

MAY

Begin with a Deep Question: Generative Writing Session (Tuesday, 5/7 // 10:00-12:00 pm PT)

How to Write Personal Essays: Introductory Workshops for Beginners (Sunday, 5/19 // 10:00-12:00 pm PT)

JUNE

Begin with Syntax: Generative Writing Session (Tuesday, 6/4 // 4:00-6:00 pm PT)

Syntax and Surprise (Saturday, 6/26 // 10:00-12:00 pm PT)

JULY

Feedback Hour with Kelly (Tuesday, 7/9 // 10:00-12:00 pm PT)

Narrative Poetry (Sunday, 7/28 //10:00-12:00 pm PT)

AUGUST

Begin with Lyric: Generative Writing Session (Tuesday, 8/6 // 4:00-6:00 pm PT)

How to Write Lyric Essays (Sunday, 8/11 // 10:00-12:00 pm PT)

SEPTEMBER

Begin with Tension: Generative Writing Session (Tuesday, 9/10 // 10:00-12:00 pm PT)

The Art of Creating Tension (Sunday, 9/22 // 10:00-12:00 pm PT)

As always, become a paid member to get 24 workshops for $77. This special will only be good for 2024, so now is the time to take advantage. 

Looking forward to seeing you. 

Until then, happy writing!

Shine on,

Kelly