How it works

This is the official page for the Poetry Postcard Fest.

The fest is a self-guided 56 day workshop in spontaneous composition and community. Initiated in 2007, by poets Paul Nelson and Lana Ayers, it involves people signing up to send 31 original poems on postcards to folks on their list between July 4 and August 31. In 2023 the fest had 517 participants in 8 different countries and 44 different states and 5 Canadian provinces. (See 2024 stats here.)

Whether you’re a newbie or a long-time participant, this webpage is your “how to” for the Poetry Postcard Fest:

1. Can’t remember if you’ve registered? Contact Cascadia Poetics Lab!

2. Purchase or create 31 postcards for writing and sending poems to other participants

• New to writing spontaneous poetry? Paul Nelson (Fest founder) and others offer workshops and group-writes for practice!
• Want to make customized postcards? Watch for announcements of in-person and online chances to make art on cards.

3. Complete the name and address form that is emailed to you on June 22 in order to be included on a Fest mailing list.

On June 22, keep an eye out for an email from Cascadia Poetics Lab asking you to verify your correct mailing information! Mailing lists will be created based on when you verify your mailing information.

4. By July 4, your your “team captain” will email you a group list of 32 names and addresses (that’s 31 plus you!). If you find an error, contact Cascadia Poetics Lab.

5. Find the name directly below yours on the list; you’ll send your first postcard poem to that person.

6. Send your first poem between the day you receive the list and August 1st, but no later than that.

7. Write a new poem each day: move down the list for each recipient and then move back to the beginning until you reach your name.

8. Keep photos/copies of your poems and postcards (see how others do this on the PPF blog).

9. Goal: Mail all 31 postcards by August 31st.

• We know that life can get in the way sometimes, so don’t feel bad if you don’t complete and send all of your postcards by this date. Just try your best to send them out when you can!
• Postcards may reach you at any time after the lists are mailed out, depending on where your group members are mailing from. Don’t be discouraged or worried if you don’t receive many postcards right away. Sometimes it takes some time for participants to start sending their postcards. If you haven’t received any postcards by Aug. 31, let us know. 

10. Postcard Festiquette:

• Avoid posting your poems online until after 8/31: no spoilers! You will have an opportunity after the fest to share your postcards with us and have them posted to the Cascadia Poetics Lab Instagram account. Keep an eye out on our blog for this opportunity.
• Do not post or distribute anyone else’s poems without their permission.
• If you must withdraw or are unable to complete your list, let your team captain know so a substitute poet can be found.

Have fun, do your best and enjoy the process! Extra resources are available on the Poetry Postcard Fest page!