Poetry Postcard Fest 2027
Registration IS OPEN
The Poetry Postcard Fest is an annual 56-day experiment in spontaneity and community building. This literarary event is a self-guided workshop in spontaneous composition where people sign up & must send 31 original poems on postcards to folks on a participation list before the end of August. The fest was initiated in 2007 by poets Paul E. Nelson and Lana Ayers, and has grown to include poets participating worldwide. Registration opens annually on September 1.
Poetry as Neuro-Resilience
Explore practices that help keep consciousness attuned to the realities of the world - and discover how poetry can emerge from that depth. In this five-week workshop, Paul E. Nelson guides participants through readings, interviews, journaling, and writing exercise rooted in the Cascadia bioregion. All levels are welcome; openness and a commitment to the practice are all that's required.
Learn more about Poetry as Neuro-Resilience →
Suggested donation: $130–$275
Saturday Cohort
Saturdays 9-11 AM Pacific Time
November 21, 2026 – December 19, 2026
Sunday Cohort
Sundays 3-5 PM Pacific Time
November 22, 2026 – December 20, 2026
How it Works
The fest is a self-guided 56 day workshop in spontaneous composition and community. Click to learn more about How it Works.
Poetry Postcard Fest News
456. L. Lisa Lawrence, Tacoma, WA – Shooting Hozomeen
(click here for audio)
455. Heather Mydosh, Independence, KS – Kerouac & Moonrise
(click here for audio)
454. Phebe Davidson, Westminster, SC – Berber Works the Wood
(Click here for audio)
Postcard Poems as Peace Process
“There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community." ...
453. Bridget Nutting, Vancouver, WA – Put a Berber on it
(Click here for audio)
452. Richelle Selig, Olympia, WA – Berber in Cascadia
(Click here for audio)
12.10.2020 Cat Ruiz Kigerl Poetry Postcard Fest Interview
LONGTIME Poetry Postcard Fest POet Cat Ruiz Kigerl discusses her participation in the annual Poetry Postcard Fest: Poetry Postcard Fest. Cat Ruiz Kigerl was born in Seattle. She is the author of...
12.8.2020 CJ Prince Poetry Postcard Fest Interview
CJ Prince discusses her experience with Poetry Postcard Fest, the Poetry Postcard Fest in an interview recorded December 8, 2020. C.J. Prince arrived in the Northwest, escorted by two dragons and...
12.7.2020 Wilderness Sarchild Poetry Postcard Fest Interview
We caught up with Wilderness Sarchild to discuss her Poetry Postcard Fest experience on December 7, 2020. Wilderness Sarchild is the author of a full length poetry collection, Old Women Talking,...
The Poetry Postcard Fest, initiated by poets Paul Nelson and Lana Ayers in 2007, invites participants to create and send 31 original poems on postcards throughout August. The fest emphasizes spontaneity, with poems written in one take directly onto postcards for recipients worldwide. Registration opens annually on September 1, and participants receive a list of fellow poets to exchange cards with. A $15 contribution supports the Cascadia Poetics LAB, and scholarships are available. For more details and resources on postcard poetry, visit How it Works or check out related essays and wrap-ups from past participants.
How the Poetry Postcard Fest Works
Abhaya Thomas Postcard
How the Poetry Postcard Fest Works
The Poetry Postcard Fest, initiated by poets Paul Nelson and Lana Ayers in 2007, invites participants to create and send 31 original poems on postcards throughout August. The fest emphasizes spontaneity, with poems written in one take directly onto postcards for recipients worldwide. Registration opens annually on September 1, and participants receive a list of fellow poets to exchange cards with. A $15 contribution supports the Cascadia Poetics LAB, and scholarships are available. For more details and resources on postcard poetry, visit How it Works or check out related essays and wrap-ups from past participants.
Abhaya Thomas Postcard