The Creativity Café

a cozy sanctuary ...

Just this morning we heard a poet expressing discouragement about getting her manuscript placed. Other poets chimed in, reminding: it gets harder and harder to find a home for your work.

Small presses mostly labor in love. Partners can make a difference, helping these presses do what T. S. Poetry Press hopes to do: bring beautiful work to light.

Not only are we grateful for those who partner with us; we also love to co-create. In this spirit, we’re happy to pilot a new patron-exclusive experience: The Creativity Café.

What’s that?

Check out this note from the warm and wonderful soul who’ll be leading the café for those of you who are TS partners…

Meet Us at The Creativity Café!

a note from Bethany Rohde, café leader…

❤

What is The Creativity Café?

A gentle, online gathering space for community and creativity, the café will offer an opportunity to both connect and work independently. My hope is to carve out a comfortable, casual cove for us to gather in, where we can create, snack, and relax.

Who is this for?

This is for anyone in the Tweetspeak Poetry patron community, as well as one guest each. (Your guest does not need to be a paid member.)

How long will it last?

Approximately one hour.

Why is this café opening?

If you’re like me, you could use a little warm and kind community connection these days. There is something nourishing about gathering together to create or rest. Maybe you’d just like company while you sip cocoa and read a book, build a model, write, or knit.

It can be tricky to dedicate time to your writing, art, or relaxation. Having an appointment on the calendar might help this time materialize for you!

If you like being around people in a café atmosphere but don’t always want to talk much, will this work for you?

I want everyone to feel like they can be as involved or as quiet as they like. I often get a bit anxious when it’s time to introduce myself to a group and come up with conversation. You won’t have to do that. However, I’ll offer a chance to say hello at the beginning. You can just wave, or you might share your name in the chat or out loud, and maybe share the name of a book or snack you’ve enjoyed lately. Or you could share what you want to work on during the café. All sharing is optional, and the gathering will not be recorded.

What will the structure look like?

After some of us say hello, I might offer a writing or art prompt, which you’ll be free to respond to—or ignore. Then, with cameras on or off, we’ll have time to work unguided on our individual creative projects. This might include: writing, sketching, painting, knitting, reading, or other projects that interest you. An hour to intentionally delve into those colorful worlds alongside others who share that wish! Community. In the last few minutes, I’ll give an opportunity for folks to briefly share what they worked on, if they like. Depending on time, we can do this in the chat or out loud.

What should I bring?

Bring whatever it is you want to work on, read, or build, and please know snacks are most welcome!

Are there any other guidelines?

We hope for this to be a comfortable, safe, supportive space for everyone—a soft place to land. For that reason, it won’t be a time for controversial topics that may steer us away from that. It will be a time for whatever fills your creative spirit. We want to offer a cozy spot for you to create, connect, and relax together!

❤

featured photo by Katlyn Giberson, Creative Commons, via Unsplash