Joanne the Poet

Reading from We'Moon 2018: The Luna
2017-12-02 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Tabor Space, 5441 SE Belmont Street, Portland, OR, United States
We’Moon 2018: La Luna will have an unveiling event on Saturday, December 2 from 3-5 p.m. in the Muir Room at TaborSpace, 5441 SE Belmont Street, Portland, OR. I will be reading my three pieces that are included in the Datebook. They are, “Letter to Other Moons,” “Palmistry Lesson: The Mount of the Moon,” and “Two Moons” about talking a walk with my granddaughter Bliss. The datebook is truly beautiful and I feel so honored to have my work included.

Season's Readings from the Olympia Poetry Network
2017-12-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Traditions Cafe, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Joanne Clarkson will read Solstice poems as part of Season’s Readings, the December 20th event sponsored by the Olympia Poetry Network. Other Board members Terri Cohlene, Chris Dahl, Ben Olson, Cynthia Pratt and Carrie Born will also read their work. The reading begins at 6:30 p.m. at Traditions Café, 300 Water St. in downtown Olympia. An Open Mic precedes the featured reading and community poets are encouraged to also bring work having to do with winter, holidays, family, tradition, legend, solstice and the like. The event is free.

Workshop and Reading at Book Tree in Kirkland
2018-01-20 16:00 - 20:00 | Book Tree, 609 Market St., Kirkland, WA, 98033, United States
I will be presenting my workshop “Publish Your Poetry” at the beautiful, poet-friendly indie bookshop in Kirkland on Saturday, January 20 beginning at 4 p.m. This event will be followed by a reading which includes my esteemed friend from Seattle poet Heidi Seaborn and an Open Mic. The reading begins at 6:15. Come and browse books, get motivated to send work out and listen to poems – share one if you wish! Many thanks to poet Chris Jarmick who owns and operates this wonderful venue.

Poets Clarkson and Butcher to Read at Browser's Book in Olympia
2018-01-22 18:00 - 19:30 | Browser’s Books, 107 Capital Way N., Olympia, 98501, United States
Christina Butcher, Tacoma poet and member of Creative Colloquy and Joanne M. Clarkson, member of the Olympia Poetry Network Board, will team up for a reading Monday, January 22, at Browser’s Books, 107 Capital Way N. in downtown Olympia. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is free of charge. Butcher’s debut poetry collection, Still Clutching Maps, was published in May 2017 by Blue Cactus Press. It explores ideas of language, power, and place as they inform a person’s constantly-evolving identity. Clarkson’s most recent book, “The Fates,” won Bright Hill Press’ annual competition and appeared in June 2017. Organized around the 3 fates from classical mythology, and based both on Clarkson’s experience as a Hospice RN and as a palm reader, it explores how much we can and cannot control in our lives.

10 Minute Critiques at the Olympia Timberland Library
2018-04-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Olympia Timberland Library, Franklin & 8th Ave., Olympia, 98501, United States
I will be in the Olympia Timberland Library, Saturday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 11, from 2-4 p.m. to read over individual poems with writers who would like pointers for developing strengths in their work. During each 10-minute appointment I might suggest slight revisions, places to submit for publication and poets to read for additional inspiration. All critiques are positive and affirming. Many of us write in relative isolation, so it is often helpful to have another working poet experience our writing. Call the library or drop in to schedule a time. This event is part of the celebration of National Poetry Month in April.

Second 10 Minute Poetry Critique Opportunity
2018-04-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Olympia Timberland Library, Franklin & 8th St., Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
I will be in the Olympia Timberland Library, Saturday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 11, from 2-4 p.m. to read over individual poems with writers who would like pointers for developing strengths in their work. During each 10-minute appointment I might suggest slight revisions, places to submit for publication and poets to read for additional inspiration. All critiques are positive and affirming. Many of us write in relative isolation, so it is often helpful to have another working poet experience our writing. Call the library or drop in to schedule a time. This event is part of the celebration of National Poetry Month 2018.

"Inspiration" Reading for National Poetry Month
2018-04-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Orca Books, 509 4th Ave. E., WA, 98501, United States
“Inspiration” at Orca Books.

Poets Celebrate April 2018 National Poetry Month
Poets are inspired to write in a variety of ways. One of the most effective and powerful is by reading other accomplished poets. Local verse-makers will share work by their favorite writers coupled with the poems they created because of them on Saturday, April 21, 6-7:30 p.m. at Orca Books in downtown Olympia. Poets participating include: Carolyn Gilman, Patrick Dixon, Lorrie Lambert Smith, Joanne Clarkson, Wesley Jones, Thomas A. Thomas and Carol Sunde.
Come to learn more about the work of wonderful poets and how one mind can trigger others to create image, rhythm, sound and sense. The program is free and all ages are welcome.

Poetry Reading in Tacoma in August
2018-08-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 9th and I St., Tacoma, WA, United States
I will be reading poetry for Puget Sound Poetry Connection on Friday, August 10, 7-9 p.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church on 9th and I Sts. in Tacoma. I will be first and an Open Mic will follow, so bring poems to read! I plan to present selections from my book “The Fates” as well as some recent work focusing on social consciousness issues — with, of course, some Palm and Tarot references thrown in. Come to help celebrate the fact that we just love poetry!!!

October Reading for Oak Harbor Poetry Project
2018-10-21 15:00 - 16:30 | Oak Harbor Library, 1000 S.E. Regatta Dr., Oak Harbor, WA, 98277, United States
I will be the featured reader for the Oak Harbor Poetry Project on Whidbey Island on Sunday October 21. The event runs from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Library and includes an Open Mic. Since this is the month for amazing mystic things I plan to read from my book, “The Fates,” and also some recent poetry having to do with ghosts and psychic readings. Rumor has it that I might also read a palm or two!

Unity Writers' Group
2019-01-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Unity Spiritual Enrichment Center, WA, United States
Unity Writers’ Group 2019
Come join us to create truth through our words! All types of writers (poets, fiction writers, playwrights, those composing family stories or memoir) are invited to be part of this positive, inspiring group. Both experienced and beginning authors are welcome, including people who are just thinking they might like to start writing!
The plan is for the group to meet weekly for 4 weeks to get established, then once a month. Each meeting will last about 2 hours and everyone wishing to, will get a chance to share what they have composed.
During our first meeting, those attending are invited to bring a short piece (one page or less) to read to the group. Each person will be asked to tell a little bit about themselves, why and how they are inspired.
To keep the creativity flowing, at the end of each session, group leader Joanne Clarkson, will suggest a topic those attending can choose to write about for next time, or they can work on an on-going project. She will also have a hand-out on some aspect of the writer’s craft.
All discussion of a writer’s work will be POSITIVE AND AFFIRMING. All subject matter will be confidential.

Reading at Northwinds Gallery
2019-03-07 19:00 - 20:30 | Northwinds Gallery, 701 Water St., Port Townsend, WA, 98368, United States
I will be reading with fellow Port Townsend poet Terry Persun at the Northwinds Art Gallery in Port Townsend on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 7 p.m. The beautiful art gallery is in downtown Port Townsend at 701 Water Street and the reading space is in the spacious back room. The reading is free, but a donation of $5.00 is welcome. I am excited to share some poems from “The Fates” and “Believing the Body” as well as work from my in progress chapbook focussing on my palmistry and psychic work including dreams. Pat is perhaps best known as a Fisher Poet and as editor of their anthology. He will be also be reading from his book and new manuscript.

Fifty Things to Do with a Poem, A Workshop in Honor of National Poetry Month 2019
2019-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | WA, United States
It’s time to get poems out of drawers and notebooks and computer files and into the world. Whether you have written one poem or a thousand, beautiful words are meant to be shared. Over her many years as a practicing poet and writing teacher, Joanne Clarkson has compiled a list of 50 things to do with poems. Participants in this workshop will discuss these ideas, complete with successful examples. Additional materials include: places to publish, writing prompts, and how to stay positive in the face of rejection. The event is free and poets and poetry lovers of all levels of expertise are welcome.

Unity Writers Group
2019-09-10 08:00 - 17:00 | WA, United States
I am again facilitating the Unity Writers Group. Beginning September 2019, we will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the Unity Spiritual Center, 3918 San Juan Ave., Port Townsend. The sessions will run 1-3 p.m. in the Hearth Room. You don’t have to have participated before and you can write in any genre: poetry, prose, memoir, non-fiction, plays, blogs — anything. All levels, from beginning to well-published authors are welcome. Each week there will be a prompt for writing that participants can use or not. Sometimes we do some writing in class. Other times we bring writing we are work on to share for encouragement and gentle critiquing. The group is relaxed and intent upon having fun with words. For more information, contact Joanne at JoanneClarkson28@gmail.com or 360-701-2030.

Interview with Sheila Bender on KPTZ RAdio
2019-11-19 10:00 - 11:00 | WA
Joanne the Poet will be a guest on “In Conversation,” the radio program hosted by respected Port Townsend writer and teacher Sheila Bender, on KPTZ radio. The interview is scheduled for November 19, 2019 at 10 a.m. Joanne will discuss her passion for poetry, her craftsmanship, publication and will read some of her award-winning poems.

Unity Writers Group
2020-02-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Unity Spiritual Enrichment Center, WA, United States
Unity Writers group meets the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from 1-3 p.m. at the Unity Spiritual Enrichment Center on 3918 San Juan Ave. The workshop is open to writers who work in all genres and who have all levels of experience. We have poets, memoir writers, playwrights, bloggers, nature writers and fiction authors. Typically during class we each take a turn sharing either something we have written recently or a piece of writing that inspires us. We also share opportunities for writers that we have come across. We confess our dreams and our misgivings. Everything presented in class is confidential. We come together to collaborate in the Art of Words — that often come from our deepest places. Those attending do not need to register and the class is free, although a small donation to Unity for the use of the Hearth room is appreciated. For more information, contact Joanne at 360-701-2030 or JoanneClarkson28@gmail.com.

Earth Day Film and Poetry Collaboration!
2020-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Northwest Film Center, 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR, 97205, United States
My poem, “Little Earth,” will be paired with a short film by film artist Devon Damonte of Olympia for a celebration of Gaia through words and image this April. The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day falls in April which is also National Poetry Month! Here is the Announcement of the Event:

Animation & Poetry for the Earth
A 2020 Vision for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
​For the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, and with the month of April being National Poetry Month, artist and animator Marilyn Zornado is bringing together animators, poets and musicians for two programs featuring animated environmental films with live poetry readings in Portland, Oregon.

The first event will take place on April 9, 2020 at the Northwest Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. The second event will be at Roosevelt High School Auditorium on Earth Day, April 22, 2020. Both events start at 7pm.

Writers' Workshop from Dreams and Visions
2022-01-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
“On the first page of my dreambook,” A Workshop for Writers and Seekers
Saturday, January 15, 1-4 p.m. on Zoom.
During this class we address dreams – both those we encounter during sleep and the ones that come to us as visions during our daytime meditations or spontaneously during activities.
For the week before the class, we will keep a journal of these messages and insights. During our session we will discuss visionary wisdom – including Charles Simic’s wonderful “Empire of Dreams” from which the title of this course has been taken. We will not write ABOUT dreams so much as THROUGH them to uncover themes and issues and questions we need and feel called to address.
For those who wish, Joanne will draw 3 Tarot cards and send them to assist with the dreaming.
Experienced and beginning writers and dreamers of all kinds are welcome.
Please sign up by emailing Joanne at JoanneClarkson28@gmail.com, texting 360-701-2030, or messaging on FB. Suggested donation is $10.

"Hospice House" from MoonPath Press, Zoom Launch Reading
2023-01-14 14:00 - 16:00 | WA
I will be reading poems from my brand new collection “Hospice House,” and telling how and why I created them. Many of my poems were inspired by Hospice patients I cared for. Others are about my experiences with the passing of loved ones. Still others speak to the life force energy around us. I like to call this a book about Spirit rather than one about death. If feel that my book is full of loving energy and I am so excited to share it.
Reading with me will be Risa Denenberg whose beautiful book “Rain/Dweller” was also just released from MoonPath. She is a family nurse practitioner and has worked in many areas of progressive health care. She lives not too far from us on our beautiful Olympia peninsula.
If you would like to attend this reading, contact me for the link by email: JoanneClarkson28@gmail, by messaging me on FaceBook or through texting to 360-701-2030. I sure hope you will celebrate with me on Saturday, January 14!

Lakewold Gardens Lit Fest
2023-02-05 12:00 - 17:00 | Lakewold Gardens
Joanne the Poet will be selling and signing copies of her new poetry collection, “Hospice House” and reading from the book during Lit Fest, Poetry in the Gardens, at Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood, WA. Joanne will be there on Sunday, February 5, from 12 -5. The event is also happening on Saturday, the 4th, and includes workshops, an authors’ panel and a display of award winning poetry.
For more information or to register and buy a ticket, go to www.lakewoldgardens.org.

Featured Reader for Collective Colloquy's February Event
2023-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | WA
Joanne Clarkson will read and recite poems from her new collection “Hospice House” for Collective Colloquy’s February Event Monday, February 20, 7-9 p.m. The reading is being held at Anthems coffee house in the stadium district of Tacoma. An Open Mic will be part of this program so bring writing to share!

Ars Poetica Gallery Exhibition 2023
2023-04-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Front Street Gallery, Poulsbo, WA, United States
Galleries in Poulsbo, WA, host a program called Ars Poetica where poets are invited to submit poems for artists to consider using to inspire their art. This year my poem “Tear of Reverence” was selected by Leigh Metteer. My poem and her painting will be featured Sunday, April 16, at Front Street Gallery. At 2 p.m. authors and artists will present and discuss their work and the public is invited. I am so excited to be part of this event. The Exhibit will remain through May 7.

Featured Reader for the Olympia Poetry Network in May
2023-05-17 18:00 - 19:30 | WA
I will be the featured reader for the Olympia Poetry Network in May, reading from my new collection “Hospice House” from MoonPath Press and maybe a new poem or two. The event begins at 6 p.m. with an Open Mic (sign ups at 5:30) when audience members can present their own or their favorite poems. There is a 3 minute time limit. Location for the event is New Traditions Cafe at 5th and Water streets in downtown Olympia.
I like to say that my book is more about ‘spirit’ than death although in it I tell stories about my loving and courageous Hospice patients and their loved ones. It also includes themes from my personal life as a child who lost a parent and from my beautiful natural surroundings here in Port Townsend. I will have copies of the book for sale along with my other poetry collections and my memoir “There’s Always a Miracle.”
Many thanks to OPN member Cynthia Pratt for inviting me. When we lived in Olympia, I served on the Board of OPN. I am so excited to spend time with old friends!

"I Sing the Salmon Home" Reading at Finn River
2023-09-14 16:30 - 18:00 | Finn River Farm and Cidary, Chimacum, WA, United States
I am honored to join 10 other local poets on Thursday, September 14, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at Finn River Farm to read our poems from the beautiful anthology, “I Sing the Salmon Home,” created by former Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest and published by Empty Bowl Press. This collection pays homage to salmon, Native Peoples and our environment generally. My poem, “Salmon Bones,” is about a story my dear friend Judy DuPuis, a fellow Youth Services Librarian, and storyteller told at one of our Family Campfire Evenings. Judy, who is now in spirit, and her husband Curtis, often graced our library events with their storytelling talents. And Jim and I still talk about their generous gifts of Curtis’ smoked salmon. I am so excited to help bring to life these poems about a nourishing resource that contributes so importantly to individual health and health of the planet.

Poetry Reading for Cultivating Voices
2023-12-10 12:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
I will be reading selections from my MoonPath Press poetry book “Hospice House” Sunday, December 10 at Noon Pacific Time on Zoom. Three other poets including Lana Hechtman Ayres will be reading with me. I plan to present 7 poems including one about foxgloves. My artist friend Gayle Haywood painted a picture inspired by this poem and I will show it while reading.
The audience needs to register and then click the link below to attend.
I am excited to honor yet again my patients and their caregivers who so inspired me through their loving courage.
Here are the links:
Please make sure you register for the program using the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvce6gpz0sGN2xjVakkXh6GNCTLhKUnste
Event link:
https://fb.me/e/uztbN96wX

Winter Dates for Readings at Phoenix Rising with Joanne the Psychic
2024-01-13 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
Joanne the Psychic will be reading Palms and Tarot at Phoenix Rising Metaphysical Store on Water Street in Port Townsend on the following dates. Times are from 12-5 p.m. You can call beginning the previous Thursday to schedule a time slot or you can just drop in. Cost is $40 for 30 minutes or $80 for an hour, cash preferred.
January 20 & 21
February 10 & 11
March 9 & 10
All readings are positive and helpful! The New Year is always a great time for a reading! Joanne and her Guides are ready for your good fortune!

Ghost Walk for Writers!
2024-02-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Port Gamble Masonic Lodge, 5 N. Rainier Ave., Port Gamble, WA, 98364, United States
Ghost Walk for Writers
Writers are invited to gather in one of the most haunted places in Washington State to find inspiration in a way they have never experienced it before!
Join Pete Orbea and Joanne Clarkson in Port Gamble on Saturday, February 17, from 1-4 p.m. Paranormal Pete and Joanne the Psychic Poet will lead a tour of haunted homes, businesses, a museum and other sites, with time to write in each location. Prompts for connecting with Spirit will be provided. Writers at all levels, working in any genre are all welcome! Please bring a notebook and pen.
Cost for the workshop is $40.00. To register, go to: www.Portgamble.com, click on Events, then Paranormal, then Events and Classes. Click on or scan the QR code to have several options for payment.
Each participant will receive a brief psychic reading through Tarot, Palmistry and/or Mediumship.
Psychic Medium Joanne Clarkson has read palms and Tarot and performed Mediumship readings since she was a child. Writing has always been her spiritual and artistic practice. She has worked as a professional library and a Registered Nurse. Her most recent publications are “Hospice House,” a poetry collection from MoonPath Press, 2023, and “Psychic Palmistry: A Tool for Intuition,” Black Triangle Press, 2024. She lives with her husband in Port Townsend, WA. See more at Http://Joannethepsychic.com and Http://Joanneclarkson.com.
Pete Orbea, known as Paranormal Pete, leads the popular Ghost Walks in the historic town of Port Gamble. He coordinates the Port Gamble Ghost Conference each November. He became interested in the paranormal and spirits at age seven after witnessing two Native American warriors appear and vanish while on a road trip with his grandparents in northern Arizona. Pete hosts the popular Paranormal Pete Show and regularly gives psychic readings and leads ghostly investigations in Kitsap County and beyond. He is Township Manager for Port Gamble.

Free Poetry & Tarot Workshop plus Reading on March 2 at Booktree
2024-03-02 16:30 - 20:00 | Book Tree, 609 Market St., Kirkland, WA, 98033, United States
I will be leading a free Tarot-card-inspired poetry workshop at BookTree bookstore in Kirkland on Saturday, March 2, from 4:24 p.m. until 6 p.m. At 6:15, following the class, I will be giving a poetry reading along with my friend Sandy Yannone. An Open Mic will come after the featured readers.
Here is a description of the workshop:
Poetry Inspired by the Tarot: An Intuitive Workshop 2024
Presented by Joanne M. Clarkson, Poet and Psychic
Ancient, symbolic wisdom guides poets to that creative place where heart, mind and spirit merge. Poet and psychic Joanne M. Clarkson will help participants work from deep intuition in this generative workshop. After briefly explaining the organization and meaning of the Tarot, participants will choose/draw cards from several decks provided. Joanne will then lead poets in both free-association and more formal exercises. Hand-outs on the Poetry-Tarot connection will be provided. No experience with Tarot is necessary and writers of all levels are welcome.
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I will be reading from my MoonPath Press book “Hospice House” which appeared last year. I am now working on a poetry manuscript based on psychic experiences and may read some new poems as well. In addition, my brand new book on palm reading: “Psychic Palmistry, A Tool for Intuition,” will be available for purchase.

Writing Inspired by Horses
2025-04-30 15:00 - 17:00 | Heron Hill Equine, 241 Sand Road, Port Townsend, WA, 98368, United States
Writing Inspired by Horses – Class Description – Joanne Clarkson
Wednesday, April 16 & 30, 3-5 p.m.
Heron Hill Embodied Equine Experience
My artistic practice is writing, especially poetry. Horses have been a source of inspiration for me throughout my life. I am inviting you to spend time with me, and three beautiful equines, to find the perfect expression of beauty and truth through word-craft.
Writers at all levels and of all ages are welcome. Participants may choose to write fiction, poetry, memoir, non-fiction, or through journaling. Our subjects might be the horses at Heron Hill we will meet, or we might choose to write about other horses, or other beloved animal companions.
During the workshop, I will share examples of ways writers through the ages have been inspired by horses. I will then present three exercises that we can use to approach a new piece of writing. After time spent working, those attending can share their drafts if they wish.
