Joanne the Poet

Memoir Writing Workshop at the Westport Timberland Library
2017-10-14 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Westport Timberland Library, Westport, WA, United States
Joanne will lead a Memoir Writing workshop at the Westport Timberland Library on Saturday, October 14, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Experienced and beginning writers are welcome. The event will focus on the immigration experience. Joanne’s new award-winning poetry book “The Fates” draws on the experiences of both her grandmother Esther who came from Sweden in her teens and her Slovakian grandparents who arrived in America in 1910. Joanne has also published prose pieces about this brave people and their struggles. The workshop will include lots of practical examples and writing exercises and hand-outs. The event is free.

Detective Sargeant Meets the Psychic: A New Spin on Investigating and Reporting UFOs
2017-09-24 19:00 - 21:00 | McMenamins Mission Theater and Pub, 1624 NW Glisan, Portland, WA, 97209, United States
Working with real life cases, James Clarkson, a seasoned investigator, and Joanne Clarkson, a psychic medium, will describe and enact interviews and reports about UFO and paranormal encounters. Joanne will portray such key UFO witnesses as June Crain (Roswell and other crashes), Estella Kressel (Westport Crash), Frankie Rowe (Roswell) and others and also describe her own sighting. James who has devoted thirty years to exploring the possibility of Alien contact will use his detection tools and interviewing techniques to explore truth in testimony.
Although this program has been planned and organized, the presenters leave room for new revelations. Come and see what happens when science meets intuition!

Deep Waters Poetry Reading on August 18
2017-08-18 19:00 - 20:30 | Steilacoom Public Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Steilacoom, WA, 98388, United States
Joanne the Poet will be giving a reading on Friday, August 18, from 7-8:45 p.m. at the Steilacoom Public Library. She will be a guest of the Deep Waters poetry group. Joanne plans to read from her new poetry book “The Fates” and to talk a little bit about how she put the poems together to form the book and how she got it published. Those attending can address their fate, by reading at the Open Mic! One of the best parts of an evening like this one is how all the wonderful poems and poets come together! The Deep Waters website is www.andersonislandwriters.com.

Program about "There's Always a Miracle" for SUFON
2017-08-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Stargazers Bookstore, 12727 Northup Way, Ste. 10, Bellevue, WA, 98005, United States
Joanne will be the featured speaker for the monthly meeting of SUFON (Seattle UFO Network) on Sunday, August 13, from 1-3 p.m. The event takes place at Stargazer’s Bookstore in Bellevue. Joanne will share stories about extraordinary experiences from her career as a Hospice RN and from her personal life. She believes Lives from the Other Side are available to us at the moment of our passing and at other times to share wisdom and comfort. Her book includes actual ghosts, spirits who use technology, a miracle involving roses, another with a rainbow and much, much more.

"The Fates" at the Point Ruston Farmers Market in Tacoma
2017-08-06 10:00 - 14:00 | Point Ruston Farmers Market, 5005 Grand Loop, Tacoma, WA, United States
Joanne will read and recite poems from her new book “The Fates” about noon on Sunday, August 6, the day of the Grand Opening of the Point Ruston Farmer’s Market. Joanne feels honored to share a table with memoirist E.C. Murray from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where she will be available to talk about her book — and sell a personalized, autographed copy.

"The Fates" Book Launch at Orca Books
2017-07-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Orca Books, 509 E. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA, United States
A celebration of my new award-winning poetry volume: “The Fates” is happening on Saturday evening, July 29th, 6:30 p.m. at Orca Books, 509 E. 4th Ave. in downtown Olympia. As the title suggests, the book is organized around the Three Sisters from classical mythology who ruled the lives of humans: spinning the thread of life, measuring it and snipping it at the end. Thus the question I am asking is how much control do we have over our lives? A number of the poems deal with the difficult life of my grandmother Esther, a psychic medium. Some talk about my experiences as a Hospice RN. Others are autobiographical or address themes from both science and nature.
During my presentation, I will talk about individual poems and how the book came to be and how I won Bright Hill Press’ contest. And of course, I will read and recite poems Klotho, Lachesis and Atropos choose for me! I also welcome questions about poetry and my writing. My theme always: I just love poetry!
I hope you will join me in this celebration of art and life!

Book Launch at Bright Hill
2017-06-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Bright Hill Literary Center, 94 Church Street, Treadwell, NY, 13846, United States
I will be reading from my new poetry collection, “The Fates,” at Bright Hill Literary Center in Treadwell, New York on June 22! This is part of their Word Thursday series. Bright Hill Press awarded my book first prize in their annual competition. I am so excited to share my poems about fortune and free will, to talk about my publishing experiences and to meet Bertha Rogers, my editors. I hope some of my New England friends can come! The event begins at 7 p.m.

Creative Colloquy Three Year Anniversary Event
2017-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | B Sharp Coffee House, 706 Opera Alley, Tacoma, WA, United States
Joanne Clarkson will be a featured poet at Creative Colloquy’s First Day of Spring, Happy Birthday event on Monday, March 20 at 7 p.m. The celebration will be held at B Sharp Coffee House, 706 Opera Alley in Tacoma. Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall will headline and MC the reading which includes 5 featured readers and an Open Mic. In addition to poetry, there will be cake and a ‘super rad raffle.’ See more at www.CreativeCollquy.com.

Workshop: The Language of Profession
2017-02-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, WA, 98508, United States
The Language of Profession: Writing from Who We Are and What We Do is the theme for the Paul Gillie Memorial workshop, Monday evening, February 13. The free event takes place from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW. Using terms, phrases and details from any specific type of work or hobby can add depth and character to a poem. Whether you are a scientist, nurse, heavy equipment operator, skier, coin collector, botanist, bird watcher, or whatever else, your poem relies on your experience to be vivid, fascinating and publishable. Poet Joanne Clarkson, nurse and OPN Board Member, will share famous poems and writing exercises to make the ordinary memorable.

"Miracles" Talk at Port Townsend Meet-Up
2016-11-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Unnamed Venue, Port Townsend, WA, United States
Olympic UFO Meet up takes place on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Port Townsend Friends Meeting House located at 1841 Sheridan Ave. Attendees are invited to continue the discussion at another location following the main meeting. Space will be available for experiencers to meet in private.
Joanne Clarkson, Hospice RN and author of There’s Always A Miracle: True Stories of Life Before & After Death, will talk about how caring for the dying changed her way of thinking about body and spirit—how final moments become extraordinary. Her stories include ghosts and UFOs and examples of small coincidences that made a great difference.
“Single acts of unselfish love let us know we’re not alone in our sorrow and wonder.”
Joanne’s poetry, stories and non-fiction pieces have appeared in over 150 magazines and journals internationally and she has published four volumes of poetry. She has Master’s Degrees in English and Library Science and worked as a teacher and professional librarian. Joanne has also read Palms and Tarot most of her life.

Paranormal Pub - "There's Always a Miracle"
2016-09-25 19:00 - 21:00 | McMenamins Mission Theater, 1624 N.W. Glisan St., Portland, OR, United States
Joanne Clarkson will discuss and read from her new book, “There’s Always a Miracle: True Stories of Life Before and After Death.” Topics include how the dead contact us, how spirits arrive to help those crossing over, whether we can talk to loved ones who have passed, real ghosts and much more. Question and answer session to follow the presentation.

Program at Seattle Metaphysical Library in September
2016-09-13 19:00 - 21:00 | WA
I will be talking about and sharing stories from my new book: “There’s Always A Miracle: True Stories of Life Before and After Death.”
Seattle Metaphysical Library, 2220 NW Market St. L-05, Seattle, WA 98107 (Ballard area)
Tuesday, September 13, 7 p.m. $7.00 charge (1/2 to support the Library)
“The Seattle Metaphysical Library was established in Seattle in 1961.We have grown over the past five decades to hold over 14,000 books plus many hundreds of audio and video tapes, CDs, DVDs, magazines and newspaper clippings on a variety of metaphysical and spiritual topics, as well as material selected to help remove the Veil of Maya – the veil of illusion – from our eyes. We are an independent resource center providing esoteric and alternative material and events to support personal growth to enhance our understanding of ourselves, the universe and our place in it.
We are open to the public. There is no charge for browsing the materials or reading at our location. Operating expenses are paid for by our members, who are able to borrow material. We also host a variety of ongoing events and groups. See website: www.seattlemetaphysicallibrary.org.”

Book Launch for "There's Always a Miracle: True Stories of Life Before and After Death"
2016-06-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Orca Books, 509 E. 4th Avenue, Olympia, WA, United States
The launch party and reading for my new non-fiction book is set for Sunday, June 26, 2 p.m. at Orca Books on 4th Ave. in downtown Olympia. The 24 true stories in “There’s Always a Miracle” describe the amazing things that happen when someone makes their transition. Five stories are from my personal life. Nineteen involve patients I served as a Hospice nurse. Several involve ghosts or messages from the other side. Some talk about coincidences or synchronicities. All involve some sort of love and courage. I will talk about how and why I wrote the book. I will tell some of the stories. I will encourage those in the audience to realize the miracles in their own lives. The event is free. All ages welcome.

The Center Salon
2016-02-06 19:30 - 21:00 | WA
Saturday evening, February 6, 2016, beginning at 7:30, The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia will host a celebration of Pacific Northwest talent. In the historical tradition of Paris salons, we present an intimate evening of music, theater, literature, and art. Featuring the work of several Olympia-based artists, including Jim Lynch, Bryan Willis, Patty Kinney, Cindy Weinberg, Joanne Clarkson, Brian McCracken, Nathan Barnes and Becky Knold. Proceeds benefit The Washington Center’s Education fund!

Seattle Rep Salon
2015-12-01 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
Joanne Clarkson will be one of the poets featured at the annual Seattle Rep Salon Monday evening December 14 beginning at 7 p.m. The salon also features original plays and fiction readers. Patty Kinney from Olympia will also be reading. The event is free.

Seasons Readings
2015-12-01 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
Olympia Poetry Network Board Members will reading seasonal (Holiday, winter, solstice) poems Wednesday evening, December 16, 6:30 p.m. An Open Mic will follow the featured readers which include Joanne Clarkson, Terri Cohlene, Chris Dahl, Cynthia Pratt, Brian McCracken and Bill Yake. The event is free. Children’s Poetry Books are being collected at this event to distribute to needy families in the Olympia area.

Local Poets, Local Places
2015-12-01 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
Five Olympia poets will read from their published works at Orca Books, Saturday December 5, 7:30 p.m. Poets include Joanne M. Clarkson, Bill Yake, Barbara Gibson, Dean Olson and Brian McCracken and is sponsored by the Olympia Poetry Network as part of its 25th anniversary celebration. Poems shared will have some images drawn from our beautiful Pacific Northwest. Poets’ work will be available for purchase. The event is free.

Local Poets, Local Places
2015-11-09 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
I will be one of the featured poets reading at Orca Bookstore on Saturday, December 5, at 7 p.m. as part of an event meant to highlight local poets whose books are available at this venue. Olympia Poetry Network hopes to make readings like these a staple in our community. Other poets are: Bill Yake, Barbara Gibson, Dean Olson and Brian McCracken. Poems read will highlight some aspect of Olympia and the Pacific Northwest. The event is free and books will be available for purchase.

Launch Party for the Tarot Poetry Anthology
2015-08-12 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
Launch Party for Minor Arcana’s Tarot Poetry Anthology will be held: Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, Seattle 98122
Join Minor Arcana Press for a celebration of its second collection of ekphrastic poetry, Arcana: The Tarot Poetry Anthology. Edited by scholar and Tarot expert Marjorie Jensen, Arcana is the first ever multi-contributor poetry anthology about the Tarot.
The book includes original verse by fifty contemporary writers and Tarot readers from around the world, as well as illustrations from Seattle artist Siolo Thomson’s Linestrider Tarot.
The seventy-eight cards of the Tarot mean many things to many people—a game, a fortune telling oracle, a powerful spiritual guide. Arcana: The Tarot Poetry Anthology celebrates the Tarot as muse: enchanting, inspiring, and empowering.
The launch event will feature Tarot readings from 6–7 p.m., then readings from Arcana‘s local contributors, including Joanne Clarkson, Amy Schrader, Sierra Nelson, Evan J. Peterson, and Tony Rella. Jensen will also read her work and talk about the genesis of the book.
Joanne Clarkson’s poem is entitled: The Nine of Cups (which is the ‘wish card’ and her psychic grandmother’s favorite card in the deck, a message of highest hope).

Memoir Workshops for Fall 2015
2015-07-20 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
I am presenting creative Memoir workshops at libraries in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties in September and October. Participants can write in any genre: poetry, non-fiction, story, journaling. And they can have any degree of writing experience and expertise. The point is to harvest memory and express what we remember in a potent form that is meaningful both for others and ourselves. Here is the description:
“The Craft of Memory”
Writing ‘Memoir’ merges memory, emotion and meaning for an author. It is much more than researching and developing facts about a person, time or place. There is a deep-seated reason why the writer wants and needs to investigate her subject. Memoir can involve a lot of work and historical exploration, even interviews with others involved. Or it can be a dream-like journey into the subconscious. Writer Joanne Clarkson will help participants create their Memoir through exercises involving craft, imagination and understanding relationships. Joanne is currently writing about her maternal grandmother who was a professional Psychic.
Schedule:
September 22 (Tuesday): Hoquiam Timberland Library 6:30-8:00 p.m.
October 10 (Saturday): Westport Timberland Library 12-2 p.m.
October 13 (Tuesday): Amanda Park Timberland Library 2-3:30 p.m. and Aberdeen Timberland Library 5:30-7 p.m.
October 20 (Tuesday): South Bend Timberland Library 11-12:30
October 22 (Thursday): Montesano Timberland Library 6-7:30 p.m.
October 29 (Thursday): Raymond Timberland Library 6-7:30 p.m.
See you there!

I'm the 'Feature' at Olympia People's Mic!
2015-04-26 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
I am so excited to be the ‘feature’ for OLYMPIA PEOPLE’S MIC on Thursday evening, May 7, at Café Love, 205 4th Ave. E. in downtown Olympia. The Open Mic part is first and begins at 7:30 but poets wanting to read can begin signing up at 7. Since it is ‘performance poetry,’ I am working hard to memorize pieces. Instead of reading from my nursing repertoire, I am going to present some ‘psychic poems.’ The energy at these events is amazing! I feel very honored to be part of it!

40 Things To Do With a Poem
2015-01-27 18:30 - 20:30 | SPSCC Mottman Campus, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia, 98512, United States
Poetry Class at South Puget Sound Community College
January 27, 2015, 6:30-8:30 p.m., on the Mottman campus. Sign up by going to the SPSCC website and selecting Courses and Programs, Community Education, Writing. Mine is the first class listed. Click here to register now!
The class will cover such topics as:

Publishing poems in print and on-line
Using multimedia
Presenting poems out loud and in person
Partnering with artists and other disciplines
Displaying poems
Gifting poems
Shaping your specific Poetry Plan for the year

Prompts for writing excellent new poems will be provided and we will write during the class. Hand-outs provided!

PoetsWest Reading in Seattle
2014-11-08 16:00 - 19:00 | Green Lake Branch Seattle Public Library, 7364 E Greenlake Dr. N, Seatlle, WA, 98115, United States
Joanne will be a featured poet at a PoetsWest reading in Seattle in November. She joins Kay Mullen and Griffin William and host Art Gomez on Saturday, November 8 at 4:00 p.m. at the Green Lake Branch Seattle Public Library, 7364 E Greenlake Dr. N, Seattle, WA.
Contact J. Glenn Evans 206.682.1268 or visit the PoetsWest.com website for more information.

Northwest Playwrights Alliance presents: Double Shot Festival of Overnight Plays and Poetry (Oct. 19th)
2014-10-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Theater on the Square, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, WA, 98402, United States
This year Double Shot will include two poets: Joanne Clarkson and Patty Kinney.
Double shot is a writing challenge during which authors are contacted Friday night with a writing prompt. They must complete their piece (short play or poem in this case) by 9 a.m. the following morning and have it ready to present by that evening. The public is invited to attend Double Shot performances!

Northwest Playwrights Alliance presents: Double Shot Festival of Overnight Plays and Poetry (Oct. 18th)
2014-10-18 19:30 - 20:30 | Theater on the Square, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, WA, 98402, United States
This year Double Shot will include two poets: Joanne Clarkson and Patty Kinney.
Double shot is a writing challenge during which authors are contacted Friday night with a writing prompt. They must complete their piece (short play or poem in this case) by 9 a.m. the following morning and have it ready to present by that evening. The public is invited to attend Double Shot performances as below:
The same program will be repeated at a second performance Sunday Oct. 19 @ 2:00 p.m.

Fall 2014 Paul Gillie Memorial Workshop
2014-09-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Olympia Timberland Library, 313 8th Ave SE, Olympia, 98501, United States
Joanne presents the first Fall 2014 Paul Gillie Memorial Workshop sponsored by the Olympia Poetry Network.
“40 Things to Do with a Poem” is the topic for the workshop Monday, September 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Olympia Timberland Library. The event is free and everyone is welcome.
From where and how to publish in print to media venues to gifts, displays, cooperative ventures, Joanne Clarkson shares ideas about how to get poetry from poet to audience. This workshop is partly inspired by Paul Gillie himself who once wrote a wonderful poem about bread and gave it to a local bakery where it was proudly displayed for many months!
For more information, call 360-701-2030.

Olympia Poetry Network
2014-06-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia, 98501, United States
I am pleased to announce that I am the featured reader for the Olympia Poetry Network in June. The event takes place Wednesday, June 18, 6:30-8 p.m. at Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW downtown.
(Traditions has the best ice cream in town and great lasagna besides!) I will be reading from “Believing the Body,” which was published this spring by Gribble Press and will include a couple of other recent poems as well. Many of my poems honor my patients and their courageous caregivers. Some are personal poems. Others touch on my psychic gift or my husband’s UFO hobby! An Open Mic session will precede the reading where poets can read original work or their favorite poems. The event is free.
Come and celebrate with me and meet other local poets and poetry lovers.

Poetry Book Launch - Believing the Body
2014-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Bayview Thriftway, 516 West 4th Street (upstairs just beyond the deli), Olympia, 98502
Hear the story of how the book was created and all the people the poems honor. Joanne will read selected poems.
Believing the Body, published by Gribble Press in Spokane, contains 24 poems. Some feature patients Joanne has cared for and their caregivers. Others address man’s place in the universe. The book was edited and designed by artist-poet Iris Gribble-Neal.
There is plenty of parking at Bayview, a deli where food is available and a coffee shop in the foyer. Or you can bring a brown bag. Celebration cake will be provided! Enjoy the beautiful view and poetry that speaks to the mind and the heart.
Please join Joanne on this final day of National Poetry Month 2014 to honor the gift of poetry.

Poetry Matters - Program for Poets and Poetry Lovers - Session II
2014-04-21 07:00 - 20:30 | Lakewood Library, 6300 Wildaire Rd SW, Lakewood, 98499, United States
In Honor of National Poetry Month, April 2014
For both practicing poets and those who enjoy the art and music of poetry, there is always more to discover. People write about things that touch them deeply. The goal for this workshop is for those attending to feel comfortable sharing feelings and words in a non-critical atmosphere. Poetry does matter.

Session I: Monday, April 7, 7-8:30 p.m. Poem-making.

Exercises in sound, form, voice, image, memoir and story.
Lots of inspiration from favorite poets utilizing different styles and subjects.
Writing prompts and suggestions to keep the Muse singing.

Session II: Monday, April 21, 7-8:30 p.m. Poetry Forever

Participants present a poem or draft they have created over the past 2 weeks.
Writers share a poet they have discovered and admire.
Presenter offers information and strategies for publishing, reading, displaying and otherwise sharing the gift of poetry.

Presenter is Poet Joanne Clarkson
Joanne Clarkson’s fourth collection of poems, “Believing the Body,” will be out in 2014. Her poems have appeared in over a hundred magazines, journals and anthologies internationally. Her poem, “Seamstress Masters Her Craft,” was an Artists Embassy International Grand Prize winner in 2013 and was performed by a dance troupe at the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Joanne has Master’s Degrees in English and Library Science. She has taught at the college level and worked as a professional librarian.

Poetry Matters - Program for Poets and Poetry Lovers - Session I
2014-04-07 07:00 - 20:30 | Lakewood Library, 6300 Wildaire Rd SW, Lakewood, 98499, United States
