Hickory Smoked Turkey

I will be taking part in the Mindful Writing Challenge in January.  Join me!

The time has come to dust off your ugly holiday sweaters and join us at Awesome Books tonight! You need a good laugh, don't you?

BREAK OUT YOUR HOLIDAY SWEATERS! December 8 is just around the corner.  Why not enjoy a night of laughter, bad sweaters and wine?

Dec. 8! Dec. 8! Dec. 8! Words cannot describe how excited I am to be a part of this reading. You simply MUST come!

The official workshop flyer is here! Check it out and sign up!

A HOT CUP OF COFFEE AND CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP AT BIDDLE'S ESCAPE on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 The holidays are just around the corner and your relatives will supply you with enough material to write a book! Are you looking for informed, creative and constructive feedback on your writing from a published author? Please consider attending this one day Creative Writing Workshop to obtain valuable insight and individualized comments on your work. This supportive workshop is open to writers of all levels. Each student will receive thoughtful comments from me and fellow attendees. Articles, theories and instructive materials will also be provided. Please e-mail swielkopolan@gmail.com to register. Please submit 2 pieces of your work to me by Dec. 1. One sample should be a piece you feel is strong and polished and the second should be a piece that you are currently struggling with. Class size is limited to 7 writers. Cost: $35, scholarships and sliding scale fe

Stef bids you adieu in her last Vlog Poets video of the year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baYWMnxHyQc&feature=plcp

Check it out! Don't miss this great reading at Big Idea Bookstore in Bloomfield on Saturday, September 29. Who: Adam Sukhia, Stefanie Wielkopolan, Carolyne Whelan, Bob Walicki Where: Big Idea Bookstore, 4812 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224 When: Saturday, Sept. 29, 1 pm Why: It's gonna rock! Hope to see you there!

I'm reading this Sunday, September 9 from 4:00-4:15 as part of the City of Asylum show. You can find us at the intersection of Jacksonia and Monterey streets in the North Side. Bob Walicki reads from 2:30-2:45 Carolyne Whelan reads from 3:45-4:00 You literally can't go wrong! Hope to see you there.

Vlog style! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQQyzgDGOBw&feature=g-all-u

Follow us on twitter and read this week's micropetry by us. https://twitter.com/#!/search/?q=thevlogpoets&src=typd

My latest writing prompt, via the VlogPoets! Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0avHkcZHDk&feature=em-uploademail

Excited to be reading September 9th in the North Side with City of Asylum AND later in the month at Big Idea Bookstore with Bob Walicki, Adam Sukhia and Carolyne Whelan. I think I feel fall around the corner!

Watch as Norman and I discuss print journals. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFyblxhJZVE&feature=em-uploademail

My latest VlogPoets post! Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRBflhufm4k&feature=g-all-u

Check out my latest vlog! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HK5UeTjxfE&feature=em-uploademail

There is some relief this morning from the scorching heat of the week. Yesterday, the temperature reached close to 100 degrees and sweat was my constant companion. I usually have Sunday mornings off and try to use it as a time for reflection and writing. When being pulled in multiple directions, due to work or other commitments, it's challenging to find the space to sit with one's ideas. Last night I met up with a group of friends at a local bar. Most of the group did not know each other as they are friends from different areas of my life, yet they all gelled and got along. Our common thread was personality. Most of us are writers, some are mothers, others are single, some are married, and others are in relationships. As I looked around the table I felt a deep gratitude because I was surrounded by wonderful and creative people. So much in life depends upon who orbits your world. When orbited by negative or selfish people, it is easy to become frustrated, lonely and jaded.

On this hot Sunday afternoon, I am most grateful for breakfasts spent with loved ones and friends, the sun shining through the window, fat cats sleeping in chairs and on the floor, gentle words and sweet bird songs.

Want to know what it's like to be a poet? Check out my latest video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qWOjeDGt7c&feature=g-all-u

This afternoon I am grateful for optimistic people, cool summer days, windows that lookout onto lush greenery, Christmas lights, a single cup of coffee, familiar voices and my home.