Bruce Roseland

Topics: Communication, Discussion Leader, Environment, Modern Rural Life, Poetry, South Dakota, Writing

Community: Seneca

Program Types: One Book South Dakota, Speakers Bureau, Virtual Program(s)

http://heartoftheprairie.net/
bbroseland@venturecomm.net | (605) 436-6770

Writing Free Verse Poetry – Basics
Roseland teaches basic skills of writing free verse, grounded poetry. This program serves ages 6-100+, from those who’ve never authored a poem to experienced authors looking for practical empowerment. As South Dakota’s Poet Laureate, Roseland’s mission is to promote the excellence of SD poets. He reads examples from his work, explains writing skills and gives exercises. Participants write and discuss their own poems.

Heart of the Prairie
Here are stories of ranching life in South Dakota – from homesteading, to environmental needs to preserve grassland habitat. Roseland’s stories are free verse poetry from his book Heart of the Prairie. He reads poems regarding the impact of technological advances on our prairie and discusses the resulting changes in rural life. He describes research on native grassland preservation and how conservation informs his writing. Roseland explains the craft of writing grounded poetry. Participants are encouraged to bring poems of their own to read/discuss.

Storytelling Through Poetry
As Poet Laureate of South Dakota, Roseland believes writing poetry is a way of recording and sharing our personal and collective stories. He believes poetry is for folks from all levels of society, and that everyone can write poetry. Roseland encourages the reading and writing of free verse poetry and gives participants the opportunity to be heard during open mics. You are invited to join in building the Golden Age of We (from Roseland’s “Celebrate: We Want to Know”) – a path to interact and connect through poetry.