Eighteen years ago, when William Seaton originated his "Poetry on the Loose" readings series, he billed it as the only poetry series between Manhattan and Woodstock.
These days, each week brings a new slate of poetry readings, workshops, courses and special events. Numerous poets dot the Hudson Valley and Catskills, too. The statement Seaton made nearly two decades ago seems like a surreal step into a Delorean. Things have radically changed.
This week alone, despite the holiday festivities planted right in the middle of things, there are a handful of readings and events throughout the region. Just take a gander:
There's not one reason why poetry events have increased throughout the years. Seaton, who along with "Poetry on the Loose" runs the Northeast Poetry Center and College of Poetry in Warwick, has seen through the years a genuine uptick in attendance and interest in poetry events and workshops. He says part of the increase is because more people are writing, thanks to the Internet.
"Now, with on-demand publishing and online publishing it's become much simpler," Seaton said. "Anybody can get a handsome-looking, perfect-bound book published these days."
Seaton brings established poets into his school. They teach classes ranging from "Buddhism in Poetry" to a chapbook workshop, giving students the chance to publish a book of their work. Classes begin in March. Until then, there are numerous poetry events to experience.