Sunshine Poets

06/17/2026

Congrats!

Please join us in congratulating Rebecca—and in commending the nearly 150 other entrants in the 2025 Barbara Stevens Poetry Book Manuscript Competition.

Consider entering the 2026 Competition! The submissions window opens August 15, 2026, and closes at midnight PST October 15, 2026.

https://nfsps.net/barbara-stevens-manuscript-contest

06/17/2026

If you've never been to a national poetry convention, I recommend it!

🌻 Be a part of something extraordinary at National Federation Of State Poetry Societies Inc's Annual Convention and BlackBerry Peach SLAM. It's an event like no other, and we want you to join us in Overland Park, Kansas July 23-27, 2026!

https://nfsps.net/2026-65th-annual-convention-registration

06/09/2026

Open mic tonight!
June 9, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Rescheduled from last week!

June is here, and Summer is around the corner. Keep cool with a breezy evening of poetry hosted by Peter Gordon. The rescheduled First Tuesday Poetry Open Mic takes place tomorrow, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Read your work without critique or criticism in our monthly gathering of poets at work.

Meeting ID: 816 2592 3847

Passcode: 571685

Send a message to learn more

06/08/2026

Join Sunshine Poets for our June 2026 meeting/poetry reading at 11 AM, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Central Ridge Library, Beverly Hills, FL.

Bring your poems to share. If you'd like a gentle critique, bring several copies. Optional homework: write a poem that fits one of the FSPA contest categories-- even if you don't plan to enter-- there are many good ideas there, or write whatever moves you-- whatever style. Even if you don't write, you may bring a poem by another author that you really liked; we'll talk about what drew you to that particular poem. We will meet this month up front in the Community Room. See you there!

Cadence 2025 anthologies are available on Amazon; they make great gifts!

Check the newest issue of OPAP at the Florida State Poets Association – The poetry association for Florida.
flpoets.org

Send a message to learn more

06/08/2026

Contest time!

2026 FSPA Contest
FSPA is delighted to announce our annual poetry contest. This year, we have 28 different categories, covering all sorts of subjects and forms to challenge you. The submission period is May 1 through July 15 (that’s the ‘must-be-postmarked-by’ date). Each year, hundreds of poets have entered thousands of poems, seeking to win cash prizes and publication. I can’t wait to see what you’ll send us this year. Good luck and happy writing!

FSPA is delighted to announce our annual poetry contest. This year, we have 28 different categories, covering all sorts of subjects and forms to challenge you. The submission period is May 1 through July 15 (that’s the ‘must-be-postmarked-by’ date). Each year, hundreds of poets have entered th...

06/08/2026

Sunshine Poets members: Cadence 2026 is now accepting entries with the theme, Tributaries & Springs. Details at the FSPA website.

2021 Cadence Anthology  Click here to purchase! 2020 Cadence Anthology  Click here to purchase!2019 Cadence Anthology  Click here to purchase!2018 Cadence Anthology  Click here to purchase!2017 Cadence Anthology Click here to purchase!

06/04/2026

What if we all write poetry. Everyone is going through challenges these days. Poetry provides a creative outlet. 🌻 We welcome you to The National Federation Of State Poetry Societies Inc's Annual Convention and BlackBerry Peach SLAM. It's an event like no other, and we want you to join us in Overland Park, Kansas July 23-27, 2026!

https://nfsps.net/2026-65th-annual-convention-registration

05/22/2026

Get ready to be part of something extraordinary… The National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) 65th Annual Convention and BlackBerry Peach…

05/22/2026

Register Today 📌 Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at National Federation Of State Poetry Societies Inc's Annual Convention and BlackBerry Peach SLAM. It's an event like no other, and we want you to join us in Overland Park, Kansas July 23-27, 2026!

https://nfsps.net/2026-65th-annual-convention-registration

05/22/2026

Poetry Conventions — Networking with Poets:
You have the chance to meet editors, agents, and established poets, which can lead to mentorship or career opportunities. For poetic artists, it is a chance to participate and receive, or offer, critical feedback in a supportive environment. Listening to other poets—whether at open mics, featured readings, workshops or slams—can be highly entertaining and inspiring. It offers a "catharsis" that is both emotionally and intellectually stimulating, often providing a "lightbulb moment" for your own work.

🎙️ Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at National Federation Of State Poetry Societies Inc's Annual Convention and BlackBerry Peach SLAM. It's an event like no other, and we want you to join us in Overland Park, Kansas July 23-27, 2026!

https://nfsps.net/2026-65th-annual-convention-registration