The Pole Barn Poets writing group is a new addition to the vibrant menu of existing Foundation writing groups. We are a ‘sister group’ of the Porch Poets with a similar goal to support the mission of the Foundation and provide accomplished and aspiring poets a venue to share their work, improve their craft, and enjoy the opportunities provided by the Foundation for reaching the broader community.

Due to low attendance in the summer and early fall, the Pole Barn Poets and Porch Poets will combine their monthly meetings. Both groups will meet on the second Saturday of every month from 10 am – 12 pm and the fourth Thursday of every month from 5:30 pm 7:30 pm at the Writing Center, located at 1914 14th Ave in Vero Beach. Location is weather dependent.

If you are interested in finding out more about our group, please call us at 772-569-6718 or email us at admin@lrjf.org.

Please note: participation in our writing groups, effective September 1, 2021, will require membership in LRJF (Currently $50 a year for individuals and $75 for households). Register for membership here.

Meet your facilitator:

Michael Howard

Michael R. Howard is a retired Naval Officer whose poetry appeared in the Indian River Review and the Porch Poets Chapbooks. He was a Poetry Finalist in the 2015 and 2017 Royal Palm Literary Awards (RPLA) and a Semi-Finalist in the 2020 RPLA competition of the Florida Writers Association. In 2013 Michael created and led the ongoing Fort Pierce based Creative Writers Group which included writers of all genres. His first poetry book, The Lightning and the Gale, went live on June 15, 2022 and can be obtained here. He was instrumental in obtaining the official Historical Marker for the Laura Riding Jackson home located on the IRSC Mueller Campus and is a long standing member of the Porch Poets participating in their many community events including the Foundation’s annual Poetry & BBQ, Chapbook production, public readings and Ekphrastic events.  

See our Pole Barn Poets in action!