Twin Cities Poets and Writers
About this Chapter
The Twin Cities Poets & Writers is a chapter of The League of Minnesota Poets comprised of poets and writers in all genres of writing. As independent writing groups, we aim to nurture the talent and recognition for our members and the wider writing community. Our goal is to sustain recurring events and develop new programs that promote literary endeavors for writers of all levels and backgrounds.
Cracked Walnut and Mississippi Valley Poets & Writers Chapters decided to combine into a single chapter in 2025. We are now known as the Twin Cities Chapters. We are a variety of independent agents forming a collective to enhance and promote poetry.
Reading Series & Recurring Events
Poetry Workshop, 1st Saturday of the month, at the Highland Park Public Library, 1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, from 10 a.m. to noon. Host: Barry MacDonald. Bring 14 copies of one poem to share.
Warrior Writers, 1st and 3rd Saturday, 1 to 2:30 p.m. and is a meeting exclusively for veterans. They meet at Open Book, 1011 S. Washington Ave, Minneapolis, 3rd floor. Jessi Marie Atherton acts as a contact.
Literary Bridges in 2026 meets on May 16, August 15, November 21, from 10 to noon, at St. Anthony Park Library 2245 Como Ave, St. Paul, Host: Micah Ruelle and Mugu Ganesan.
Writer’s Night Out, Monday, April 6th led by Bill Anderson, held at Omni Brewing in Maple Grove.
Poets & Pints, 3rd Wednesday of each month, at Sisyphus Brewing, 712 Ontario Avenue, Minneapolis, from 7 to 9 p.m. Host: Tony Plocido. Curated readers followed by an open mic.
Fifth Readers Series, Every one of those rare months that has five Wednesdays, from 6-8 pm, Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Ave., St. Paul. Host Bill Anderson. (December 5th Wednesday is TBA)
Mississippi Valley Poets & Writers 3rd Saturday of the month, Sept- May, at Village Shores, 6501 Woodlake Dr., Richfield, MN 55423, from 1 to 3 p.m. Host: Annette Gagliardi.
Cracked Walnut Writing Collective, 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 6-7:45 pm, at the Merriam Park Library, 1831 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul, from 6 to 8 p.m. Host is Megan Willow Rose.
The DRAFT Season, 12 Months, 1 Poetry Collection is continuing to be taught by local poet, educator, community arts organizer, youth writing mentor, and editor, Micah Ruelle, on a weekly basis (enrollment closed for 2026, but you can fill out an interest form for the 2027 class). If you would like to learn more about the DRAFT Season, please check out Micah’s personal website: www.micahruelle.com
Special Events
- We host a contest and maintain the Nature Area Poetry Walk at Richfield Lake Park in Richfield, Minnesota.
- Host Fall Festival/ readings at each of our recurring events.
Chapter Newsletter
The River Raft is sent out 10 months of the year.
Social Media
Cracked Walnut Writing Collective: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112349549587749
Mississippi Valley Poets & Writers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/356196838817845
Poets & Pints: https://www.facebook.com/events/1330138564860617/
Literary Bridges: TBD
Cracked Walnut Writing Collective: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1112349549587749
Writer’s Night Out: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574034816623
5th Wednesday Reading Series: https://www.facebook.com/groups/342563478459399
Location
Metro area, including Minneapolis, Richfield, St. Paul, outlying suburbs and possibly Stillwater.
Contact Email
Meeting Schedule
TBD
Chapter Leadership
MVP president: Annette Gagliardi
CW president: Barry Macdonald
MVP vice-president: Laura Kozy Lanik
MVP secretary: Dave Anderson
Treasurer: Mary Schmidt/Peter Stein
CW vice-president: Open
CW secretary: Open