Craving Creative Community? Join the 2026 Poetry Apothecary

Photo by Elsa Olofsson

Hello friends,

At the turning of the year, the world loves to shout New Year, New You—a phrase that has always made me cringe. We are not machines in need of upgrades. We are human beings who long for connection and meaning, for spaces where we can arrive as we are.

The Poetry Apothecary writing circles were born from that longing—a desire to build intentional community and a sustainable writing practice, not self-optimization. Writing has always been a way of knowing ourselves more deeply, but also a way of knowing each other. When we gather to read, listen, and make something together, the distance between us softens. A good writing circle becomes an anchor: a place where we are witnessed, encouraged, and reminded that our interior lives matter.

Over the last eighteen months, this little community has become exactly that, a steady source of solace for many of us. As we step toward 2026, I’m excited to share a refreshed name that reflects the spirit of what we’ve been building.

Introducing: Poetry Apothecary Writing Circles

Historically, an apothecary was one of the earliest forms of community healthcare, a place where people went for herbs and remedies when they were unwell. Though men traditionally ran them, women like Elizabeth Gooking Greenleaf in 1727 Boston held their own apothecaries and helped tend their communities with care and knowledge.

While we now have modern medicine, I believe community, art, and shared imagination remain vital forms of well-being. The name Poetry Apothecary carries a more poetic, witchy resonance. It serves as a reminder that words can be salve, ritual, and gathering place all at once.

Who these circles are for

You do not have to call yourself a poet. These gatherings are for anyone craving time to write, read, and connect in a space without pressure to be polished or perfect. It can be so difficult to find accessible in-person writing community. These circles offer a soft landing, a place to belong.

What to expect in 2026

All circles will continue to be 90 minutes. Each month we’ll explore three poems by a single poet—discussing themes, craft, and questions that open into our own work. We’ll then write together using prompts I provide, and anyone who wishes can share at the end.

New for 2026: every session will be recorded, so if you can’t attend live, you can still follow along and write on your own time.

Meetings will alternate between Wednesdays at 7 PM CST and Sundays at 11 AM CST.

Our first six sessions:

• Wednesday, January 7 — Naomi Shihab Nye

• Sunday, February 8 — Marie Howe

• Wednesday, March 18 — Philip Larkin

• Sunday, April 12 — Andrea Gibson

• Wednesday, May 27 — Beth Ann Fennelly

• Sunday, June 14 — Franny Choi

A bit about me

I’m a Pushcart Prize–winning poet with publications in numerous literary journals and a debut book, If Adam Picked the Apple (North Meridian Press). I’ve spent more than a decade teaching and facilitating. What I love most is creating spaces that feel safe and welcoming, places where people can show up in the complex vulnerability of being human and find themselves mirrored in community.

“I enjoy Danielle’s gentle welcome to enter the space where poetry is made. She never pushes, merely invites you to listen to your own muse. I am delighted to be a part of this workshop.” — Linda Meg

How to join

You can sign up simply by becoming a paid subscriber at the bottom of this post.

Current pricing:
$6/month or $50/year
(If you’re already a paid subscriber, you are grandfathered into this price.)

Beginning January:
$8/month or $75/year

Your subscription includes all twelve 90-minute Poetry Apothecary circles plus seasonal pop-ups like Writing Protest Poetry and Writing the Unconventional Love Poem. Anyone already subscribed will stay locked in at their original rate.

A seasonal thank you

For one week only, I’m offering a small seasonal discount as a gesture of gratitude. In a season where everyone is urging you to buy more, I offer instead a soft place to land — a gift of creative companionship for yourself or someone you love who writes.

This 20% discount ($40 for the year) ends December 1st.

If you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. I’m so grateful you’re here, and I can’t wait to continue writing with you in the new year.