Biographical poetry combines fact with imagination to depict an aspect or overview of an actual person’s life. In this MoSt Poetry Summer Workshop, we’ll read and discuss examples of biographical poetry featuring historical figures and selected authors’ ancestors. Workshop participants will write first drafts in response to poetry prompts offered by facilitator Linda Scheller, MoSt Poetry board member and the author of two collections of biographical poetry, Fierce Light and Laurels. Emerging poets, experienced writers, and everyone in between is welcome, and there’s no need to register in advance for this free workshop. Please join us Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Salida Public Library, 4835 Sisk Road, Salida CA 95368.
Second Tuesday Poetry featuring Mai-Linh Hong and Elizabeth McMunn-Tetangco
MAI-LING HONG
Mai-Linh Hong is a Vietnamese American refugee poet and literary scholar. Her debut poetry collection, Continental Drift, won the 2025 Trio Award and was published by Trio House Press in July 2026. Her poems appear or are forthcoming in Waxwing, Ploughshares, Copper Nickel, Wildness, Beloit Poetry Journal, The Maine Review, and elsewhere. She publishes essays on Asian American and refugee literature in scholarly journals and anthologies. A lifelong crafter, she is coauthor and coeditor of The Auntie Sewing Squad Guide to Mask Making, Radical Care, and Racial Justice (University of California Press, 2021). She teaches literature at the University of California, Merced.
ELIZABETH MCMUNN-TETANGCO
Elizabeth McMunn-Tetangco lives in California’s Central Valley and co-edits One Sentence Poems and First Frost. She also works as a librarian at UC Merced. Her work has appeared in many online and print journals, and her most recent book, Salt Shaker Girls, is available through Cuttlefish Books.
May 20
Second Tuesday Poetry
An Evening of Poetry featuring Brad Buchanan & Paloma Contreras
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Time: 7:00 pm | Doors open 6:30 pm Location: Bookish Modesto Admission: Free and open to the public Refreshments available for purchase.
BRAD BUCHANAN
Brad Buchanan is a retired English professor and poet laureate–endorsed writer who earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and chaired the English Department at Sacramento State University. His poetry, fiction, and scholarly articles have appeared in more than 200 journals, and his first two poetry collections received Writer’s Digest awards. A two-time blood cancer survivor and stem cell transplant recipient, he is the author of eight books, including a medical memoir and four collections of poetry. His latest poetry collection, Birds of Poverty Ridge, was published by Finishing Line Press earlier this year. His website is bradthechimera.com.
PALOMA CONTRERAS
Paloma Contreras is a young poet who loves reading and teaching adults. She is currently studying for a graduate degree in Translation to translate written art for a living. Paloma is a member of the Stanislaus county Grito de Mujer® team. Grito de Mujer® is an international, United Nations-supported month-long program of readings, art events, and workshops that raise awareness of issues related to gender-based violence and oppression.
Second Tuesday Poetry: Brad Buchanan and Paloma Contreras
Second Tuesday Poetry
An Evening of Poetry featuring Brad Buchanan & Paloma Contreras
Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026 Time: 7:00 pm | Doors open 6:30 pm Location: Bookish Modesto Admission: Free and open to the public Refreshments available for purchase.
BRAD BUCHANAN
Brad Buchanan is a retired English professor and poet laureate–endorsed writer who earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and chaired the English Department at Sacramento State University. His poetry, fiction, and scholarly articles have appeared in more than 200 journals, and his first two poetry collections received Writer’s Digest awards. A two-time blood cancer survivor and stem cell transplant recipient, he is the author of eight books, including a medical memoir and four collections of poetry. His latest poetry collection, Birds of Poverty Ridge, was published by Finishing Line Press earlier this year. His website is bradthechimera.com.
PALOMA CONTRERAS
Paloma Contreras is a young poet who loves reading and teaching adults. She is currently studying for a graduate degree in Translation to translate written art for a living. Paloma is a member of the Stanislaus Grito de Mujer® team. Grito de Mujer is an international, United Nations-supported month-long program of readings, art events, and workshops to raise awareness of gender-equity issues.
May 17
Free Workshop – The Turn, The Pause, The Twist: Poetic Forms Lightning Rounds
The Turn, The Pause, The Twist: A Poetic Forms Lightning Round Saturday, July 11 | 1–3 PM Salida Public Library | 4835 Sisk Rd., Salida, CA 95368 | (209) 543-7353
What makes a poem crackle with energy? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the volta, the caesura, and the zeugma and see how they create tension, surprise, and resonance — and put them to work in your own writing.
Join poet Stella Beratlis, 2016-2020 Modesto poet laureate and author of Alkali Sink and Dust Bowl Venus, for an afternoon of craft, play, and discovery. Whether you’re new to formal poetics or looking to sharpen your toolkit, this lightning round is designed to spark something on the page. We’re having fun in this workshop; knowledge of poetic forms is NOT in any way required–all levels welcome!
Just bring a notebook and pen — no RSVP required. Free and open to the public.