About Poetry & Prose Network
Who is PPN for?
Poetry & Prose Network is for anyone who loves words—or wants to discover why others do. We welcome beginners, experienced writers, performers, listeners, students, retirees, and everyone in between. Whether you're writing your first poem, revising a manuscript, exploring spoken word, journaling, or simply enjoying the work of others, there is a place for you here.
Is Poetry & Prose Network free?
Yes! Our events are free thanks to the generosity of volunteers, donors, and community partners. If we introduce admission fees in the future, they will remain affordable because we believe creativity should be accessible to everyone.
I'm not really a writer. Is PPN still for me?
Absolutely.
Many people come to PPN wondering if they "count" as writers. Whether you keep a journal, write lyrics, haven't picked up a pen since school, or simply love to listen—you belong here.
Creativity has to start somewhere. Sometimes it begins with a blank page. Sometimes it begins by hearing someone else's words. And sometimes, it begins just by walking through the door.
Do I have to live on the Eastside to participate?
Not at all. While PPN began and currently remains based in Redmond, our community welcomes writers and creatives from across the region and beyond.
What happens at a PPN event?
Expect a warm, welcoming space centered around creativity and connection. Our gatherings feature a mix of local featured readings, open mics, workshops, and community writing activities. There is absolutely no pressure to participate beyond your comfort level—whether you come to share your words, learn a new craft, meet fellow creatives, or simply listen and absorb the inspiration, you belong here.
Do I have to read at events?
Not at all. Many people attend simply to listen, enjoy featured readers, and experience the creative energy of the room. Some attend several events before ever stepping up to the microphone—and that's perfectly okay. Whether you read, write quietly, or cheer others on, you are already part of the community.
What if I'm nervous about sharing my work?
That's completely normal. Many of us have felt that way. Even experienced readers still get butterflies before sharing their work.
You don't have to perform. You don't have to memorize. You don't have to be perfect. Just share your words. Every experienced reader once stepped up to a microphone for the first time.
I've never been to an open mic. What should I expect?
Most evenings begin with a featured reader or presentation, followed by an open mic where community members are invited to share. Open mic readings are usually around 3–4 minutes, depending on the event schedule and number of participants. Our goal is to create space for as many voices as possible while giving everyone an opportunity to be heard.
Do I need to sign up in advance?
No. Open mic sign-ups happen during the event and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What genres are welcome?
All of them, including but not limited to:
Poetry & Spoken Word
Prose & Flash Fiction
Memoir & Personal Essays
Creative Nonfiction
Humor & Satire
Experimental & Hybrid Forms
Whether your work whispers, laughs, challenges, explores, or roars—there is room for it here.
Can I read anything?
We welcome honest, authentic, and courageous writing from a wide range of voices, perspectives, and lived experiences.
To help create a space where everyone feels respected and valued, we ask that shared work avoid promoting hatred, encouraging discrimination, dehumanizing others, or exploiting another person's lived experience.
If your work includes potentially distressing themes—such as self-harm, suicide, abuse, sexual assault, or graphic violence—we ask that you offer a brief content warning before sharing. This allows audience members to make informed choices while honoring both the writer and the listener. Our goal is not to avoid difficult conversations. It is to create space for them to happen with care, empathy, curiosity, and mutual respect.
Can I read someone else's work?
Our open mics primarily celebrate original writing, but readings of other authors' work are welcome. If you share someone else's writing, please credit the original creator.
What kinds of events does PPN offer?
PPN events are designed around one belief: Creativity grows through connection.
Throughout the year, you will find:
Featured readings
Open mics
Craft talks
Feedback groups
Workshops
Community write-and-share sessions
Collaborative events with local artists and organizations
Special themed programs
Together, these experiences form the PPN Creative Circuit: Learn → Write → Share → Reflect → Refine → Repeat
Why do you call it the Creative Circuit?
Great writing rarely happens in a straight line—it happens in loops. We call this the PPN Creative Circuit because every event, workshop, and open mic connects to the next, forming an ongoing creative journey:
📖 Learn → ✍️ Write → 🤝 Share → 💬 Reflect → 🌱 Refine → 🔄 Repeat
A workshop sparks a new draft, a feedback session changes how you view your own work, and an open mic builds your confidence. Whether you join us for one night or one hundred, you are part of the circuit.
Do you offer writing feedback?
Yes. Check out our monthly PPN Feedback Loop events that happen the 2nd Tuesday of each month on Zoom.
What makes PPN different?
PPN is more than an open mic. More than a workshop. More than a reading series.
We are a creative ecosystem where people move from page to stage—and back again.
Through writing, sharing, reflection, feedback, and connection, writers grow alongside one another:
Every featured reader sparks new ideas.
Every workshop strengthens the next draft.
Every open mic builds confidence.
Every conversation creates another connection.
Our goal is simple: Help people discover their voice, connect with others, and transform through creativity.
Why did you rebrand?
Poetry & Prose Network grew from the Redmond Association of SPokenword (RASP).
As our community grew, we realized our name no longer fully reflected who we had become. We were no longer only a spoken word organization or a Redmond-based group. We had become a broader creative home for poets, prose writers, storytellers, performers, and people discovering their voice.
We are committed to helping people: Write. Connect. Transform. Together.
Why "Network"?
Because creativity grows through connection.
A network is not just technology. It is people encouraging one another. Ideas exchanged across tables. Stories shared between strangers. Conversations that continue long after an event ends.
Every writer strengthens the network. Every voice creates a new connection. This is the network we are building together.
How can I get involved?
There are many ways to be part of PPN. You can attend events, share your work, volunteer, help with outreach, support our programs, partner with us, or simply invite a friend to one of our events. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to give, your contribution helps build a stronger creative community.
Is PPN a nonprofit?
Yes. Poetry & Prose Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization powered by volunteers, donors, community partners, and people who believe creativity should be accessible to everyone.
How can I sponsor or partner with PPN?
We love collaborating with libraries, schools, businesses, arts organizations, nonprofits, and community groups. Whether you would like to sponsor an event, host a workshop, support a community initiative, or explore a creative partnership, we would love to start a conversation.
What if I still have questions?
We are happy to help. Whether you are wondering about your first event, volunteering, partnerships, or simply whether PPN is right for you, we would love to hear from you.
Head over to our Contact Page to drop us a line. No matter where you are in your writing path, we look forward to welcoming you into the community.