Pollentongue

Pollentongue is a poetry lab and salon where conversation, critique, and craft become acts of generative exchange.

Presented by Hootso, Pollentongue operates as a gathering space for poetry. Through workshops, readings, and conversation, it creates time for deep craft engagement, curiosity, and community.

    • Cohort size: 6 poets total

      • 3 spaces reserved for Diné poets

      • 3 spaces reserved for Native/First Nations/Indigenous poets

    • Format: 6 virtual sessions

      • Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 pm (Central)

      • May 11 through June 15

    • Cost: Free

    • Deadline: March 6, 2026 (The accepted cohort will be notified on March 20, 2026)
      Submissions are closed currently

    Who should apply

    This intensive is open to poets who:

    • identify as Diné or Native/Indigenous

    • are actively working on a poetry manuscript (mid- or late-stage)

    • want feedback on selection, sequencing, revision, and direction

    • can commit to all six sessions

    • are willing to offer careful, engaged feedback to others

    Poets at any publication stage are welcome.

    Commitment & Expectations

    Participants agree to:

    • attend all six sessions

    • submit their manuscript by the assigned deadline

    • read other participants’ work in advance

    • offer feedback that is specific, respectful, and craft-centered

    • keep all workshop materials and discussions confidential

    Application Materials

    Please prepare:

    1. Writing sample: 8–12 pages of poetry (single PDF)

    2. Manuscript note: 250–400 words describing your manuscript (its focus, current stage, and what kind of feedback would be most useful)

    3. Brief bio: 100–150 words

    4. Indigenous identity: how do you identify in relation to Indigeneity?

    5. Availability confirmation: ability to attend all six sessions

    6. (Optional)Accessibility needs or additional context

    A Note on Indigenous Identity and Scope

    Pollentongue is rooted in Diné community and practice. For this manuscript intensive, priority is given to Diné poets, with additional spaces reserved for Native/Indigenous poets based in the United States and Canada.

    We recognize that Indigenous identity is complex and lived differently across communities, geographies, and histories. Applicants are invited to share as much or as little context as they feel comfortable providing. This information helps us hold the workshop with care and intention. Future Pollentongue programs may expand to include Indigenous poets from across the Americas and beyond

  • Check back or subscribe for more information about Pollentongue 2027

Updates

News
The 2026 Pollentongue Poets
Pollentongue
The 2026 Pollentongue Poets
Pollentongue

This year, I wanted to gather poets who are in the mid to late stages of developing a poetry manuscript. For me, building a poetry collection has always been shaped by exchange, through peer feedback, mentor texts, and ongoing conversations with other poets, artists, and writers.

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Pollentongue