Melissa Mitchell is our very own Fort Collins poet laureate! They are an extremely talented poet and writer, and a wonderful person to talk with. Poetry Curious, a poetry readers meetup hosted by Melissa, is a “laid back space for pre-poets.” 3rd Sundays, 4-5:30pm, Wolverine Farm. Also join them with former poet laureate Ally Eden for Art-Beats at the Museum of Art; ekphrastic writing with every new art exhibit.

GuloGulo: How has the past year as Fort Collins poet laureate?

Melissa: It has been a great experience and has connected me with people I wouldn’t normally have known.

GuloGulo: Why do you write poetry?

Melissa: I’m a shy person so writing is a secret doorway, a great doorway to a whole world of connection with other people.

GuloGulo: When did you start writing?

Melissa: I began writing stories in 3rd grade, and then had teachers who encouraged me to go wild!

GuloGulo: Does Fort Collins have a supportive writing community?

Melissa: I was afraid of tip-toeing into the writing community because I’m so shy, but everyone has been super supportive and encouraging.

GuloGulo: Has anything “unexplainable” happen to you?

Melissa: One night, when I was young, my mom took me out to a field across from my house. She encouraged me to howl at the moon. And as we did a dark figure rose from the ground not far away from us. We screamed and ran back home.

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Melissa features next!

3rd Tuesday

July 15, 2025

4pm writing workshop

6pm open-mic and feature