Carol L. MacKay’s poems have appeared in The New Quarterly, Devour: Art & Lit Canada, The Fiddlehead, Watershed (U of California, Chico), Prairie Journal, The Antigonish Review, Red Berry Review, Lichen, Existere, and Crannog (Ireland). Her work is also included in Shy: An Anthology (University of Alberta Press), Writing the Land: Alberta Through Its Poets (House of Blue Skies), White Ink: An Anthology about Mothers and Mothering (Demeter Press, Toronto), Threshold: An Anthology of Contemporary Writing From Alberta (University of Alberta Press) and in the 2022 League of Canadian Poets visual poetry chapbook, Spectral Lines. Her video poem, "My Paycheck" appeared on the Emmy and Gemini award-nominated CBC television/web art series ZeD. Carol's poems and essays have been broadcast on CBC Radio, both regionally and nationally, including a reading on "This Morning with Shelagh Rogers."
Carol's first book of poetry, Bird, Making No Sound: Collected Poems, was published in 2024. It is a finalist in 2024 The Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society Book Awards.
Her poetry and stories for children have appeared in: Babybug, Cricket, Ladybug, Highlights for Children, High Five, The Caterpillar (Ireland), The Toy (England), The School Magazine (Australia), Boys’ Quest, Zamoof!, Skipping Stones, Stories for Children, and Knowonder!
Carol lives on Vancouver Island.
Go Poetic: An Introduction to Poetry Writing. In this workshop we will discuss key elements in writing poetry, forms of poetry, ways to poetry, as well as exercises to help participants craft a poem. Information will also be provided about poetry publication, including markets and opportunities, submission etiquette and standards, as well as copyright. Workshop length: 2 hours. Can be expanded to 3 hours. For adult learners.
How to Write Poems and Stories for Children's Magazines. This workshop is suitable for those who are new to writing for children. We will discuss the current children's magazine market in North America and abroad, and the opportunities that exist for writers, including the types of material editors seek. Tips and strategies for writing child-friendly poetry, stories and non-fiction will be provided, along with an opportunity to get started on a new piece of writing. For adult learners
