We write custom poems on demand with vintage typewriters at markets, weddings, happy hours, and other events.
Read about us in The Daily Progress.
We sat down with The Daily Progress reporter Emily Hemphill for an in-depth interview at Grit Coffee on July 26, 2024. Read that interview and a recap of our monthly Poem-crafted Cocktails event at Speakeasy + Whiskey Bar at The Doyle Hotel (and see photos) by clicking below.
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The Platen is our wicked cool newsletter offering store news, market and event recaps, candid photo and video, typewriter poetry work insights, our poems and analysis of their prompts and our writing process, and more.
How Custom Typewriter Poetry Works
Step 1
Your event guests approach our table and provide us with a poem topic. It can be a single word, an idea or memory, a beloved person, or even their pet!
Step 2
We begin typing your guest’s poem. Guests love to watch the process unfold, and soon others gather to watch, beckoned by the sound of the typewriter.
Step 3
We read the completed poem to your guest, an exchange that often brings laughter or even tears to the moment.
Step 4
We package the poem in a protective sleeve and hand it to your guest as a perfect, most personal, and completely unique souvenir of your special event.
Meet our Poets
Laura J. Frantz
Founder & Poet-in-Chief
Jupiter Laurent
Senior Poet
“Laura is an outstanding poet, creating works that connect well with themed events. Her help with the family program brought added meaning, and her mix of creative and administrative skills makes her a great person to work with again.”
Alani Nelson
Community Engagement & Programs Assistant, The Phillips Collection
“Feeling really fortunate to have found Laura and the Charlottesville Poem Store, finding someone to help build a monthly event from scratch isn’t always easy. Laura has helped create a truly unique cocktail experience centered around her poems and Joel’s cocktails. [Speakeasy + Whiskey Bar] is lucky to host this event each month!”
Stephen Kelly
Food & Beverage Director, The Doyle Hotel, Charlottesville, VA
“Laura is a fantastic poet-for-hire! We have used her at multiple events, where she is able to connect with each individual that sits in her chair, and personalize poetry for them. I can’t recommend Laura enough!”
Lauren Thomas
Program Manager, Common House Charlottesville
