Carrie Sherrill will be the featured poet at the Dickinson Poetry Series at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Ephraim on October 13th at 7:00 pm. The Dickinson series is named after Emily Dickinson, the famous American poet and includes a performance by a “featured” poet and then an open mic where poets from the audience have the opportunity to present one of their poems.

Carrie  has been writing since grade school, sometimes on paper, and always in her mind.  She finds images in her garden, in snippets of eavesdropped conversations, and through the eyes of her grandchildren.

Carrie has lived in Door County for over thirty years.  She is a retired RN and former caterer.  In addition to nursing school, Carrie has earned a B.A. with an emphasis in Creative Writing.  She has attended the Summer Writing Workshop at Iowa City.  Her poems have been published in Wisconsin Poet’s Calendar and other regional venues.

Ellen Kort, Wisconsin’s first poet-laureate, was the biggest influence on Carrie’s writing.  Carrie was fortunate to belong to a group of writers including Kort, Laurel Mills, Bruce Dethlefsen, and others who provided critique and encouragement over the years.  Her husband, Peter Sherrill, is also a published poet who provides constant support and advice.

Growing up Catholic, her experience with both good and bad relationships, and her long nursing career provide plenty of groundwork for her poems.  She is intrigued by colors and the surprising places they can be found.  She is always observing and storing words and images.