NAVIGATING THE MAZE 2023

In 1997, the board of the Poets and Writers Literary Forum of Springfield, now the Springfield Poets and Writers, was approached by member Anita Stienstra with the idea of a teen poetry anthology. All agreed to the project and the first book was published in 1999. In addition to an annual book, contributors were invited to a poetry reading and reception at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, and later at the Hoogland Center for the Arts and Illinois State Museum. Springfield Poets and Writers, The Vachel Lindsay Association and other sponsors have made this program possible. If you would like to contribute to the success of NTM, visit www.springfieldpoetsandwriters.com.

NTM is edited by award-winning poet Anita Stienstra. With a master's degree in publication and poetry, not only did Stienstra publish numerous poems, was president of a literary org, she also taught poetry and writing as an adjunct at two colleges. In addition she studied early childhood and elementary education, subbed in grades kindergarten through high school, and managed the PBS Kids Ready To Learn program to deliver free books to kids in central Illinois.

The Navigating the Maze book and program began with the intent to encourage and inspire a love of poetry in our youth.

Free books have always been given out to contributors as a way to educate and motivate them to continue the journey of reading, writing, or reciting poetry.

Free books are also given to teachers and schools for their libraries if they submit their students' work to NTM.

Because many poets are also photographers and artists, we added more artwork to the book as the years went by. We hope this too supports and encourages the creative spirit.