Barbara Lorraine Laing
Writer, Instructor, and Teaching & Learning Consultant

A warm welcome to you!
I offer workshops, writing services, and learning experiences that bring together storytelling, creativity, contemplation, and the inner life, alongside research-informed practice. Rooted in care and an appreciation of the natural world, I support people as they grow personally, professionally, and spiritually, both individually and in community.
My name is Barbara Lorraine Laing (PhD, OCT) and I'm a poet and teacher based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. On this site you will find information about my services and creative work.

A warm welcome to you!
I offer workshops, writing services, and learning experiences that bring together storytelling, creativity, contemplation, and the inner life, alongside research-informed practice. Rooted in care and an appreciation of the natural world, I support people as they grow personally, professionally, and spiritually, individually and in community.
My name is Barbara Lorraine Laing (PhD, OCT) and I'm a poet and teacher based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. On this site you will find information about my services and creative work.

A warm welcome to you!
I offer workshops, writing services, and learning experiences that bring together storytelling, creativity, contemplation, and the inner life, alongside research-informed practice. Rooted in care and an appreciation of the natural world, I support people as they grow personally, professionally, and spiritually, both individually and in community.
My name is Barbara Lorraine Laing (PhD, OCT) and I'm a poet and teacher based in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. On this site you will find information about my services and creative work.

Poetry Month Pop-Ups
Do you have a poem-in-progress that you would like some feedback on? Would you just like it to be heard, and see what pops up? Getting a poem ready for an open mic or publication?
This month I'm offering brief 20-minute virtual consultations where we can talk about a poem you are working on. You can ask me specific questions about your work, or I'm happy to listen and share what resonates.
April 13th, 20th, and 27th. PWYC/By donation. Please e-mail to book: barbara@picnicandpencil.com
Poetry @ the Ports
Did you know that the theme of poetry month in Canada this year is Land and Sea? Come join us April 18th from 1-3pm at the Portsmouth Tavern for a poetry-writing workshop inspired by the beauty of the village, lake, and harbour. All experience levels are welcome. Food and beverage may be purchased from the pub menu.
$75 per person
Please email to register: barbara@picnicandpencil.com
.jpg)

Creative Services and Offerings
Community Arts and Wellness Workshops
-
seasonal poetry workshops held at community gardens, historic inns, lakeside locations, farmers' markets
-
guided spiritual autobiography & memoir writing
-
drama for introverts
-
poetry manuscript consultations
-
virtual Poetry Pop-Ups!: get feedback on a poem-in-progress in a 20-minute session
-
one-to-one and small group instruction
-
half-day and full day writing retreats
-
virtual and in person offerings
Academic Teaching and Workplace Learning
-
professional development workshops
-
teacher training and educational workshops
-
keynote speaking and research talks
-
writing teachers' guides, curriculum, and educational materials
-
creative business plan writing
-
consulting and coaching services
-
current and recent academic teaching projects
Creative Writing, Publishing & Performance
-
Current projects
-
Media links

Check out our offerings for Poetry Month with opportunities for Poetry Pop-Ups! (20-minute virtual feedback sessions on your poems-in-progress!), an afternoon workshop in historic Portsmouth Village, and a virtual poetry circle starting for teens in late April.
More Picnic & Pencil offerings on creative topics such as drama for introverts, and how to craft your own spiritual autobiography coming soon. In-person workshops are held in beautiful places in Kingston and Inverary, Ontario, such as retreat centres, community gardens, churches, parks, farmer's markets, warm cafes, and historic inns. Online classes will be offered on Zoom. I'll be posting details about Picnic & Pencil here!

Sample Organizations I Have Worked With:

.png)



Barbara Lorraine Laing
© 2026 by Picnic & Pencil