In the words of Dorianne Laux, poet and author of “The Poet’s Companion” and “Ordinary Genius,” two books on writing poetry, “The creative process is … not a means to an end, but a continuing engagement with being alive.”

JoEllen Moldoff is leading “Awakening the Poet Within,” an eight-session writing class starting on Jan. 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Orcas Library.

The class will generate new poems in response to exercises and writing prompts. Issues of craft and form will be addressed as we read and discuss selected poems, as well as works in progress by the class. Poets as well as those who would like to begin writing poetry are welcome.

The fee is $15; it includes registration and copying costs. Registration is at the library.