Writing Circles Program |
Writing Circles are designed to provide support to members of the Federation of BC Writers based on an area of focus, audience, and or identity. F.A.Q.What is a Writing Circle? Writing Circles are a place to connect with, support, and learn from peer writers. This program is run by passionate volunteers who facilitate ongoing groups. Each Circle is unique and has norms generated by the facilitator and participants. Note: Writing Circles are not writing classes. Who Can Join? This program is administratively heavy, so it is a benefit for members of the FBCW. Any member in good standing can register to join a Writing Circle. Sign up for membership here. Is There a Cost? To offset administrative costs, Writing Circles have a small fee for members. It is a large program to operate, and donations make a huge difference in making the program stable. One can donate here. What Kind of Circles Are There? All current Circles are listed on this page with a description. We have many circles available that intersect with genre, identity, where you are in your career/hobby, and more! We have many new groups starting to help you advance your writing goals. Most of the Circles will be using the same Zoom link and splitting into breakout rooms after the meeting starts. Each Circle is set up as a different type of ticket for when you select registration and most have a waitlist enabled. Note that many of the Circles operate at the same time. How Much of a Commitment is Expected? Writing Circles meet monthly (some more frequently) for 10 months between September and June. Most pause for the summer. In most Circles, members are expected to attend meetings regularly and actively engage in the format determined by the group. Some Circles (like critique groups) require more work between sessions. If you cannot commit to regular attendance, a Writing Circle might not be a great fit for you. Consider joining a Writing Sprint. Can I Register for More Than One Circle at a Time? Demand is high for this program. To ensure that we have spaces for as many people as possible, participants are limited to one selection per term. If you are waitlisted, you may register for a different Circle. Why are some groups full? The FBCW Writing Circles initiative kicked off in 2022. Because groups are ongoing, not every group will have available spaces. Spaces are opened up when people leave groups, and when we open new groups. New groups are listed at the top of the page. What if my writing contains distressing material—can I still share it? The FBCW supports freedom of expression and the creative exploration of complex, emotional, and/or challenging topics. At the same time, we recognize that certain material can be upsetting, distressing, or triggering for some group members or event participants. We ask writers and readers to include content warnings when a piece may contain material that could be distressing. These warnings don’t censor the work—rather, they empower group members and attendees to make informed decisions. Can I Volunteer to Facilitate a Circle? YES! This program thrives with the dedication of our volunteers. If you are interested, know that the commitment is significant. We ask that facilitators run their groups at least once per month and that they stay in contact with our Writing Circles Coordinator to ensure smooth operations. To suggest a Circle, email hello@bcwriters.ca. How Do I Access the Writing Circles? A Zoom link will be sent to you based on the Circle you join closer to the first session. Need More Information? Please feel free to reach out with questions, but know that at times around registration, our inboxes receive many messages. We will respond as quickly as possible. Email us at hello@bcwriters.ca. | IMPORTANT NOTES: This program is for FBCW members. Membership does not guarantee one a space in a writing circle, but we will do our best to find a spot for everyone.
There is limited space in each group. Due to high demand, please do not register for more than one group. Times are in the Pacific Time Zone.
FALL 2026 REGISTRATION INFO COMING SOON! Stay tuned for updates about how to get involved. Registration is planned for early November. A Note on fall intake:We are presently gathering interest from potential facilitators to start more circles. Most of the groups below are existing circles with potential spaces available for the November intake. If you are seeing this message, you have not missed the fall 2026 registration window. If you are interested in faclitating a circle, please email hello@bcwriters.ca. After the new circles are fleshed out and our facilitators are ready, we will open registration in November following our Fall Writing Circle Preview on Nov 5th. We will update this page and send out communication when we have more details to share about registration. WRITING CIRCLE CHANGES for fall 2026The writing circles program was created to help connect writers from across BC, genres, career paths, and experience. We never imagined when we started that we would have over 300 people taking part and as many as 40 circles. In the past, we had primary registration in September and a secondary intake for open spots in January. We are doing things a little differently this year. Our team is working to have more ongoing registration. Our plan (as it stands now) is to make spots available quarterly. Further, we are empowering the circles with new technology to be more independent, allowing for a greater diversity of time slots and the opportunity to run over the summer and into the next calendar year with fewer delays. Our hope, is that in making these changes, we can have more circles, more spaces, and lessen stress about getting into circles on tight deadlines. 2026 WRITING CIRCLES DESCRIPTIONSMore circles will be added soon!
Writing Circles With Open Spaces
Connecting Writers with Chronic Illness (all genres) This circle offers a low-pressure, supportive space for writers living with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Writing can be isolating — writing with one or more health challenges, especially invisible ones, can make participation in traditional spaces even harder. While our focus is on advancing our writing projects and sharing helpful writing tips and tools, we also want to support each other through both the good days and the crashes. Depending on our energy, each session can include a check-in, timed writing sprints, optional sharing of work, and gentle goal setting for those seeking accountability. This is not a critique group. Whether you’re working from a desk or a bed, we only ask that you show up, make space for all voices, and, above all, be kind. Max # of participants: 12 (space available TBD) Meeting time: 2nd Sunday at 11 am Duration: 60-90 minutes 
Curiosity Cafe (all genres) A space for prose writers who regularly re-examine their creative process and occasionally encounter complex or unusual challenges in their work. This group is not focused on critique, nor is it centered on experimental writing as a genre or practice. Rather, it welcomes writers who are thoughtful about their craft and open to exploring questions that emerge along the way. Think of it as a peer consultation group: we come together to reflect, exchange ideas, and consider possible approaches to the writing dilemmas we face. A shared Google Drive may be used to post brief excerpts or discussion questions in advance to help guide our conversations. This is a space for reflection, not instruction—best suited to those with a strong foundation in writing and a curious, open mind. Max # of participants: 8 (space available) Date/time: 1st Tuesday at 7:00 pm Duration: 60 minutes
Lightning Ink (all genres) Get your pen moving! Join our prompt-based writing circle and tackle fresh prompts in a supportive, fun environment. Max # of participants: 13 (space available) Date/time: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm Duration: 90 minutes
Long Haul Accountability (various genres) It is so helpful for writers at the start or middle of longer writing projects to have regular ongoing accountability. In our biweekly sessions we will check-in to discuss current status, objectives, challenges and possible solutions, as well as celebrate forward movement. Max # of participants: 12 (Space available) Meeting time: 2nd Sunday at 10:30 am Duration: 75 minutes
“If you're already a professional writer or published author and you want to grow your career, this group is for you. The Mid-Career Writers' Group will be a place for established writers to connect with peers and share knowledge to take their careers to the next level.” Max # of participants: 12 (space available) Date/time: 4th Thursday of the month at 11:30 am Duration: 60 minutes
Storytelling: Story for Story's Sake (various genres) Providing a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to share their original poetry, short stories, performance storytelling, songs and even memoir if they are comfortable. Writing exercises will also be part of our gatherings. Regular attendance is necessary. Max # of participants: 10 (space available TBD) Date and time: 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: up to 120 minutes
Writers with Young Children (all genres) A group for writers who are currently caring for young children (approx 0-4 years). It can be hard to commit to a writing circle when you don't know if nap time will move, get skipped altogether, or is still going and said napper has pinned you to the couch. This group is intended to meet the needs of its members with flexibility—Come late or leave early if you need to. Come even if you need to be on mute because your toddler is scream-singing in the background or hanging off your neck. No matter what kind of writer you are (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwright), whether you are currently writing or looking to get back to the page, if you are navigating writing and caregiving then you are welcome. This group is a place to set goals, get motivated, and share work (in a non-critique setting). If there is interest, this group may also include writing to prompts. Max # of participants: 8 (space available) Meeting time: 4th Tuesday at 11 am Duration: 60 minutes
Genre: Creative Nonfiction Creative Non-Fiction, Non-Fiction, Narrative Journalism Circle (creative non-fiction) This is a group for non-fiction writers of all kinds who seek to capture the world in all its weird and wonderful variety. As a circle, we will provide accountability, motivation, and support as each of us works through the challenges of writing non-fiction. Gentle and constructive critique of pieces no longer than 1000 words is possible but not required. No pre-reading necessary. Max # of participants: 8 (space available TBD) Date/time: 4th Thursday at 7:00 pm Duration: 90 minutes
Are you interested in writing and publishing short travel stories? Let's learn and support each other by sharing tips and resources in this informal group discussion. New and published travel writers welcome. Max # of participants: 7 with 2 co-hosts (space available) Date and time: 4th Thursday at 11 am Duration: 60 minutes
Genre: Fiction Fiction Circle For fiction writers who hone their craft through the art of giving and receiving critiques. Members upload their works to a shared drive where critiques and comments are added to the document prior to the meetings. The twice monthly meetings then serve as an opportunity to highlight key points and to engage in thoughtful discussions. Max # participants: 6 (Space available) Meeting time: 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7 pm Length: 120 minutes
Genre: Memoir Travel Memoir Writing(memoir and creative nonfiction) A monthly meeting focused on the craft and business of travel writing, with opportunities to check in and share how your writing projects are going, solicit advice/recommendations, workshop a short piece, and discuss topics related to travel writing. Max # of participants: 12 (space available) Meeting time: 4th Thursday at 2 pm Duration: 90 minutes
Write For Your Life (memoir) Are you beginning the journey of writing your memoir, are you stuck in the middle, or do you need a bit of accountability for the final stretch? In a supportive and encouraging format, find motivation and clarity for writing your memoir. We will share readings, offer opportunities to participate in peer review pods, exchange ideas and resources, and have regular check-ins on how your writing is going. This is a facilitated group where everyone gets a chance to have their voice heard. Write For Your Life and Leave a Legacy! Max # of participants: 10 (Space available) Meeting time: 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 90 minutes
This is a bi-monthly memoir critique group where each participant presents about 1,500 words per meeting and receives verbal feedback. Written copies of work may be submitted in advance, but this is not required. The focus will be on "how is the listener hearing and perceiving what you have read" and "how did it make you feel exploring and writing about that part of your personal life." Max # of participants: 5 (space available TBD) Meeting time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 120 minutes
Genre: Poetry All Things Haiku Description: Come have fun with haiku and other Japanese short forms! Open to newbies through to pros; we can all always learn more from each other. A chance to practice, share, and play some haiku games in a safe, non-judgmental setting. Max # of participants: open (space available TBD) Meeting time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Duration: 90 minutes
A Moveable Verse Do you find your words live in hedgerows, clipped and precise as a Spenserian sonnet or are your stanzas more likely to be rooted in free verse cottage gardens? Maybe you discover your poems along unmarked pathways and new fields? Let’s share where we find the seeds for our poems and together cultivate our poetry through mutual support, generative discussion, and respectful feedback. Max # of participants: 15 (space available TBD) Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 120 minutes
Peer Support Poetry A monthly group to foster and encourage poets of all levels of experience. We’ll start with readings by two members each month, followed by a check in to see how we’ve met our goals for the previous month and we'll set goals for the coming month. We’ll also keep each other motivated and inspired, discuss craft and the submission process and other poetic topics, share resources about craft and places to submit, celebrate our successes, and support each other as we build community. (not a critique group) Max # of participants: 9 (space available TBD) Date and time: 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 90 minutes
Poetry Circle Calling all poets! Come write, discuss each other’s poetry, and keep ourselves inspired and accountable with prompts, co-writing and critiquing. Max # participants: 9 (space available) Date/Time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 90 minutes
Genre: Screenwriting Screenwriting Open to screenwriters of all levels and anyone interested in the art and craft of screenwriting. We share and critique the work of our members and discuss topics related to screenwriting. Max # of participants: 10 (space available TBD) Meeting time: 2nd Sun at 11 am Duration: 120 minutes
Writing Circles With No Open Spaces
Ask an Editor (all genres except screenplay) In this group, each session will focus on a specific writing-related issue (such as setting, POV, beginnings, endings, etc.) using our own work as examples. Every month, members will submit 1-2 pages of writing, and the group will offer feedback. As an editor, I also include observations on the issues I often see in the manuscripts that cross my desk. Max # of participants: 8 (Full) Meeting time: 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 90 minutes
The BIPOC Experience: Tell it like it is (all genres) This group is for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour writers. The purpose of this group is that, through writing, critiquing, and discussion we share our work and experiences as a BIPOC writer and person, in today's society. The expectation is that all participants are actively working on long or short pieces that they are willing to present and receive feedback on. Members do not need to attend every meeting but participation in at least one meeting a month is required. Max # of participants: 8 (Full) Meeting time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 90 minutes
Are you working on a memoir, a personal essay, a long-form narrative nonfiction novel—or simply bursting with stories that need to be shared? Whether you’re polishing your first short story or shaping the chapters of your debut novel, this monthly Creative Non-Fiction Writing Circle might be just what your writing soul needs. Inspired by the monthly cohort model of SFU's The Writers Studio, this circle is all about craft, connection, and community. Each month, we gather online to discuss member submissions—shared the week prior via Google Drive—and offer thoughtful, constructive, and encouraging feedback. It’s a space where writers lift each other up, learn from one another, and keep those words flowing. Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the writing trenches, you’ll find encouragement, accountability, and genuine camaraderie.We meet once a month—low pressure, high passion. Limited spots to keep it personal and meaningful. Max # of participants: 7 (Full) Meeting time: 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 pm Duration: 60-90 minutes
A supportive and empowering group space that is divided into three sections: inspiration, generative and appreciation/ critique. A group to raise women’s voices and stories. Max # of participants: 7 (Full) Meeting time: 3rd Wednesday at 6pm Duration: 120 minutes
In this group we will explore writing from the dark side: Paranormal, Speculative, Horror, Dystopian, Dark SFF, and more. We will share works in progress and discuss plotting and character development, as well as publication and contest options for our stories. Our focus for our 2025/2026 season is to create and publish a dark fiction anthology. Each writing circle participant in encouraged to contribute and work collaboratively on this group goal. Max # of participants: 10 (Full) Date and time: 2nd and 4th Monday at 7 pm Duration: 90 minutes
3EFF Fiction Workshop (fiction) Readers and writers of this fiction group enjoy learning and improving their craft by sharing constructive commentary. Members are willing to read and review submissions prior to the meeting and provide focused commentary. Discussion will be based on submissions. Max # of participants: 6 (Full) Meeting time: 4th Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 120 minutes *3EFF = Forming Fabulous Fiction
What makes fiction work? This group is for writers of novel length fiction including mystery, other genres and general fiction. Participants will share their written work and provide feedback in a somewhat structured format in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses. The intention is to find areas where each writer can focus in order to improve their output. While there is a need for the members to provide constructive criticism, there is also a desire to establish a supportive group of writers working through similar issues in producing an extended work. Max # of participants: 7 (Full) Meeting time: 2nd Wednesday at 7 pm Duration: 90 minutes
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