Writing Circles Program |
Writing Circles are designed to provide support to members of the Federation of BC Writers based on area of focus, audience, and or identity. F.A.QWhat 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: WritingCircles are not writing classes. Who Can Join? This program is administratively heavy, so it is a benefit for members of the Federation. Any member in good standing can register to join a Writing Circle. Sign up for membership here. Is There a Cost? At present, Writing Circles are free for members, but 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? Each Writing Circle is little different, but for in most cases 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. 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. 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, please complete this form. 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. Registration will be open from 12:00 pm Pacific on Monday, Jan 13 to 11:59 pm Pacific on Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025. 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 circles@bcwriters.ca. | IMPORTANT NOTE: There is limited space in each group. Due to high demand, please do not register for more than one group. If you would like to volunteer to host a Circle for our next intake, please fill out this form: Writing Circles Facilitator Intake or contact Meaghan Hackinen at circles@bcwriters.ca Winter registration is closed. The next intake will be in summer for fall 2025. Writing Circle Registration
2025 Winter WRITING CIRCLES DESCRIPTIONSNew Writing CirclesChallenges in CNF Writing (creative nonfiction) In each meeting of this group, we will select a particular challenge in creative nonfiction writing and discuss various ways we might approach that challenge, using examples from our own or others' writing. For example, we might look at finding the narrative arc in a story where what might be considered the climax event doesn't happen at the beginning of the narrative. Or we might look at the challenge of using dialogue to liven the text when we don't have dialogue that we can quote with any accuracy, such as when we can only try to reconstruct dialogue as we remember it or as we imagine it might have been. Another challenge might be scene setting or character building when we have limited information, such as when entire relationships happened over the internet during the pandemic. Or we might look at finding themes and incorporating them or at finding the universal message in a CNF story. The challenges of CNF writing are limitless and this group will take the time to examine imaginative ways to deal with them. Max # of participants: 8 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 30 to 120 minutes (group will discuss and decide) 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 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd Thursday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 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: 23 (FULL) Date/time: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes Penning Neurodivergence (all genres) This group welcomes writers of all genres whose work features or focusses on neurodivergent characters and/or experiences. The purpose of this circle is to foster a space where authors can brainstorm and bounce ideas off of one another about their work without fear of stigma or misunderstanding. The goal during meetings will be to both write and share ideas that go beyond stereotypes and get to the rich and complex heart of portraying neurodivergence through story and words. Hosted by a self-identified AuDHDer (autistic + ADHD). Max # of participants: 5 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: 120 minutes The Editing Room (with Valerie Lorraine) (all genres) Bring your short passage or poem to our group. Let us know what you like about it, what you are trying to convey, what you hope to strengthen in the verse/passage. Allow the group to offer you constructive criticism. Expect to hear about the strengths, where it can be bolstered, favourite lines, words, and what concepts/response the reader has to your work. This is a safe space where we have the opportunity to be vulnerable and accept the positively constructed feedback in order to take your writing to the next level. Participants are encouraged to be honest within the guidelines of compassionate communication. We will practice positive feedback, with the sandwich approach or positive, constructive, positive for your consideration. The writer can further explore the feedback with questions. Consistent participation over the duration of meetings is essential as feedback from multiple sources will offer the best source of support for each writer. Max # of participants: 15 (7 spaces available) Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Duration: 90-120 minutes Storytelling Sprints for the Serious (or the Stuck) (novel-length fiction) This group is for novelists already working on a project, who are looking to share motivation and accountability. We’ll spend approximately 30-60 minutes in conversation/commiseration, and then another 60 minutes doing timed writing sprints (5-15 minutes at a time) focusing on our current projects. Though we may choose to read from our work, this isn’t a critique group. Max # of participants: 5 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: 90-120 minutes Writing Circle Registration
Existing Writing CirclesAccountability Club (various genres) For writers who want a little extra support to stay on track. This group checks in at our meeting on our progress on our goals at the start of the meeting and then sets new ones for us to report on for the next. We are often each other's cheerleaders and share tips and tricks to help each other. Max # of participants: 10 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 60 minutes
All Things Haiku (poetry) 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-judgemental setting. Max # of participants: open Date and time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes Ask an Editor (all genres except screenplay) This group is ideal for anyone who has run into obstacles in their work, whether in the middle of a work in progress or at the planning stages. Ask me anything: I'm both an author and an editor, so if you're having a craft problem I've probably seen it (or had it myself). The group can also brainstorm ideas for anyone who might want that. Max # of participants: 10 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes
CNF - Queer Memoir Writing (creative nonfiction/memoir) Description: This is a peer group for queer writers who centre their writing on personal experiences. Its current six members have been meeting and sharing works (sometimes poetic, sometimes formatted as story), since spring 2024. We offer a respectful space wherein our members offer feedback to support the development of each other’s work. We meet once monthly for 120 minutes with opportunities for folks to share pieces that are approx. 1500 - 2500 words. Most members are working on longer pieces. The group is open to considering revisions for additional feedback. Max # of participants: 8 (FULL) Date and time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: 120 minutes
Compassionate Writing Circle (nonfiction, fiction, poetry, flash fiction, 6-word stories, memoirs) A monthly peer-support writing coterie for writers familiar with the fundamentals of creative writing. Proactive, productive and respectful, each session includes check-ins and writers’ block discussions, as well as celebrating peer-wins. Writing prompts are used to encourage more focused writing and growth. Participants receive constructive feedback and tips on readers’ contributions. Stories will look through the lenses of the narrative arc, character arc, plot, settings, voice/tone and dialogue. Max # of participants: 10 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 120 minutes Creative Non-Fiction Circle For fiction writers who hone their craft through the art of giving and receiving critiques. Work is uploaded to a shared drive, and reviews are done in advance so that the discussion can focus on key points and thoughtful exchange. A few years of writing and critiquing experience is recommended. Max # participants: 8 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd Sunday at 10:30 am Pacific Length: 120 minutes
Dark Fiction - Short Stories to Novels (fiction) Description: In this group we will explore writing from the dark side: Paranormal, Thriller, Horror, Dystopian, Dark Sci-Fantasy and more. We will share works in progress and discuss plotting, character development as well as publication and contest options for our stories. Max # of participants: 10 (FULL) Date and time: 2nd Monday at 7:00 pm and 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific 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) Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 120 minutes *3EFF = Forming Fabulous Fiction
Faith Inspired Writing (all genres) This is a group for those who write or would like to write with a faith perspective. Our discussion encompasses all elements of writing and publishing as we consider communication of faith through character, story and genre. We have some time to write from faith inspired prompts before we share and discuss writing that we have completed. Our group time is supportive and enlightening with discussions that inspire all of our writing. Max # of participants: open Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 120 minutes 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 (FULL) Date/time: 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 pm Pacific Length: 120 minutes
Get the Story Straight (fiction) Description: A discussion of what makes stories work. Troubleshooting participant’s plot problems and sharing story structures and plots that members have found inspirational. Max # of participants: 15 (FULL) Date and time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: Up to 90 minutes
Kid Lit Writers (various genres) This group is welcoming all writers of kid lit from picture books, to middle grade, and young adult. Our goal is to create a supportive community to connect, share and learn from other writers. Max # participants: 12 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Length: 60 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 (FULL) Date and time: every other Sunday at 10:30 am Pacific; next meetings Jan 12 and 26 Duration: 75 minutes
Writers on Fire (memoir) 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 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 120 minutes
Memoir Circle A memoir writing group focused on discussion, support, critique and self-care. Submit a monthly writing sample of 2000 words for feedback. Max # participants: 6 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Length: 90 minutes Memoir, Poetry, Etc. (all genres) Equality in sharing is a concrete goal of this group. Come prepared to share with a single page of poetry or prose. Feedback and dialogue will be shared with goodwill and openness. This group is not about being perfect or right about anything. Max # of participants: 12 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: 60 Memoir 2 (memoir & creative nonfiction) This is a group for memoir and creative nonfiction writers who want some accountability, motivation, and support while they write. As a circle, we’ll share our progress, how we are doing with emotional hurdles, and celebrate successes. Max # of participants: 8 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes
The Memoir Writer’s Circle (memoir) This is a group for memoir writers who could use a monthly, healthy dose of accountability, motivation, and support while they write. As a circle, we’ll focus mostly on the non-technical aspects of the memoir writing process, with the goal of helping each member push past mental blocks, emotional hurdles, and self-doubt. Come with your most pressing questions and leave with thoughtful insights that’ll make your memoir writing experience a little less lonely. Max # participants: 8 (FULL) Date/Time: 4th Thursday of the month at 11:00 am Pacific Length: 60 minutes
Mid-Career Writers (various genres) “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 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Thursday of the month at 11:30 am Pacific Duration: 60 minutes
Novel Writing (fiction) The group is for peer feedback novels participants are working on. Max # participants: 5 (FULL) Date/time: 1st Sunday of the month at 10:30 am Pacific Length: 90 minutes
Peer Support Poetry (poetry) A monthly group to foster and encourage poets of all levels of experience. We’ll start with a check in to see how we’ve met our goals for the previous month, and we’ll end each session with setting new goals for the upcoming month. We’ll also keep each other motivated and inspired, discuss craft and the submission process, 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 (FULL) Date and time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific 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: 10 (FULL) Date/Time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes
Poetry Sharing Cafe (poetry) Ease into your chair with a cup of coffee. We will write to prompts and share our work, and we will encourage our fellow writers to keep at it. For all ages and levels of ability. This is a chance to write and share our work and to talk a bit about the craft. We will also talk about publishing opportunities as they come up. Max # of participants: 12 (FULL) Date and time: 3rd Sunday at 1:30 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes
Putting the Fun in Executive DysFUNction (fiction) Many spicy brain issues can dramatically affect neurodiverse creators, such as rejection sensitivity, executive dysfunction, procrastination, and impostor syndrome. Half of each session will involve motivational, creative, discussion-based interaction. We will devote the other half to body doubling while actually putting words on the page. Although we may discuss or even share our work, this isn't a critique group. Max # of participants: 8 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90-120 minutes Queer Tales: Queer and Trans Writers of Fiction Connect (fiction) A group for writers who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ and want to share a space with other queer and trans writers. This peer support group will provide opportunities to connect and discuss current projects, set goals and hold each other accountable, and share samples of work for critique. Max # of participants: 6 (FULL) Date and time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes
Screenwriting Open to anyone who wants to practice and discuss the craft of screenwriting. We start with a 30 minute discussion on topics that the group selects, then we share and critique the work of members. Max # of participants: 10 (FULL) Date and time: Every other Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific (Jan 29, Feb 12, Feb 19, etc.) Duration: 90 minutes
Storytelling: Bringing Back The Living Room (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. Max # of participants: 10 (3 spaces available) Date and time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: up to 120 minutes The BIPOC Experience: Tell it like it is (all genres) This group is for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color 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. Max # of participants: 5 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: 120 minutes The Crown Straighteners’ Women’s Writing Circle (all genres) 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) Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 120 minutes 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 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Thursday at 2:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes Web-Based Content Creators Creation (all genres) The challenges are real and the demands seem impossible, some days. On other days it’s invigorating and fulfilling. Welcome to the Writers’ Circle for web-based content creators where engaging audiences, keeping up with the release schedules and dealing with out of the blue comments from strangers can leave you questioning your choices. Not to mention the reality of AI as a replacement for our work. In this Circle, we affirm the choice to express our voice with meaning and authenticity. We will share our challenges and our victories. We will hear about accessibility and how to create a more inclusive environment. Share what we know about AI and how to embrace it as a helpful tool, as opposed to a replacement to our work. Finally, we can debrief on those comments that can cut deep or salve wounds. Expect to meet others, create community, share some laughs and maybe learn a thing or two. Max # of participants: 10 (FULL) Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 60 minutes
Writing and Pitching Travel Stories Chat Group (creative nonfiction) 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 (FULL) Date and time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: 60 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 (3 spaces available) Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: 60 minutes Writing Circle Registration |
2021-2022 All Rights Reserved Federation of BC Writers
| Email us at hello@bcwriters.ca | PO BOX 3503 Courtenay, BC, V9N 6Z8 Registered Charity Number: 127661718 |