Join us for an information session about all of the Writing Circles that open for registration in September! Circle facilitators will be on deck to pitch their groups and explain how their Circles will function. We will also share general Writing Circle guidelines and expectations. We anticipate the preview will take about an hour with an additional 15 minutes for questions at the end (75 minutes total).
Please note that registering for this event is separate from registering for a Writing Circle. Registration for Fall Writing Circles will open on Wednesday, August 6 at 12:00 pm. Visit https://bcwriters.ca/circles to view up-to-date descriptions and register.
Digital Doors Open at 6:55 PM, Event Starts at 7:00 PM Pacific Time
*This event is being recorded. If you cannot attend, please register and a link to the recording will be emailed to you within 48 hours of the event.
NEW Fall 2025 Writing Circles
A Moveable Verse (poetry)
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
Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 120 minutes
Creating Memoir (memoir)
Though your memoir is a solo perspective, it doesn't need to be a solo process. Together we can reflect through some tough points, share readings and have time to explore a few writing activities to give a fresh outlook on the words in front of us… and help with the ones that are not in front of us… yet!
Max # of participants: 10
Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 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
Date/time: 1st Tuesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Exploring the Hybrid Memoir (memoir)
Faith Adiele has said, "Hybrid lives deserve hybrid structures." This is a group for anyone working on, or interested in working on, a hybrid memoir. We will explore and discuss the many forms of the hybrid memoir. Some thoughts about how this group will unfold: sharing examples of hybrid memoirs we can read and discuss, discussions on various forms and structures (e.g. linked essays, braided forms, two timelines). Hoping to have a group enthusiastic about generating other discussion topics.
Max # of participants: 7
Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 90 minutes
It’s a Mystery to Me (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
Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 90 minutes
Low Pressure, High Passion Creative Non-fiction Writing Circle (creative non-fiction)
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
Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Next Steps: Writing to Reach your Literary Goals (various genres)
This group is for writers with administrative writing goals related but not limited to: preparing grant and/or residency applications, composing query letters for agents and/or publishers, writing pitches, composing or tweaking your CV, and any of that other potentially dry (yet important!) work that will help you take your writing to the next level! Group interests and needs will play a huge role in determining topic(s) covered in this writing group. We might also explore our writing “whys,” reflect on internal (and external) barriers to our administrative writing practice, and explore what it means to build habits in support of our writing goals.
In each session, we will revisit or set goals, engage in group discussion and/or updates, and embrace a collaborative approach to resource sharing and learning. Each session will dedicate time to independently tackle an administrative writing task.
In short, this will be an encouraging and supportive group intended to help keep you accountable to your deadlines!
Max # of participants: 20
Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 120 minutes
Reading Poetry for Self-Reflection and Dialogue (poetry)
In this group, we'll read poetry together not to analyze form, but to inspire conversation.
During each circle, we'll read 1-2 poems together on themes that are personally relevant to the group, like on our relationship to home, success, uncertainty, anger, sadness, or others that may emerge. Together, we’ll notice what the lines of these poems stir or illuminate within us. Our conversation may lead into some quiet writing time where you can reflect on our conversation (and maybe write a poem of your own). This group will be facilitated by Christine Bissonnette, a trainee Applied Poetry Facilitator through IFBPT.
Max # of participants: 10
Date/time: 2nd Sunday at 11:00 am
Duration: 120 minutes
Screenwriting
Open to screenwriters of all levels and anyone interested in the art and 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
Date and time: 2nd Sun at 11:00 AM
Duration: 120 minutes
The Penny Wonderfuls (genre fiction)
Hello! We are The Penny Wonderfuls, a circle for young speculative writers. Our group is for writers ages 18-28. We focus on genre writing, particularly fantasy, sci/fi, horror and humour. We meet once a month for writing check-ins, sharing motivation, discussing craft and celebrating each other’s work and progress! We are looking for active writers who are excited to talk shop and help each other along our writing journeys!
Max # of participants: 10
Date/time: 2nd Sunday at 11:00 am
Duration: 90 minutes
Tune In—Jamming (various genres)
Come and experience raw writing. Check in with others and see what hearts and voices create in the moment. Bring your ideas for prompts, prepare to discuss process and what arrives on the page when the mind is quiet and the heart and inner voices are free to play. All welcome.
Max # of participants: 8
Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Workshop for Drafts (various genres)
This Writing Circle will be focused on getting other pairs of eyes on your work. If you are looking for some feedback on your writing, want to get help with plot points you’re stuck on, or just want some great conversation about story and structure, this is the spot for you! This small writing circle will focus on sharing current projects in order to hear others’ thoughts and even some help or guidance. We will focus on short stories and novels, (although poets can join too!) and all genres are welcome.
Max # of participants: 8
Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 90 minutes
Women Who Roar (various genres)
Open to anyone over 30 identifying as female interested in memoir, poetry, essay, and narrative writing dedicated to writing check-in, motivation, accountability, and critique in a safe space.
Max # of participants: open
Date/time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am
Duration: 30-45 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
Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm
Duration: 90 minutes
Visit https://www.bcwriters.ca/circles to view all Circles open for registration.
