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.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 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? 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. 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, 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 for Fall 2025 Circles will be open from 12:00 pm Pacific on Wednesday, August 6 to 11:59 pm Pacific on Sunday, August 17, 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 open on August 6 at 12:00 pm for Fall 2025. Writing Circle Registration
2025 FALL WRITING CIRCLES DESCRIPTIONSNew Writing CirclesA 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: 6 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 Tuesday 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 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: 60 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 Writing Circle RegistrationExisting Writing CirclesAccountability Club (various genres) For writers wanting to get and give a little extra support to stay on track. Members set their own monthly goals, check in on their progress, and share resources. As an added bonus, the Circle fosters a friendly and collegial space for talking about what and why we write. Readings and critiques are not part of this gathering. Max # of participants: 10 (3 spaces available) 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) 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: 10 (FULL) Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 minutes
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 (2 spaces available) Date/time: 2nd Thursday 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 Creative Non-Fiction Circle For creative non-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) 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 (4 spaces available) 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 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
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 (1 space available) Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Length: 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 (8 available spots) Date/time: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm Pacific 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 (2 available spots) Date and time: every other Sunday at 10:30 am Pacific; next meetings Jan 12 and 26 Duration: 75 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
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 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 (1 space available) Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 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 on 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 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 (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: 2nd and 3rd Sunday at 1:00 pm Pacific Duration: 60 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 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 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 (5 spaces available) Date and time: 2nd Sun at 11:00 AM Duration: 120 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 (6 spaces available) Date and time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific Duration: up to 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 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 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: 10 (3 spaces available) Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Duration: 90-120 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: 11 (1 space available) Date/time: 4th Thursday at 2:00 pm Pacific Duration: 90 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 (1 space available) Date and time: 4th Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific Duration: 60 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 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 |
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