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: open

Date/time: Every 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 pm Pacific starting Jan 21, 2025

Duration: 90 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 (1 space available)

Date/time: 4th Thursday at 2:00 pm 

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

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

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 (4 spaces available)

Date and time: Every other Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific (Jan 15, Jan 29, Feb 12, Feb 19, etc.)

Duration: 90 minutes

Novel Writing (fiction)

The group is for peer feedback novels participants are working on. 

Max # participants: 8 (FULL)

Date/time: 1st Sunday of the month at 10:30 am Pacific

Length: 90 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 

Creative Non-Fiction Circle 

We're a small group focussing on memoir and other forms of CNF. We plan to meet once a month and we'll be taking turns sharing work for critique while also supporting each other's growth as developing writers.

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 (1 space available)

Date and time: 2nd Monday at 7:00 pm and 4th Thursday at 11:00 am 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: 8

Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm

Duration: 90 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 (3 spaces available)

Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific

Duration: 120 minutes

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

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 (1 spaces available)

Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific 

Duration: 90-120 minutes

Accountability 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 (4 spaces available)

Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm 

Duration: 60 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

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: 10 (3 space available)

Date and time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific

Duration: 90 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 (2 spaces available)

Date and time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific 

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

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 (4 spaces available)

Date/time: 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific

Duration: 90 minutes

Managing Memories: The Challenge of Writing a Memoir (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

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 (1 space available)

Date/Time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific

Duration: 90 minutes

Nature Writing (all genres)

We will explore the history and present status of nature writing. This genre has a romantic past, but where will it go in a future filled with environmental crises? Participants will engage in this important conversation. A bit of writing (fiction, non-fiction) will be encouraged in a latter session.

Max # of participants: 10 

Date/time: 3 sessions (Wed Feb 12, Feb 26, March 12) at 7:00 pm Pacific with possibility to continue meeting based on member interest.

Duration: 90 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 (11 spaces available) 

Date/time: 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm

Duration: 90-120 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 

Date/time: 2nd Thursday 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

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 (2 spaces available)

Date/time: 4th Wednesday at 7:00 pm Pacific 

Duration: 120 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 (3 spaces available)

Date/time: 4th 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

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