by Kate Dernocoeur

A couple of years ago, Writing Circles evolved when I decided:
a) I love sharing my peaceful space,
b) I write, and so I’m usually solitary, and
c) it’s nice sometimes to gather with others, especially like-minded people!

Why not, I thought, invite writers to this calm space to write and then visit some before sharing the day’s writing?

Writing Circles have been popular because they are fun! The gist: for 2-1/2 hours, we get right to the writing (for 45-60 minutes, depending on the numbers). Then we take a break to share a potluck of edibles and a social visit. Then we each read either what’s fresh from the day’s writing or something else, speaker’s choice.  It is always interesting, I think, to air the words to assess audibly how they sound. Each writer can ask the others to respond (or not) with what’s most needed or desired. It can be commentary, support, simply listening, or whatever. The goal is to create a (very) relaxed and safe writing experience.

My goal has been to offer a Writing Circle about once a month, sometimes two. Recently, others have begun offering Writing Circles (thank you Kat Whipple and Cindy Kamp). We’re trying to coordinate, to maintain the 1-2 times per month level.

So please: come to a Writing Circle! When you see one offered, get the date in your calendar and just… plan to come! (There are few (if any) reminders or nudges because I never seem to remember to do those…sorry.) For my part, I end the gathering at a specific time so it doesn’t “drizzle” into the other demands of your day (or mine).

Anyone curious to know more is always welcome to reach me at kdernocoeur@gmail.com.