FAQ

Classes are led by facilitators who provide an agenda, readings, writing prompts, and guidance during class. Participants are also encouraged to explore their own subject matter. Core classes include time in small groups for more focused writing and sharing. Specialty classes are theme-based and offer writers alternative ways to explore and cultivate their writing. Your class facilitator will let you know if you'll need to bring any special materials prior to your first class.

In all classes we:

• Sit in a circle: This helps foster equity and communication. Each person gets equal time to write, share their writing, and receive feedback (if desired) without judgment.
• Pass the candle: To signify the beginning of class and the transition into the circle. Passing the candle also helps suspend obligations and distractions of our non-writing lives while we are together.
• Pass the talking stone: The person holding stone has the turn to speak, while the rest of the circle listens.

No! (is exactly what a cult would say). In all seriousness, these simple rituals form the foundation of our classes. They are a sturdy and reliable structure that allow each writer—and the group as a whole—to feel safe in sharing her writing and thoughts, as well as to create a physical and mental space conducive to creativity and openness.

Yes. We request that each member of the circle promise confidentiality to the other writers, so that a writer who wants to share difficult, vulnerable or personal material will feel safe doing so.

Core classes have anywhere from 8 to 20 participants. A typical size is 14-18, plus the facilitator. Specialty class sizes vary depending on theme and location.

No! We have writers with a variety of experience levels, including other newcomers. Additionally, we have poetry writers, songwriters, journal writers, list takers, humor writers, storytellers, fantasy writers, novel writers, late-night insomnia writers; writers of all kinds!

We'll offer you a variety of writing prompts and inspiring readings and resources for writers of every experience level, including beginners. We will provide tips and techniques to get you started.

We emphasize and practice giving encouraging feedback, and only the kind of feedback you request. One of the most common types of feedback requests is "heart and gut." Meaning, "what feelings did this evoke in you?"

Not in the traditional sense. Facilitators may offer articles or writing prompts as suggestions for writing outside of class, but no homework is specifically assigned. However, it is helpful for each writer to bring something to share in her small group. This can be new work, old work, revised work, that evening's fastwrite, etc. Writers have even shared thoughts jotted into their phone!

A fastwrite is simply writing whatever comes into your mind, without stopping, for a certain amount of time. It can be in response to a prompt, something that's been nagging you, or just train of thought. We do this for 10-15 minutes at the beginning of each class.

No. Sharing is always on an "invitation only" basis, and passing is always an honored option. (But, writers are frequently surprised at how good it feels to finally let something free in our safe space, even when it felt impossible!)

Ha. No! In fact, classes are often full of laughter. You'll always be met just where you are.

Yes.