- Are you a writer or aspiring writer, wanting to connect with other writers?
- Are you looking for support and gentle feedback on your writing?
- Are you an experienced writer, wanting to jumpstart a writing project?
- Do you need help learning “The Basics” about writing?
Then a Writing Circle May Be Right For You!
What is a Writing Circle?
A Writing Circle is a facilitated small group for writers and aspiring writers. There are two types of Writing Circles. One is an in-person group and the other is a virtual group.
What is the difference between an In-person and Virtual Writing Circle?
The In-person Writing Circle meets for ninety
minutes, twice a month. As part of the group experience, in addition to
group discussion and supportive feedback, you will have an opportunity to
write in a quiet, uninterrupted space.
The Virtual Writing Circle meets for one hour twice a month via a telephone bridge line. The advantage to this group is that you can call in from any location and don’t need to travel to participate in the group.
What actually happens during Writing Circles?
There are four components to the Writing Circles. The first component is check-in. During check-in each person shares a brief summary of what they are writing or want to be writing. This can be anything from journal entries, to an article, memoir, or screenplay. Our focus is on the process of writing, not the genre. Part of the check-in is a brief quieting or meditation, as we settle down to write.
The second component is to spend uninterrupted, quality writing time during the session. If you are participating in a Virtual Writing Circle, you are strongly encouraged to schedule writing time on your own as soon as possible after the session ends.
The third component is discussion and feedback. Because writing is a solitary activity, group discussion allows writers and aspiring writers the opportunity to connect in a supportive environment. As a participant in a Writing Circle you will be invited to share where you are in your writing process---what’s working for you and what is not. The rest of the members of the Writing Circle may offer feedback or suggestions if requested. Supportive group discussion is a core concept of Writing Circles.
The fourth component is commitment. As the session draws to a close, each participant is asked to commit to what they intend to work on between Writing Circle sessions. Sharing your intention with others in the group helps to create accountability and focus.
What’s different about Writing Circles from other writing groups?
Writing Circles are facilitated by a writer who is also a licensed psychotherapist, trained coach and experienced teacher. Writing Circles are not critique groups. Emphasis is placed on positive support of participants---wherever they are in the writing process.
What if I’m not an experienced writer and am just starting out? Are Writing Circles for experienced writers only?
Participants in Writing Circles range from aspiring writers, to new writers to experienced professionals. All are welcome. Because we learn from one another in the group process and emphasize a highly supportive environment, your level of experience need not be an issue.
How often do Writing Circles meet?
Each Writing Circle meets twice a month. The Virtual Writing Circle meets Tuesdays from 9:00 am – 10:00 am (Pacific Standard Time). The In-Person Writing Circle meets from 7:30 – 9:00
pm two Tuesdays a month. If you are interested in joining an In-Person
Writing Circle, please let us know by writing to susan@susanborkin.com or
calling 408.973.7877.
How much does it cost?
The In-Person Writing Circle is $95 per month. That includes three hours per month of professional group coaching, a fraction of the cost of individual coaching.
The Virtual Writing Circle is $65 per month. That includes two hours per month of professional group coaching, a fraction of the cost of individual coaching.
What exactly do I get from being in a Writing Circle?
In-Person Writing Circles:
- Two ninety minute sessions per month of a facilitated small group writing experience
- A facilitator who is a licensed and experienced psychotherapist, as well as an experienced writer, coach and teacher
- An opportunity to meet with the facilitator 1:1 for periodic mini-sessions as needed
- A supportive community of other writers in your geographic area
Virtual Writing Circles
- Two one-hour sessions per month of a facilitated small group writing experience
- A facilitator who is a licensed and experienced psychotherapist, as well as an experienced writer, coach and teacher
- A supportive community of other writers you can connect to virtually
- An opportunity to meet with the facilitator 1:1 by phone for monthly mini-sessions, as needed
How do I sign up?
If you are interested in joining a Writing Circle, simply phone
(408) 973-7877 or write to susan@susanborkin.com with “Writing Circle” in the subject line or click here to sign up online. After a brief, no charge interview (in person or by phone) to find out if a Writing Circle is for you, we proceed with registration.
About the Facilitator: Susan Borkin, M.A. is a licensed psychotherapist, coach and writer. She is the founder of Write Now! a professional practice specializing in the use of writing for personal and professional growth. Susan specializes in helping people overcome creative blocks and achieve deep personal transformation through the use of writing. A personal growth writing teacher for more than twenty-five years, she is the author of When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes: The Healing Power of Writing and Writing From the Inside Out: Using a Journal for Personal Growth & Transformation.
For additional information, please phone Susan Borkin at (408) 973-7877or write to susan@susanborkin.com
