Why be part of a Writing Circle?

Even for people who have not yet taken our programs, the need to write may be strong, but the will to actually do it might just not match up. Structure, support, and accountability are keys to a successful writing habit, and Writing Circles provide all three.

Within our programs, participants write on a continuing basis and enjoy the structure and accountability. Once a program ends, that structure disappears. For some, this can be a shock and can undo all the good habits they've formed during the program.

We created Writing Circles for those people who want to write and need the support of a group to keep them accountable to writing.

We call them Circles because circles signify sacredness and safety. The idea of a sacred circle is a place of balance, equality, and wholeness and one that lifts barriers between the participants in the circle. Our Writing Circles are small, comprised of three to five participants and a Circle Keeper. Each person is committed to the group as a whole, to the individual participants, and to writing, which we think is sacred, too.

The Value of Our Writing Circles

We've all been members of groups that failed to meet our expectations. Whether it's a member who insists on controlling the conversation or a small subgroup who drives the discussion off track, it is a frustrating way to spend time meant to develop your writing. At Write Well University, we respect the deep meaning of Writing Circles and ensure that you receive the full value of your investment of time and money. We create the structure and manage the process. It's not at the whim of one of the members.

What you get from a Writing Circle

• Goal setting: You'll decide how much you want to write each week in time for the Writing Circle.
• Structure: Now that you've decided how much you're going to write, the weekly Writing Circles give you a deadline to finish those number of words or pages.
• Accountability: Your fellow Circlers and Circle Keeper will gently keep you on track.
• Safety: Everyone is committed to the Circle. Respect and graciousness are required.
• Convenience: You don't have to leave your home. You can call in to the Writing Circle from your pajamas if you like. And the Writing Circles are formed around your availability.
• Someone to manage the administrative part: Aren't you glad you don't have to do it?
• Someone to keep everyone on track: In traditional writing groups, one of the participants normally takes on this role, which can make for tricky dynamics. As a Circler, you just concentrate on your goals and giving feedback to the other Circlers. The Circle Keeper will manage each person's time and ensure that the atmosphere is always safe.

The Keeper's role is to keep the circle moving and to keep it safe, positive, and sacred. The Keeper does not edit (see our Programs or Coaching for that level of service), but she helps hold the Circlers accountable. For example, if a Circler knows she wants to write one page a day, the Keeper can gently remind her of that commitment. In addition, the Circle Keeper forms the structure of the group and acts as a facilitator. Everyone gets his or her time during the Writing Circle, and the Keeper maintains the Circle as a safe place to share writing, issues, challenges, and successes.

Circlers, those who join a Writing Circle, are part of a forum where they post their writing, ask for help, and interact with one another. Then, once a week, three times a month, they meet by phone to discuss the writing they've submitted for that week. It can be something with which they're happy or something with which they're struggling. The group offers feedback and support, and each member leaves the Circle that week a supported, stronger writer.

Circlers meet three weeks a month because we believe strongly in the need for idea germination, rest, and self-care. We've found that the fourth (and fifth in months with five weeks) week off allows writers to refresh and have space to think about their writing. Circlers commit to a Circle for six months as the power of the Circle is in the energy and development of each group.

Some ways the Writing Circle can be used to:

• write a book
• write an eBook
• write blog posts
• write E-zine articles
• write a thesis
• write brochures and other marketing materials
• write website and sales copy
• design and create a presentation
• journal

Writing Circles have a six-month commitment. The fee is $300 for the six months.

We have Writing Circles forming all the time. Contact us at for more information and to find out about Writing Circles forming now. You can also apply directly by clicking the "apply" button below.

Imagine....

Imagine writing like you've always wanted to write

Imagine having the unconditionally constructive support of other writers to keep you motivated

Imagine a sounding board at your disposal to bounce ideas off of and receive feedback from

Imagine having the structure in your life to write

Imagine others holding you accountable to write

Imagine having champions who help you further your writing cause

Imagine being part of something greater than you alone

Step out of your imagination and into a Writing Circle.

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