Fire Starters: Writing & Critique Workshop
Ready to take your writing to the next level?
Take a memoir piece from prompt to published in a fun group setting!
What most writers lack is time - Fire Starters will help you designate and commit to taking that time, to cultivating a rich writing practice. You'll have many opportunities over eight weeks for real concentration amid a cohort of others who are wholly focused on writing and refining their writing (you’ll learn how to critique your group-mates’ writing which will help your own writing!) . Even though you will be writing in different locations, the fact that our whole group shares the same intention will help you reach your goal of finishing a piece (or more than one!).
Write the essays you've been meaning to write, or begin your book at last!
What Does it Include?
Writing prompts, tips, inspiration, and essays for study
Friendly, nurturing group critiques and critique instruction
One-day writing retreat with one-on-one laser coaching time with me (including tips for virtual retreat success)
Private, pop-up Facebook group for building connection with your cohort
Weekly live group write sessions (optional)
A final storytelling recital event
"Fire Starters" notebook & pen
Limit 10 participants
Who is it for?
All stages of breast cancer welcome.
Participants may be any age now, but were diagnosed under 50. (If you’re older, and still want in, email me to discuss: editor@wildfirecommunity.org)
Ideally, you have attended a Wildfire “Sparks” Writing Workshop six-week series in the past or are currently enrolled, but not required.
How does it work?
Facilitated by your host, April Stearns, we will meet eight times, for 90-180 minutes each online via Zoom.
A small group setting (limited to just ten participants) enables us to get to know one another in an intimate setting, and provides the most time for discussion possible.
We'll begin the series with writing prompts and studying memoir essays to get your creative juices flowing, followed by a full-day writing retreat where you'll be able to really devote time to your writing. During the retreat, you can sign up with me for one-on-one coaching. We can brainstorm your piece together, find personal writing prompts just for you, or discuss whatever writing issue is utmost on your mind. Following the retreat, you will continue to receive writing support via our Facebook group and optional live group writing sessions.
Next, we'll critique each other's work and help one another take a piece to the next draft stage. As a critiquer, you'll learn to help your fellow writers identify what their story is about (what urgent question is being asked, answered, and what's at stake?), what parts worked, and where we'd like more details.
Finally, we'll share our finished pieces aloud in a fun Zoom party! Think grown-up piano recital from those music lessons you took as a kid.
Anne, Past Workshop Participant
Our weekly writing time is my happy place.
Pamela, Past Workshop Participant
You gave me some ideas and permission to write things that don’t flow, connect or make sense to others. There is so much inside me that I wasn’t even aware of before my diagnosis. It is not necessary for others to “get it” or even read it. It’s for me.
Kai, Past Workshop Participant
You have really reminded me how rewarding & healing writing can be.
Recent Fire Starters students share the transformative experience they had participating in the workshop with April.
Ready to Sign Up?
Fire Starters: From Prompt to Finished Piece Writing & Critique Group (8 Weeks)
Cost: $299 every month for 3 months
Classes will be held on Zoom on 7 Saturdays and optional mid-week group writing support sessions.
Spring Session Itinerary:
Saturday, April 13th, 10a - 12p PT
Welcome & introductions, meet the group, writing prompts
Saturday, April 20th, 10a - 12p PT
Class: Prompts & essay examples
Saturday, April 27th, all day
In-Home Writing Retreat with art therapy with guest teacher Stephanie McLeod Estevez & one-on-one coaching with April
NO CLASS: Sat, May 3rd
Saturday, May 11th, 10a - 12p PT
Critiques (2-3 writers)
Saturday, May 18th, 10a - 12p PT
Critiques (2-3 writers)
NO CLASS: Sat, May 25th
Saturday, June 1st, 10a - 12p PT
Critiques (2-3 writers)
Saturday, June 8th, 4p - 7p PT
Final Class & Storytelling Recital
*Optional weekly group write sessions TBD
Writing enables you to go deep and connect with yourself. This group allows you to meet others doing the same.
*(If you are/were older than 50 at the time of your diagnosis , and still want in, email me to discuss: editor@wildfirecommunity.org)