Pop-Up

Writing Workshops

A Free Monthly Writing Space

Each month, we offer you time and inspiration to use writing as a healing tool in your survivorship. Alternating between themed expressive writing workshops and open-ended co-writing space to work on your writing projects in a like-minded community, we’ll carve out the time you need to experience the power of writing.

This is a great way to try out our writing community and maybe even get inspired to submit your story.

A young woman with curly blonde hair and glasses sitting on a red rug, leaning against a white sofa, working on a laptop in a bright room with large windows, green plant, and air conditioning unit.

How does it work?

Join your Wildfire community to learn how to start writing along with others who understand you. In this 60-90 minute prompt-style workshop, we’ll write away some of our stress and find some healing in the long run by using writing as a tool to find meaning. You’ll make new friends and fill a notebook along the way, even if you don’t consider yourself a writer! No writing experience is necessary to participate. Facilitated by April Stearns.

We alternate between themed workshops and open co-writing sessions. All sessions are Zoom-based.

Themed workshops (90 minutes) are meant to inspire. They include:

  • Structured writing prompts around a single theme

  • 4-5 timed writing sprints

  • April's quick tips for accessing and writing stories

  • Time for a few individuals to share their writing

Co-writing sessions (60 minutes) are meant to be productive. They include:

  • 1 optional writing prompt

  • 40 minutes of solo writing time

  • Time for a few individuals to share their writing

Free Monthly Pop-Ups:

Thematic Writing Workshops & Open Co-Writing Sessions

  • November 2026

    Style: THEMED WRITING WORKSHOP
    Nov. 18, 12:30p (90-min)

    Theme: Stories of Music (in Cancerland)
    Using texture to stimulate your writing, we’ll find stories from within your cancer experience that involve sound.

    Using expressive writing tenets and open-ended writing prompts, you’ll write your story in a healing way. Expect 4-5 guided writing prompts, 45 minutes of solo writing, and time for volunteers to share.

    GET THE ZOOM LINK

  • December 2026

    Style: CO-WRITING SESSION
    Dec. 9, 12:30p (60-min)

    We’ll start with one writing prompt for anyone who wants it, then spend 40 minutes writing quietly on our own. At the end, we’ll have an opportunity for a few people to share.

    Bring the project you’ve been meaning to work on, or just bring a willingness to see what wants to emerge. Sometimes you just need an hour carved out for you.

    GET THE ZOOM LINK

  • January 2027

    Style: THEMED WRITING WORKSHOP
    Date TBD

    Theme: TBD

    Using expressive writing tenets and open-ended writing prompts, you’ll write your story in a healing way. Expect 4-5 guided writing prompts, 45 minutes of solo writing, and time for volunteers to share.

Who Are Wildfire Pop-Up Workshops For?

Our pop-ups might be just what you need if:

You are seeking an alternative to traditional cancer support groups.

You have experienced a breast cancer diagnosis.

You are open to mixed-stage breast cancer groups (Stage 0 - Stage IV).

You were diagnosed under 50.*

You enjoy writing or find writing useful in processing life’s traumas.

You don’t consider yourself a writer yet but would love to try expressive writing.

You identify as female, nonbinary, or a trans man.

*Diagnosed older than 50 but resonate with Wildfire and think our workshops might be a good fit for you? Reach out for a consultation with April.

Our pop-ups might NOT be for you if:

You were diagnosed with cancer six or fewer months ago. (You are in a fragile place in your survivorship and might be triggered by others’ experiences.)

You were not diagnosed with breast cancer.

You prefer breast cancer groups that are specifically early-stage diagnosis or specifically Stage IV diagnosis.

You don’t enjoy writing with writing prompts.

“I just attended one of April Stearns’ pop-up writing workshops and WOW. I felt the heaviness leak from my finger tips. I haven’t come across anything in life that can leave me feeling so much lighter and calmer in just 1.5 hours.”
— Victoria V.

*(If you are/were older than 50 at the time of your diagnosis, and still want in, email me to discuss: editor@wildfirecommunity.org)

Ready to deepen your writing connection? Check out our other workshops!