Sparks Prompt-Style Writing Workshop
Want to write about your experience but aren’t sure where to begin?
Rooted in the science of expressive writing as a post-traumatic growth tool for healing, the Wildfire “Sparks” writing workshop is the cancer support group you’ve been missing. Or, as we like to say around here, it’s the cancer support group for people who don’t like traditional support groups.
No writing experience necessary. Each week, your facilitator, April Stearns, will bring with her a series of writing prompts and inspiration designed to give you an entry point to the page and your experiences. Your job is simply to allow the words to flow out of you in stream-of-conciousness style.
Give yourself the gift of writing in a community of others who understand being diagnosed with breast cancer younger. In this workshop, you’re never ‘the cancer one’. Together 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.
Some describe this group as therapy, some say it is better than therapy. Writing enables you to go deep and connect with yourself. Doing so in this group allows you to meet others who are doing the same. You’ll make new friends and fill a notebook along the way. Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer!
What does it include?
120 minutes of writing per meet up
April's tips/discussion for accessing and writing stories as well as methods for establishing a writing practice
Time for sharing your writing from a prompt if you wish and connecting with the group (no critics, only listening, and never pressure to share)
How does it work?
Facilitated by your host, April Stearns, we will meet five times, for two and a half hours each (once per week for six weeks).
A small class size enables us to get to know one another in a more intimate setting and provides the most time for writing and sharing.
The workshop will take place online via Zoom. Although not required, headphones with a mic are helpful.
Who is Sparks for?
Sparks 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 Sparks might be a good fit for you? Reach out for a consultation with April.
Sparks 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.
Money is tight right now. (You can absolutely write for free!)
What People Are Saying
Ready to Sign Up?
We offer this workshop on two different days of the week to accommodate as many schedules and time zones as possible. Scroll down to see our current workshops.
We meet once per week for 5 weeks, 2.5 hours each time
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Summer Series (Aug/Sept 2025)
Thursdays at 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Dates: Aug 7 - Sept 11, 2025
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Autumn Series (Nov/Dec 2025)
Thursdays at 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Dates: Nov 6 - Dec 18, 2025
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Winter Series (Jan/Feb 2026)
Thursdays at 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Dates: Jan 15 - Feb 26, 2026
*(If you are/were older than 50 at the time of your diagnosis and still want to join email April to discuss: editor@wildfirecommunity.org)
Ready to take your writing to the next level? Check out our Fire Starters workshop series!
Not quite ready to commit? Check out our monthly Pop up!