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 deliver 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-consciousness style.
Give yourself the gift of writing alongside others who understand being diagnosed with breast cancer younger — or on your own schedule, in your own space, at your own pace. Either way, you're never "the cancer one" here. Sparks meets you where you are.
Some describe this experience as therapy. Some say it's better than therapy. Writing enables you to go deep and connect with yourself — and whether you join us live or work through the prompts on your own, you'll find meaning, fill a notebook, and surprise yourself along the way. Even if you don't consider yourself a writer.
Two ways to write your way through it.
Sparks is now available in two formats. Same prompts. Same facilitator. Your choice of how to show up. Here's how they compare.
Both options run for 5 weeks · No prior writing experience needed · Facilitated by April Stearns
Scroll down for upcoming Sparks start dates.
How does it work?
Live Group April facilitates five live sessions via Zoom, once per week for five weeks, two and a half hours each. An intentionally small class size keeps the experience intimate and gives everyone space to write, share, and connect. Live sessions do sell out — if you're interested, don't wait. Although not required, headphones with a mic are helpful. (The prompts are also shared in a student portal for re-visiting outside of the live session.)
Self-Paced Each week's prompts and April's video guidance are waiting for you in the student portal — work through them whenever and wherever fits your life. You'll have 8 weeks of access in total. Have a question along the way? You're welcome to reach out to April directly by email. A notebook and pen at the ready is highly recommended.
Both the live and self-paced versions of Sparks run on the same schedule. Each Thursday, a new week of prompts is presented.
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) — or you prefer to write solo, on your own terms.
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 breast cancer six or fewer months ago. If you're considering the live group, you may be in a tender place in your survivorship and could find others' experiences activating. The self-paced option may feel gentler — but when in doubt, reach out and we'll help you figure out the right fit.
You were not diagnosed with breast cancer.
You prefer breast cancer groups that are specifically early-stage diagnosis or specifically Stage IV diagnosis. (The self-paced option may be worth considering if group dynamics are the concern.)
You don’t enjoy writing with writing prompts.
Money is tight right now. (You can absolutely write for free!)
Ready to Sign Up?
We offer this workshop in two different formats to accommodate as many schedules, time zones, and personal preferances as possible. Scroll down to see our current workshops.
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Spring Series (Apr/May 2026)
Thursdays at 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Dates: Apr 23 - May 28, 2026
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Summer Series (July/Aug 2026)
Thursdays at 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Dates: July 16 - Aug 13, 2026
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Fall Series (Oct/Nov 2026)
Thursdays at 7pm EST / 4pm PST
Dates: Oct 22 - Nov 19, 2026
What People Are Saying
*(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!