In teaching courses online, I’ve been asked about the options of creating an outside opportunity for connecting during the course or even after the course. Some suggestions have included setting up a social media group, but not everyone is on social media or wants to interact over social media. Never mind that, depending on the metrics, posts may be visible or not in one feed or another. Still, after spending several weeks of (often intense) writing and critique, the desire to stay connected remains.
When writers are local, I never hesitate to spotlight Red Oak Writing as one of my favorite ways to connect with others. There’s a strong community of writers who move in and out of Red Oak’s studio, and Kim Suhr, the director, offers an ongoing rotation of writing & critique groups (online or in-person) plus plenty of Saturday workshops for anyone looking to hone their craft.
But I have been playing with the idea of setting up a different kind of group, one that functions between courses and critiques in a casual and generative kind of way, one that aims to satisfy parts of Forest Avenue Press’ Main Street Writers Movement pledge:
to encourage my neighbor writers in creative art.
to foster…
to support…
to introduce new friends to my core community….
I know how difficult it can be to break away from the daily routine. If there’s a space, an invitation, and a gentle push from another writer facing similar challenges, I’m more likely to show up, put the kettle on, and set pen to paper. I’m more likely to encourage the writer across the table from me, and we–together– will create more art.
But here’s the thing: does this need to be in-person only? Is there even any interest in arranging another opportunity outside of the ones already found in your local area and mine? This is where you come in. If you’re itching to connect with other writers but are wondering how, if you’re local and just want space and a warm cup of tea at the ready, if you are willing…fill out a few questions via the survey below. Let’s talk about your next move…our next move.
Here’s the link >> Writers Meet-Up Survey.
(The survey is anonymous and will be open until February 17, 2018.)
If you’re not local to the Milwaukee area but are still interested in the possibilities, go ahead and click the link and take the survey. There’s a space for that kind of conversation as well.
The temps outside are just about awful. I am fully layered, still wearing a house hat, and still pausing in front of every heating vent I pass. So, this is as good a time as any to hunker down with a video, story on audio, and a circle of writers bundled up indoors all the same. Today’s edition of the Remington Roundup offers you links for all three: #Watch, #Listen, #Learn.
Another online opportunity for deepening your understanding of craft is in 
Hey now, come on, Mary. Writing may not be romantic (though when I type with fingerless gloves I feel very “Jane Austen”), but drab is a little strong. Let’s say painful, gut-wrenching, #ThisPenHatesMe, sure. “
Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, 9:30am-noon at the 
This 4-week course runs from February 5-March 4, 2017. We will tap into books, videos, podcasts, and samples of great flash nonfiction. We’ll learn about techniques that make this powerful genre work, then put these techniques into practice through writing exercises and peer critique. At the end of the course, you’ll leave with a better understanding of flash nonfiction as a whole, a list of resources for further study and submission ideas, and several new pieces of work under your belt. $90. 