Write-Ins are an opportunity to do the solitary work of writing while in community with others, either online or in-person. They offer a chance to focus and to support one another in a welcoming and casual environment.
In-Person
In-person Write-Ins are back! Starting March 30, we'll gather every last Sunday of the month from 11:00am to 12:30pm on the Ellen Kort Mezzanine at ArtLitLab. In-person write-ins will use the Pomodoro method, writing in two 25-minute blocks with a 5-minute rest period in between.
In addition we'll have some time at the end of each write-in for group sharing and brief verbal feedback. We'll use the practice of "recall" feedback, adapted from Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones—available for ALL members to check out from the Small Press Library.
After a writer has shared, listeners will respond popcorn-style, echoing back words or phrases that struck them with no additional commentary. If the same word or phrase struck others, they can repeat it, creating a poem-like chorus. This is a simple yet powerful way of offering feedback to a writer without entering into discussion or critique.
Online
ALL hosts online Write-Ins on Thursdays at 10 AM and Sundays at 9 AM via Zoom. For our online Write-Ins, we use the Pomodoro method. We begin each Write-In with a brief check-in. Then, participants are muted (and may turn off their cameras if they wish) while we write. During the 5-minute break we chat, stretch, or refill our beverage. At the end, we finish with a brief check-out.
"Thank you for your encouragement and the opportunity to write with and among others. It's a wonderful chance to find community in an otherwise solo venture."—Peter O
Our friends at the Driftless Writing Center also host online writing sessions (M/T/W/F/Sat). Together, there are now opportunities every day of the week to help you carve out more space for your writing. Register for Driftless sessions here.
FAQs
Do I have to be published to participate? Do I have to be working on something creative or is any writing project okay?
Whatever your writing background or project, you are always welcome.
When are Write-Ins held?
Online write-ins are held Thursdays at 10 AM and Sundays at 9 AM. (See Driftless Writing Center for current days/times of their online sessions.) In-person write-ins are held on the last Sunday of each month from 11 to 12:30 CST.
Why should I participate?
As one participant said, "Write-ins inspire me. It is a supportive community, that connects me to other resources."
How much does it cost?
Registration is free (though donations are always welcome).
You can also join us Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from noon until 5 PM on the Ellen Kort Mezzanine, a place for writers and readers, to be inspired by the exhibitions, browse the library, and/or write.
Questions? Contact Rita Mae at ritamae@artlitlab.org.
