An Online Writing Group to Inspire, Connect and Get You Writing
When you make time to write, you enjoy it. In good moments, when you find yourself in flow, the words come. Images float. Ideas blossom.
It feels fun, maybe like playing at the beach or running in the woods used to feel when you were young. Time compresses, disappears.
But that only happens sometimes.
The truth is, you’re not writing. At least, not as much as you might like to.
Perhaps, you’re busy. Life is full. Or maybe you’re not so sure you’re a good writer anyway. (Ok, maybe you’re an okay writer. But who knows?) Plus, you don’t really have a plan to “get published” or a big project you want to work on.
But when you hear about other people writing or telling their stories, you can get a little wistful or sad sometimes.
There’s a small voice inside you that wonders if you could do that too.
You’ve probably done different writing things over the years
You’ve read books on writing (probably a lot of them!) You might have taken classes on the craft. Maybe, you went to writing workshops. Joined challenges. Bought a book of writing prompts.
Or maybe you made friends with other writers. Or joined a writing group. Some of those experiences may have been helpful, others less so.
There are three reasons why you might be having a hard time feeling inspired to write, despite all you’ve tried.
Space
First, it’s sometimes really hard to make space for something you love. It’s counterintuitive, I know. If we love it, why can’t we simply prioritize it? I asked myself that question for years. Years!
Having a pre-set time and space where you can show up and write can be really helpful, getting you in the flow and reconnecting you to what you love.
Connection
Writing is generally a solitary venture. It’s just you, the page, and — your mind. And your mind, if left untethered, tends to want to grab the wheel, draining every last drop of joy out of writing.
We human beings are social creatures, we crave connection. Having a group of like-minded, supportive writers could be just what you need.
Guidance
And finally, writing is a craft, a skill that can be learned or improved upon. As you engage more deeply with your writing, you might have questions about the craft, or more personal ones about your experience or obstacles you’re having with your writing.
Having a safe space to ask those questions and receiving intuitive guidance can help move you forward.
You’re Looking For Something Different
The Alchemy of Writing Group is designed to give you a regular space for writing, a beautiful connection with other like-minded women for support, and a place to receive intuitive writing guidance and get questions answered.
As a lifelong writer, I’ve had a long - and not always loving - relationship with my writing.
What I know now, though, is what I knew as a young child:
Creating worlds on a page and playing with words is fun, joyful.
Another thing I know now is that when I gather other writers to learn, grow, write, and share, something magical can happen. Little seeds of beauty, of possibility, are planted. Hearts open. Writing dreams are nurtured.
Who Is This Group For?
This group is for women who write (and those who don’t yet call themselves writers) who want to spend time writing and creating a better relationship with their writing.
It’s also for you if you:
Have no idea what to write or how to get started writing but know you want to
Are having trouble consistently making time to write
Love to write (or think you kind of like writing,) but aren’t sure you’re very good at it
Have an idea for a writing project you’ve thought about bringing to reality, someday
Want to meet and support other like-minded women in their writing
Desire to find and grow your confidence in your own writing and voice
Are looking for some dedicated time each week to write
Want a place where you can ask your writing questions and receive intuitive guidance and insight
Who Is This Group Not For right now?
My work with writers is positive, supportive, inclusive, and kind, and many people have enjoyed my writing programs. However, this group isn’t for everyone interested in writing.
This group might not be the right fit for you now if you:
Are looking to log a certain number of words every week toward a static writing goal
Want to write solely because you want to be published
Are looking for detailed editorial commentary, grammar input or other critical feedback on your work
Want advice and guidance on submitting your work or getting published
Lovely Words from a Writer
“At a time when living the Writer’s Life was little more than a dream of mine, the universe introduced me to Diane. She took me by the hand and heart to help me navigate through the isolation and introversion of writing my first novel. I may never know why the Muse of my story chose me for its telling but, together, Diane and I found the light that is waiting for every writer at journey’s end.
There is a magical place where the art of a story and its writer first meet, Diane will help take you there...
”
an alchemical mix of three key elements
Space to write with creative prompts during group writing time
Feedback on what sparkles in your work, helping you uncover the jewels to your own voice
A place to ask questions and to receive intuitive guidance
How Does This Group Work?
I wanted to create a group that will get you writing more often and with more joy and to help you start to uncover the jewels of your own voice.
Write and Share
We’ll meet via Zoom on a weekly basis. We’ll spend time writing, playing and loosening up with some free-writing and sharing. Next, the group will move into co-writing time, where you can either turn to a project you want to work on your own or write in response to another, deeper prompt I’ll offer.
We allow the group energy keep us together, focused on writing.
Offer and Receive Support
On the calls (as well as during the week in between calls) we offer feedback to each other.
In our private Facebook group, you can check-in about your writing. You’ll also have the chance to workshop your writing pieces, if you like, sharing, asking questions and receiving lots of love.
Ask Questions, Receive intuitive Guidance
In the Q&A, you can bring any type of writing question you’d like (except requests for feedback). I’ll tune into my intuitive energy reading skills, offering you insight & help to move forward.
If you’d rather not ask questions in the group setting, you may either email me your writing question or receive a free, 30-minute intuitive energy reading focused on your writing.
A Word about Sharing and Feedback
Maybe you’ve been in other writing groups, and perhaps that experience was less than ideal. Sometimes, people in writing groups like to give editing or grammar advice. Or tell you how to make better characters or to write more detailed descriptions. Or otherwise gave you critical feedback, maybe when you hadn’t even asked.
This is not helpful. In fact, in my experience, it often sets people back.
You’re the author of your work, and the only person who gets to say what belongs or doesn’t in your writing is you.
In this group, the only feedback regularly offered is letting you know what sparkled in your words. For longer pieces, you’ll be able to ask questions in the Facebook group, using my guidelines for giving and receiving feedback.
You never have to share anything you’ve written. Your words are yours alone. However, I’d invite you to try. Sharing your words is a gift to other writers. And, as we reflect back the light we find in your words, the world gets a little brighter. You might feel a little braver too.
Lovely Words from Writers
“The biggest benefit of coming to this retreat has been inspiration, renewed sense of purpose, renewed passion. The way the retreat is structured allows time for reflection and clarity. Experiencing this will help me as I write on my own in my own practice.”
“I needed this to get me back to writing my memories, from which I have strayed in recent months. A truly inspirational and enriching experience, not only the writing but the sharing of each other’s journeys! Mary Kay and Diane have a special talent for guiding us through such a meaningful journey. ”
The Alchemy of Writing Group Can Help You:
Finally put pen to paper, spending more time doing the thing you love - writing
Improve your relationship with your writing
Start uncovering the jewels of your own voice and style
Grow greater confidence as others witness you and your words
Receive intuitive answers to your writing questions
Better understand any writing fears or what may be limiting you in your writing
Build relationships with a beautiful group of other writers
Some questions you might have:
What if I don’t have a writing “goal” or a project to work on?
That’s ok! This group is about helping you write more! You don’t have to have anything concrete you’re working on. I’ll be offering weekly writing prompts in the sessions as well as additional prompts throughout the week in the Facebook group.
What if I can’t make every session?
I know, sometimes life happens and despite your best intentions, you might miss a call. I will be sending out the writing prompts and an audio recording of the Q&A after we meet, so you’ll have access to that. I would also add that a big part of the value of this group is to give you space to write. If you already know you have to miss more than two sessions, this might not be the right time for you to join.
What do I need to bring to the calls?
The only thing you need to bring is something to write with, so pen and paper! (I encourage you to write by hand. Writing by hand activates the right side of your brain, helping to bypass the in-resident, left-brain editor tendencies.)
Apart from that, a cup of something delicious, like tea, coffee or warm milk, plus an extra dose kindness for yourself and your writing are always helpful.
About Me, Your Facilitator
I’m a lifelong writer, and reader, who loves both fiction and poetry and has co-hosted several women’s reflective writing retreats.
In 2016, I completed an in-depth life coach training program, and then went on to become a Martha Beck Certified Wayfinder Life Coach. After that, I studied intuition and learned the ARTs method of energy reading at Beverly Belling’s Intuitive Arts Studio, where I soon became one of the program’s Endorsed Intuitives.
I’ve spent hundreds of hours coaching, mentoring and reading energy for individuals, creatives, and other coaches, helping them align their projects, businesses and lives to their soul-selves.
Previously, I worked for 15 years in the corporate world, most recently as Director, Content Marketing in Global Marketing & Communications where I wrote professionally, consulted and led workshops. In that role, I also created events and programs designed to increase customer engagement, was responsible for creating a harmonized content strategy and signature program content, and for overseeing copy development.
I write poetry and have published several professional and personal magazine articles. I am delighted to have just recently completed a draft of my first novel. I’ve lived across the globe and am currently settled in the upper plains of the Midwest, close to the earth and peoples that nourish the world.
Lovely Words from a Writer
“I didn’t know where to start to begin practicing writing every day. You helped me find my why for my story, trust the process, and dig deep into showing up for myself. Your intuition was always spot on. Your feedback was gentle and useful and I never felt judged, less than, or anything but a writer! I learned to trust writing my story longhand and focus on the first draft letting myself get the story out onto paper. I learned to give myself a break and celebrate my successes!
I’m grateful for your support and kindness and your commitment to me as an artist, the importance of my voice, and the actualization of my Story. Thank you.
”
What’s Included?
Five (5) weekly group writing sessions that will last approximately 90 minutes*, via Zoom
Tuesdays from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Central Time in the U.S. (Convert time to your timzone)
May 16, May 23, May 30, June 6, June 13, 2023
A follow-up email with the writing prompts + recording of Q&A
If you have to miss a call or want to re-listen to the Q&A, you’ll receive an email after our session with the week’s writing prompts and a downloadable version of the recording. Recordings will be available for downloading for 30 days after the class.
AN Optional private intuitive energy reading focused on your writing and your writing questions
If asking questions about your writing in a group setting doesn’t feel comfortable, you can sign up to receive a free 30-minute intuitive energy reading focused on you writing. This unique, personalized reading will help you tap into what lies underneath your writing relationship and, if needed, find a fresh way forward.
A cozy little Facebook group For inspiration and connection between calls
Stay connected in-between sessions and while you’re writing with fun inspiration, ongoing connection and support, requests for feedback, and writing prompts via our private Facebook group.
*Scheduled call time is 90-minutes, however, due to the nature of the intuitive guidance I offer at the end of the call, some of the calls could run over. If you can leave space open on your calendar after this call, it might be helpful. Otherwise, I’ll be sending out recordings of the Q&A, so you won’t have to miss anything if you need to leave.
Price $325 USD
EARLY BIRD PRICING - $310 USD - available until May 9th at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Deadline to sign up is May 14, 2023
REFUNDS or cancellations
Due to the nature of this group, I will not be able to refund money if you drop out, so please be sure you know you can join before signing up. If you have any questions about this writing group or about what it might be like for you, please send me an email, and I’ll get in touch with you.
Are You Ready to Write?
If you’re ready to get inspired, connected and writing again, here’s what to do:
Step 1. Click the “I want to write” button below. You’ll be taken to my scheduling page to book your appointment, pay, and answer a question or two, so I can know just a little bit about you before our group starts.
Step 2: Once your answers have been submitted and you’ve completed the registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to the online class meeting information that you can add to your calendar.
Step 3: You’ll receive a reminder for the classes 24 hours ahead of time. We’ll meet via Zoom.
Step 4: A few days before the first class, you’ll receive an invitation to join the Facebook group before our sessions start.
Step 5: We’ll see you on May 16th at 9:30 a.m. Central Time in the U.S.!!
Not Sure?
Feel free to ask me any questions you have about the Alchemy of Writing Group. You can send me an email and I’ll get back to you by email or suggest a short call if guided to.