The Purple Ink Cafe Writers' Circle

The Joy of Writing
a Writers's Circle

No circles currently scheduled. Please stop back!

You don't have to be writing a novel to join a circle of writers. But, if any of the following questions resonate, you just might need to become a member!

Does it feel like a luxury to write simply for the joy of writing?
Do you need a way to get started?
Are you writing a book?
Do you have a blog?
Do you write for business?
Did you have a writing practice that has fizzled out?
Are you working on a special project that could use some structure?
Do you wish you had dedicated time to go a little deeper with your writing?
Are you ready to start writing?
Do you want to explore your voice in new genres?

If you answered YES to any of those, stop back to grab the most comfortable spot in an upcoming Writers' Circle Fall 2018

Create Your Ideal Writing Space

Stop waiting to have the perfect office or writing room. Join us in the Purple Ink Cafe where you get to tap into your imagination and create a wonderful writing space -- one where your muse can't wait to come out and play.

Experience Greater Focus on Your Writing

With a continued and consistent writing practice, you will start to notice a greater sense of clarity around the writing you want to bring forth. You'll find your voice and learn strategies to help you write through the blocks and uncover the jewels of your own creation.

Release The Distractions of the Day

We begin each session with a grounding activity that helps you settle into your version of the Purple Ink Cafe. We walk you through simple steps that will help you let go of all the stress of your day so that you can do the thing you most desire -- write!

Intentional Writing Time

Set an intention for your writing by showing up to our sessions prepared to let resistance and procrastination melt away. We write together and use the collective energy of the group to gain momentum in our personal writing projects. This is how we nurture the writer inside each of us.

Experience joy, ease and flow in the beautiful space your imagination creates.

What worked for others:

"The whole experience was very inspiring for me. Having time specifically set aside to devote to the writing process, and doing it in community, was very helpful."
"I liked having a date to show up to write. I usually need a reason to write - a class or a group:) And I liked that other people were doing the same thing I was at the same time. "
"This was my first circle. I liked how inclusive it felt. I felt supported exactly where I was without the pressure of comparison."
"Best part? Gathering with others to write. "

How It Works

We begin with a short guided imagery to center you and bring you into your space – the space that allows you to slip gently onto the page. We then flex our writing muscles with a five minute writing prompt. There will be a suggested focus or tip.

You will then have the opportunity to declare your intention for the writing time. This declaration is powerful and can provide a laser focus. Of course, the pen may have other ideas once you start and that’s okay!

We write together for a minimum of sixty minutes. Afterwards we come back together to share some highfives for what you were able to get done, to declare any next steps and to say goodbye till the next week. (Of course, if you’re in a flow and want to continue on your own you’re welcome to stay!)

Why a Writer (You) Need This

Sometimes we need to write without a fixed destination or a specific project in mind.
We deserve the luxury of making an appointment with our writing.
A gathering of writers can be a powerful motivators and help us focus on our stated intentions for writing.
This is our version of starter fluid to get us going in the right (write) direction.
Having helpful strategies to warm up our writing muscles is a great first step.
It's important for us to create connections to the energy of other writers and be inspired by action takers.

About Your Facilitator

I’m Kathy Kane. I’m a writer, a blogger, a lover of words. I’m a master creativity coach and an Amherst Writers and Artists workshop facilitator. I know the power of gathering writers and drawing on the inspiration and energy of the collective. I have writing buddies with whom I meet in person. Now, I’d like to extend that magic to you through our virtual meeting space at The Purple Ink Cafe.

Writing is a solitary practice. Whether you’re in monk’s cell or in a crowded coffee shop, the relationship is between you and the page. But something happens when you join a group of writers. There’s a special energy; a silent acknowledgment of the work that is being created; a nod to a fellow traveler.

You’ll find all this and more when you claim your chair in The Joy of Writing at The Purple Ink Café.

FAQs

Do I have to be a writer to join?
Many aspiring and work-in-progress writers have trouble calling themselves a writer. The reality is that you become a writer by writing. When you enter our Zoom room you are a writer. You are welcomed and nurtured. You get to move at the pace that works best for you.

What if I find I have nothing to write about?
Great question! From the beginning of time, writers have had that thought. I’ll wager that even the cavemen scratched their head over this one. Join The Joy of Writing and discover how to start with nothing special in mind, find ways to work through this.

I may miss one of the sessions. Should I sign up anyway?
The Joy of Writing is a place to get inspired, get focused and get to your writing. While there will be tips and prompts and strategies, there is no teaching so a missed week will not set you back. Even coming to 3 out of 4 session will help you get some momentum going in your writing!

I don’t have any special project I’m working on. Is this right for me?
Yes! It is especially right for you. Curiosity about writing can be strong but without an appointment or prompt motivation can fall by the wayside. The Joy of Writing is a perfectly safe place to explore and experiment with your writing. You will find that as you write you will acquire the confidence to continue.

What technology do I need?
We will be using Zoom - a free videoconferencing platform. It is compatible with Macs, PCs, smartphones and tablets that use Android or IOS systems. You will receive the link and meeting information when you register. Zoom will access your webcam. You can always turn this off but your experience will be enhanced when you can see your fellow writers.

Will the sessions be recorded?
I may record only through our warm up prompt (the first 15 minutes or so) and I will be the only person on camera.

Will there be time for sharing, feedback and/or Q & A?
There will be time at the end of each session for Q & A as well as the chance to witness and celebrate the work you’ve gotten done. There will be sharing of writing to the extent that you want to share and, depending on number of people in the group, how much time we have. In the future there will be master minds for writers where we will expand into much more including feedback and critique. Stay tuned!

I’ve never done an online writing group before. How will it feel compared to a live group?
One of the biggest benefits of a writing group is that you get to bond with other writers. They are your tribe and you will find a lovely level of comfort with them. Sharing virtual space with them may feel a little different in the beginning but it has been my experience that virtual groups connect and bond just as live groups do. And, just think of it. There are no geographical restrictions - you can meet writers from all over the country (maybe the world). And, you can “come as you are” from the comfort of your own home.