Writers' Groups
Who doesn't need one?
Space for Established Groups
The Writers' Dojo has beautiful facilities for writers' groups. Think conversation pit with big comfy chairs, Oriental rugs and coffee. If you're constantly hunting for the ideal location for your members, give us a call.
- Group rental rate: $4 per person per hour
- Group capacity: 12 people. (More for special events.)
- Amenities: Wifi, coffee, luxury
- Apply: Contact us for details and timing. Tell us a little about your group.
- Considerations: No smoking on property, no shoes inside, for writers only.
Join a Moderated Group
For a small monthly fee, you can join one of our moderated writing groups. If you're not a veteran to workshop groups, may we recommend joining a free one. There are postings, for instance, on Craigslist, through Willamette Writers, and on the bulletin boards in Powell's. Often you can land a spot with great folks. But if you've been in and out of workshop groups for awhile without much success, or you're working in non-fiction, you can probably appreciate why a moderated group is a great idea.
We help ensure that everyone in your group is serious about their writing and their input, that everyone is an ideal match based on a balance of diversity, and that each member maintains a level of friendly professionalism.
- What's a moderator do? Our moderators have different styles and backgrounds. In general, your moderator is equal parts group manager, writing coach, and scheduler. Your moderator helps ensure everyone stays on task, follows some basic group guidelines, and contributes in a positive manner. You'll also receive weekly email reminders and notes of encouragement so that you keep to your deadlines. If there's only one story to workshop, your moderator will supply literary materials for discussion or offer assignments to keep members writing.
- What to expect. This depends a little on the group. See the listing below for current openings and details. Basically you'll meet twice a month, every other week. There are two styles: the "workshop group," to edit stories, and the "recitation group," to read work aloud and receive instant feedback. You will be expected to contribute as a writer and reader/listener. Space is generally limited to six people.
- How to apply. Please send us a brief email outlining your workshop experience, writing practice, genre, and what you hope to achieve with the group. We'll also need a short writing sample, no more than 10 pages (or a complete short story). We take great care in bringing folks together. It's about the mix of people. Typically, we limit a group to six people. So you may end up on a waiting list.
- Cost. $45 per month. Pay by the month. No strings attached.
Current openings
The dates and times below are proposed times. If the majority of members prefer a new time with the launch of a new group, the timing may change accordingly.
Fiction Workshop Group
- Genre: Short stories or chapters of novel
- Method: Send in work one week prior to receive editorial feedback from members
- Proposed time: First and third Monday nights 6:45pm-8:30-ish
Fiction Recitation Group
- Genre: Short stories or chapters of novel
- Method: Read your work aloud to group and receive instant feedback
- Proposed time: First and third Tuesday nights 6:45pm-8:30-ish
Non-Fiction Workshop Group
- Genre: Biography, memoir, or creative
- Method: Send in work one week prior to receive editorial feedback from members
- Proposed time: Second and fourth Tuesday nights 6:45pm-8:30-ish
