The definition of a writer is this: "A writer is someone who writes." Period.

You do not need to be published -- or have any writing experience at all -- to join us. ALL writers of ALL levels and abilities are welcome. This group welcomes - in fact desires - diversity. All colors, shapes, sizes, genders, beliefs, faiths, etc. are welcome here. If you were scared away from writing at any point in your life, you are safe here. If your writing has been celebrated or distributed widely, we are thrilled to have you with us, but leave any ego outside the door. We are all equal writers in this space.

The Seattle Writer's Block AWA WRITING BOOST group meets Wednesday evenings for 1.5 hours, beginning promptly at 7 p.m. It is designed to be a quick and enjoyable "kick in the pants" to keep you writing at the mid-week point. Two prompts, one break out room, one hour, DONE. FREE.

The Seattle Writer's Block Saturday Writing Group meets Saturdays from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM both online and in person for fully vaccinated (and currently under mandate) masked writers (West Seattle location).

We also offer 5 week and 8 week certified AWA leader facilitated workshops (3-4 hours per session). See calendar.

We hold one hybrid in-person/online 2-day weekend writing event each year. Stay tuned for updates.

The Amherst method is prompt-based and designed to make all writers of all levels feel safe and equal and thus allow them to write freely. As a free-thinking writer, you may use my prompts or follow your own muse.

In both groups whomever wishes will be invited to read back their work in a non-judgemental environment.

IMPORTANT: In all AWA gatherings writers will be invited to read back some or all of their JUST WRITTEN work — meaning written during that session. We read back ONLY new work written during the session in keeping with AWA's liberating method. Please leave edited work at home.

A few rules of the road

Please don't bring polished work not written during the session to read aloud. I will host twice yearly manuscript workshop sessions. If you want a deep read of your work with critique, the work should be submitted in manuscript form prior to a scheduled workshop sessions. Reading aloud just-written work is a cornerstone of the Amherst Writer & Artists method which will guide our work.

This is an affirming, supportive environment. Thus, there is to be NO CRITIQUE of work read aloud during a regular session. Say what you liked, what worked, what held your attention. But offer no negatives or ideas for changes in our regular writing sessions. A good guide for how to respond to just-written work is start your remarks with "What stood out to me is ....." or "What stays with me ...." or "What surprised me was .... You get the picture.

WE TREAT ALL WORK AS FICTION to protect the privacy of the writer. When responding to a piece of work, we respond to the narrator, speaker or character in the piece.

For example: "I loved the way the narrator used repetition in this piece." Notice I did not respond to the "writer," or "you."

About AWA

We will follow as closely as possible the Amherst Writers & Artists method. Please check it out at amherstwriters.org.

The AWA method is based in the following philosophy. These affirmations rest on a definition of personhood based in equality, and a definition of writing as an art form available to all persons.

Pilosophy

1. Everyone has a strong, unique voice.

2. Everyone is born with creative genius.

3. Writing as an art form belongs to all people, regardless of economic class or

educational level.

4. The teaching of craft can be done without damage to a writers original voice or

artistic self-esteem.

5. A writer is someone who writes.

Essential Practices

The following practices establish a safe environment where everyone is free to explore within their own writing and listen to each other with respect.

1. Everyone’s writing, including the leader’s, is treated with equal respect and value.

2. Writing is kept confidential and treated as fiction.

3. Writers can refrain from reading their work aloud.

4. Responses to just-written work reflect what is strong and successful.

5. Responses and exercises support the development of literary craft.

Thank you for helping to keep this writing space safe for all writers.

Groups near Port Orchard, WA