Rhymes with Camera — Write-ins: Stories shared or scribbled 'round a writers' "campfire"
We can create community wherever we are. Write-ins represent the most supportive thing I've encountered for our community since before the pandemic.
Come ye, circle your wagons and lay down some lines while you’re at it
I’ve found a new pathway into writing communities that doesn’t involve tuition, travel, commitments, or even an exchange of words, if you don’t want. You might even hide while participating!
I’m talking about the rise of the writer’s “write-in,”—a kind of quick meetup among groups of writers, both live and in person.
I’ve come to think of these write-ins as places where we can circle our creative wagons, sit around a shared campfire, and share words: what we’ve written in those moments or stories about what we’re doing or going through as writers.
Of course, the campfire I describe here is only metaphoric, but I’m known to write while sitting next to a warm blaze of embers and, if I could find a live write-in that did this on the nightly, I’d be all in!
Freewrites for freelancers? Yes, and…
I can think of several comparable experiences that predate write-ins for those unattached to formal writing programs (where “freewrites*” come as part of the curriculum):
The writing sprint is a kind of timed writing session, sometimes launched by a prompt, that can take place in person or online; someone sets a timer and off you go. These usually run up to 30 minutes; I’ve seen them run less than five minutes in some instances.
Today, you’ll see mention of a strategy known as “pomodoro” which borrows its idea from the tomato-shaped kitchen timer. These sessions last 25 minutes, based on research that shows writers (or people trying to stay on top of projects) can be productive with a 25-minute period of work followed by a five-minute break.Julia Cameron’s morning pages (from The Writer’s Way) provides a classic buffer against writer’s block which might have inspired the pomodoro strategy; however, morning pages usually take place as a solo venture.
A less formal, looser format I’ve participated in: cofficing.
Coffice is a mashup of the words coffeehouse and office: cofficing means to actively meet at a cafe with the intention of writing.
There’s no timer involved, but there’s the agreed upon meeting time among writers at a public space, where they bring their writing tools, sit at a table, and write quietly together, occasionally breaking to chat.
My writing pals and I—all of us “work from home” types—often cofficed together prior to the pandemic. It served as a way to get out of the home office and reclaim that feeling of belonging to a workplace. Think of it as “meeting at the water cooler” (though more accurately, we were drinking coffee).
I still coffice, but it’s mostly solo act because few local writers in my new hometown seem interested.Finally, imagine a stripped-down chautauqua.**
If you’ve ever rented office space at a shared workplace location, then you know the experience, of packing up your things and going to an environment that’s conducive to creativity. Working together in a shared space to make, revise, or finish a project can feel empowering when done in a collective way, even if all you do is share the same space.
In any case, the goal of any gathered writing session has always been to:
Create an intention that you show up (live or online), get your work done (writing, research, revision, marketing), and then, in some cases, report back for accountability.
“Break bread” with other writers as a way to “see” each other; creative folks tend to be a fairly solitary lot. A face-to-face presence is one way to enjoy that sense of community.
Support writers who may need help from the “hive mind.” This happens pretty regularly: for example, one writer needs a solution to a project challenge… they inquire of the group and, suddenly, we’re all solving problems, not just for the querent, but for ourselves.
Catch the creative motivation vibe. It’s no joke: hanging out with other creatives is energizing and inspiring.
Take account; if you show up, that’s you making a commitment to work on something.
The beauty of the write-in—
these are drop-in by design, with no pressure
to attend every one… just come when you can.
For that reason, I always return
because I end up missing “my people.”
Where to find and attend a write-in
Write-ins are happening everywhere.
But if there’s an ongoing in-person one down at your local library, bookstore, community arts center, or coffeeshop, you usually just drop in, do your thing, and leave.
I don’t tend to visit in-person ones because there’s travel and a ferry fare ($10-44) involved; honestly, it’s not worth it when the ferry ride lasts longer than the write-in.
The ones I do attend are virtual. Of these, there are three kinds:
Formal write-ins found in places like Meetup, where you register as a member, then show up in Zoom at the prearranged time.
Personal/private write-ins created by other writers who have an established time when they sit down and write; they do the whole thing in Zoom and invite others to join them.
Write-ins associated with online communities: I remember one workshop community I belonged to who offer these last fall—they had certain days of the week where members would go online to write together as part of a class or membership feature.
Protocols: fixed or free-wheeling, there’s something for everybody
SPACE
Some write-ins have a social session between writing periods, while others just invite writers to log in, then wave to their peers (or say “hi” in chat) and write until the session ends—no conversation or accountability required.
You can expect to see other writers’ faces on Zoom, though some writers prefer to stay off-camera, and that’s usually fine. Live cameras and hot mics can distract. This makes it easier for some to just pop in… no need to worry about putting on makeup or changing out of your PJs, just drop in.
If all my Zoom square shows is my avatar, it’s probably because I just came in from the garden grubby and unadorned, likely with dirt on my chin and wearing very unflattering clothes. Trust me, you don’t want to see that.
TIME
I’ve attended daily write-ins online (but if you can’t go daily, that’s fine, it’s up to you), while others happen weekly, and still others offer several days a week at different times to meet the various needs of their participants.
Early morning write-ins provide an easy way for working folks to get in their half hour of writing before heading off to work; night owls prefer the late evening sessions for the same reason.
Pssst: It’s not really just about writing…
One of the secret powers of the online write-in is the way it can attract people from all over the world to a shared moment in space and time, just for the act of showing up, saying hello, and getting to work on a poem, essay, revisions, or story outline.
For me, showing up at a standing time slot also helps me to satisfy the need to make “writing appointments” so that I can guarantee myself some writing time most every day.
A lot of creatives find it necessary to literally schedule time for their pursuits; this option helps them to say with confidence, “Thanks for the invite to go shopping! I’m sorry to say no, as I have a meeting then.”
If you’re like me, saying “no” can be hard but necessary. Our friends, family and neighbors often think that just, because we’re at home, somehow we aren’t working. A write-in not only creates an opportunity to get to work, but it’s also a real-world reason to say “no” and guard the boundaries you need in order to have the writing life you want.
I’ve committed to a few write-ins for a couple of years now, and I pop in occasionally:
Twice a week through a creative group membership (as a feature of paid membership).
Daily (if I want) in another city (Chicago, where I used to live, so I get to stay tethered to the writing community there).
Weekly gatherings on Sunday mornings and Thursday afternoons with friends/peers through their private groups (Zoom, Facebook, Discord).
The beauty of the write-in—these are drop-in by design, with no pressure to attend every one… just come when you can. For that reason, I always return because I end up missing “my people.”
If you struggle with discipline to write regularly, if you feel a bit invisible and isolated as a writer, consider finding and attending a write-in to bolster your creative practice, to deepen your sense of belonging to the writing community, and to serve as a tool for getting big projects done in little bites.
*Freewrite is writing whatever comes to mind during intense stretches of time in order to clear your mind, tap your potential ideas, and prepare for more writing… kind of like yoga done in preparation for meditation.
**Chautauqua refers to a cultural movement in the late 19th and early 20th century, started near Chautauqua Lake in western New York state, in which creative people gathered to create, perform, discuss, educate, and inspire each other.
Launch party slated for PTWC!
If you’re in Port Townsend on Thursday July 18, 2024, I’m hosting my first ever live book launch party on the Fort Worden campus to celebrate the release of Cul de Sac Stories. The event takes place at 3:30pm at Building 305, South Gallery. THERE WILL BE SNACKS, plus I’ll read, talk about the book, and sign copies!
Books will be available for purchase at the PTWC bookstore and via me during the whole week of the conference and at the launch party. If you can’t come, you can buy a discounted print copy or an e-book (epub format) through publisher Aqueduct Press. If you want a signed copy, order that directly from me!
Learn more about Cul de Sac Stories. Also, check out the book trailers!
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In case you missed it!
Cul de Sac Stories gleaned its first (and glowing!) book review from The Inspiration Shelf on June 15: you can read it here.
July 12-14: Cascade Writers July workshop [link]
July 14-20: Port Townsend Writers Conference, Jennifer Givhan workshop track [link]
July 15: Official launch for Cul de Sac Stories [ebook or print]
July 18: Launch party for Cul de Sac Stories at Port Townsend Writers Conference, 3:30pm in the South Gallery #305 on the Centrum/Fort Worden campus [link]
Aug 2-4: West Sound Film Fest [link]
Check out my detailed calendar
“What are some of your favorite writing podcasts? Would you ever start a writing podcast?”
[Answer: Ask Me Anything for July]
LINK LOVE
Events & Appearances (previous)
Chuckanut Writers Conference [link]
Beneath the Rain Shadows podcast
Podcast appearances:
RADIOGIRL livestream with Margaret Larkin [link]
MCR Media
“Look Up” poetry film update—June 2, 2024: “Sunday Meditation: Local Film Festival Picks Up LOOK UP”
Book Review: Cul de Sac Stories [link]
Find me in Social media [link]
June 4, 2024—“Tales from the Tube: Falling asleep in the loudest place on earth.” [link]
PNW GALLERY
TRIP TO VICTORIA
Technically, Victoria isn’t the Pacific Northwest because Canadians consider the province of British Columbia the Pacific Southwest.
L to R, top to bottom: Fan Tan Alley, Chinatown; trumpet flowers, Empress Hotel; HAVN floating sauna, Inner Harbor; stone bridge, Beacon Hill Park; Fisherman’s Wharf; Little Shop of Strange, downtown Victoria; peacocks, Beacon Hill Park; The Tapa Bar, Trounce Alley; turtle log, Beacon Hill Park.
GARDEN TO TABLE
Easy Chinese Broccoli (gai lan)
This is my first year growing gai lan. I first enjoyed it when taking the girls to dim sum when they were kids. It’s a gleaming jewel of a side dish; it’s also showcased in one of my favorite Thai dishes: Pad See Ew.
You can find Chinese Broccoli in grocery stores, especially those with a fondness for all the wonderful Asian vegetables, but it’s also super easy to grow.
Some varieties are white blooming (like mine), while others have yellow flowers. You know it’s ready to harvest when it puts up little pods that just begin to flower. Leave a couple of younger stems on the plant when you harvest so you can come back and harvest these a couple of weeks later. The hotter it gets, the more quickly it goes to flower, so keep your eyes on it as the temperatures rise.
Plant in the fall, too, for a second go around (I’m going to try in September for late October harvest.)
Gai lan tastes like a sweet broccoli. It forms long stalks similar to broccolini or rapini. You cook the entire plant, from the stem to the leaves to the flowers, as it’s entirely edible (the wilted leaves taste like a mild, sweet spinach).
This recipe is pretty simple but really good and probably my favorite way to use Chinese Broccoli; I use prepared sauces because it’s easier and cheaper than trying to make my own.
Click here to reach my new dedicated Garden to Table recipe page.
NOT TOO BUSY TO TALK WITH FRIENDS AND PEERS!
Just like June, July promises many irons in the fire—three conferences in three weeks’ time, two big writing deadlines, daily gardening tasks, harvesting and putting by the veggies, and the marketing and release of my book.
Still, one of my favorite things about launching a book is something I’ll always try to make time for: talking to interesting people.
RadioGirl’s Margaret Larkin and I (pictured above) chatted in livestream recently about the writing life: how to sustain it, mindsets about making money as a writer, and process, plus so much more. (Watch the YouTube recording.) No, we didn’t solve the world’s problems, but we did crack a few eggs and plan to do it again!
It’s such a pleasure to talk about writing and creativity with others also steeped in the same pursuit, and that’s equally true for me as I share my adventures with all of you. Thanks for reading this Substack, and feel free to share if you enjoyed what you found here today.
Happy July!
Tamara
PS! If you’ve already purchased and read a copy of Cul de Sac Stories, thank you! Please don’t forget to leave a review at Amazon or GoodReads or anywhere online where they accept reviews… those insights from readers really help a writer out!