Dartmouth Open Writing Group Introduction
Writing can be a lonely business. For years, I’ve navigated the highs and lows of the creative process—from the joy of seeing my two children's books make it into the world to the slow, steady discipline of working through the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" list. I’ve learned that while the actual writing happens in the quiet of our own minds, the sustenance for that writing almost always comes from community.
During my time as President of the Brantford Writers Circle, I saw firsthand how much progress a writer can make when they have a dedicated space to show up, share their hurdles, and simply be around others who "get it." Since moving here, I’ve missed that shared energy—the unique spark that happens when poets, bloggers, and novelists all sit in the same room with a common goal.
That’s why I’m so excited to be launching the Dartmouth Open Writing Group.
I wanted to create a space right here at the Alderney Gate Public Library where the barrier to entry is non-existent. Whether you are a seasoned author or someone who hasn't picked up a pen since high school, this group is for you. We aren't here to critique you into submission; we’re here to build habits, share techniques, and remind ourselves why we started writing in the first place.
The Details:
When: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Where: Alderney Gate Public Library (Community Room, Floor 1)
Who: Teens and Adults of all skill levels.
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What a Typical Meeting Looks Like
I know walking into a new group can feel a bit daunting, so I want to give you a clear picture of how we’ll spend our two hours together. We’ve designed the flow to help you get into a "creative headspace" quickly and leave feeling inspired.
The Warm-Up (Writing Exercise): We’ll kick things off with a short, guided writing exercise. These are designed to bypass the inner critic and get the ink flowing.
The Reflection & Resources: After the exercise, we’ll spend a few minutes discussing the prompt. I’ll provide resources or techniques connected to that specific exercise to help you expand your toolkit. If you feel like sharing what you wrote, we’d love to hear it—but there is never any pressure to do so!
The Deep Work (Writing Sprints): Next, we move into timed "writing sprints." This is your dedicated time to either continue with the warm-up exercise or dive into your own current project. It’s amazing how much you can get done when you’re surrounded by the focused energy of others doing the same.
The Huddle (Open Discussion): We’ll wrap up with an open conversation about our current projects and the hurdles we’re facing. Whether you’re stuck on a plot point, struggling with a blog layout, or just need a second pair of eyes on a sentence, this is the time to lean on the group’s collective experience.
The Golden Rule: At every stage, sharing is always an option, never a requirement. You are more than welcome to come, write, and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
No registration is required—just bring your favorite pen and an open mind. Every great book started with a single, messy sentence. Every consistent habit started with a single "Day One." Let this be your Day One.
You don't need a finished manuscript or a fancy title to join us. You just need a story you want to tell and two hours of your time. I’ll be waiting at Alderney Gate with the prompts ready—I hope you'll join me.
[Link to event: Https://halifax.bibliocommons.com/events/69c17bf3bf48d63c596c8190]
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