Looking for a place to share your writing? Have you always wanted to write but need some extra motivation and support? Do you have a creative product that needs to come out? We are looking for writers and people who want to write to form a supporting, creative, no holds barred writing group.  The group facilitators are WES members David Pehlke, Rose Imhoff, and Shelby French. Details of joining and participation include:

• The Writing Group will meet monthly. First date to be scheduled in late February 2020.
• Open to all forms of writing – novels, non-fiction pieces, plays, long and short stories, memoirs, performance pieces, etc.
• At each meeting, people would read the work they are currently working on (or assign others to read if a play) or send a draft up to 1 to 2 weeks ahead of time (depending upon length) to all members for review and feedback at the meeting.
• The group would have 5 up to 10 members.
• Group meetings would be scheduled for 2 hours and will first be held at the French-Pehlke house in Silver Spring.  Locations may rotate depending upon availability and group preference.
• Day and time will be set by the group.
• People could come in and out when they’re available and have something to share.
• Enrolment would be on a rolling basis although if the group gets too large there may be a waiting list.
• Each member commits to reading and providing feedback on member work, whether or not you yourself have anything to share. 
• Although the writing group will generate discussion about challenging topics, work does not need to focus at all on issues related to ethics or ethical humanism.  
• Content can focus on any topic. Discussion/feedback will focus on the writing and the story not the ethical slant of a piece. Characters may be flawed and engage in unethical behaviors as part of the story. We see this as critical to the creative process and ensures a safe place to share ongoing work.
• Group guidelines will be generated at the first meeting so each member can be comfortable in sharing their work in a respectful and collaborative space.
• Be prepared to share, challenge yourself and others, and create in a supportive and inspiring environment.

If interested, please contact Shelby French at shelbyfrench2@yahoo.com or 773-456-0849.