The Moving Pens
Writers’ Group
This facilitated group is focused on helping you reach your creative writing goals in any genre. Our collegial atmosphere you will make you comfortable sharing your work; our professional-level feedback will help you take your writing to the next level. Not all participants have publication as a goal, but 3 of our members have recently-published or forthcoming books.
The group is a collaboration between the MCW Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities Program and Red Oak Writing.
Free for MCW students, faculty, and other personnel.
Dates
Jan 16 & 30, Feb 13 & 27, Mar 12 & 16
5:30-7:30 pm (Central) on Zoom
The Process
Prior to each session, you will be asked to share your pages as a Word doc or Google doc with the other members of the group. (Word count will depend upon the number of people in the group that session.)
When it is your turn, you will read your work aloud while the others read along. They will take notes.
The leader will invite discussion about big picture elements (what seems to be at the heart of the piece) as well as “hiccups” (places where we see opportunities for revision) and “kudos” (aspects of the writing that we appreciate and admire).
During this time, the writer is listening and taking their own notes. This is not a time for them to engage in dialogue with the other members but to take in the different reactions of colleagues.
The leader will sum up the main points and share some insights of her own. Participants are welcome to record the discussion of their piece to listen to later.
Technology Requirements
We use the Zoom videochat platform, so you’ll need a high speed internet connection, a computer with a camera and microphone, and an email address where I can send your invitation to the video chat and where you can receive the work of the other members.
“The Moving Pens offers writers at all levels and in many genres a safe, fun way to build skills. I was amazed to see how quickly a group of students, residents, faculty and community members built trust. My writing has improved. Thanks, Moving Pens!”
Dr. Bruce Campbell
Professor of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences,
and Professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities
“The Moving Pens is a wonderful outlet that helps me to keep writing in my life, amidst mounting clinical responsibilities. The group is a vibrant community of writers who work in healthcare. The workshop format offers all group members the opportunity to give and receive valuable, collegial feedback.”
Dr. Brittany Bettendorf
Rheumatologist, Clinical Associate Professor
“I so appreciated the camaraderie that developed amongst the group of busy professionals trying to carve out time for writing. The insightful feedback from the other Moving Pens’ members gave me many new ideas not only for my current work, but for future projects.”
Joanne Nelson
MFA Creative Nonfiction