The Moving Pens
Writers’ Group
Through facilitated prompt writing and critique, participants will work toward their creative writing goals. Our collegial atmosphere will make you comfortable sharing your work; our professional feedback will take your writing to the next level. Not all participants have publication as an objective, but a number of our members have won awards, published in journals, and/or released 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. (Writers not meeting this criteria are encouraged to register for one of our Roundtable Critique Groups.)
Dates
Jan 20, Feb 10 & 24, Mar 10 & 31, Apr 14
5:30-7:30 pm (Central) on Zoom
The Process
The first half-hour of each session will be dedicated to self-directed writing time or prompt writing (your choice).
The remaining time in each session is for critique of pages uploaded in advance of the meeting.
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 audio-record the discussion of their piece to listen to later.
“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
“Attending Moving Pens sessions has benefited me in so many ways. It is a supportive group that has helped me become a better writer. It is a creative group that has exposed me to a wide range of writing interests. And it is a friendly group that has enhanced and increased my work friendships. Moderator Kim Suhr is wonderful to work with. Every session leaves me feeling better about what I do and who I am.”
Tony Braza
Senior Communications Consultant, MCW
“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