We believe:
Everyone tells stories.
Stories can be nonfiction, fiction, oral, written, performed, gesticular, manneristic and any other forms of conscious and subconscious communication.
Everyone can write.
Everyone may write (or not write); may imag(ine), (en)vision and dream what he or she wants; may write what he or she wants, how he or she wants; and may write for any reason.
Writing is a craft and an art, not a talent.
It can be learned and composed. It develops from tested principles (craft), experimentation (curiosity, play), dedication (passion, desire), commitment (practice), persistence (patience), flow (immersion in the content) and need (calling, urge, story to tell).
Writers can write in any form.
Writing comes in many forms: prose, poetry, list and more. Each of these forms has genres and can be nonfiction or fiction.
Writing is an act of creation.
It is and should be fun. Writers may play, take risks and express what they envision. And put in words what they feel and what they want to hear (tell the stories they want to read). Writing should be inspired, not forced nor contrived. It should be written in concert from the heart and the mind.
Writing is meant to be read.
All writing can be shared, even if only with ourselves. It can also be private. Writers are not required to bring something to share every time they attend writing-community meetings.
Writers in safe, structured and supportive communities learn to tell stories better.
Writing groups connect writers to an interactive community of active writers and writing. Being in the presence of other active writers can stimulate that urge to create and explore through writing. Writing communities inspire; guide; encourage; teach and model skills; offer writing feedback; aid in telling (including sharing, publishing and marketing); and nurture determination.
Everyone can offer feedback.
He or she can constructively identify what works and what does not, and what she or he likes, dislikes and is indifferent about. Writing-feedback should be specific, constructive, balanced, diverse and civil. It should be received, reciprocated and paid forward in kind. Writers learn to self-edit as they receive feedback. They also learn more about their own writing and work by critiquing and editing those of others.
Works in progress are as important and shareable as polished works.
Writing should involve several drafts, several edits and several revisions.
Words matter and are impactful.
They are full of being and action and sense. Each exudes story. With words a writer paints images on the imagination. And readers see anew what has always been there.
— Carol Livingstone, founder of The Write Group
The Write Group 