Free-Range Writing Circles
What is Free-Range Writing?
Free-Range Writing is a transformative timed writing process that we use to uncover the stories we yearn to tell and a way to make meaning out of our lives. It is inspired by the Wild Writing ™ practice created and taught by my dear friend and writing instructor, Laurie Wagner of 27 Powers.
What are Free-Range Writing Circles?
Free-range writing circles are nonjudgmental places where transformation and healing can take place. It’s a simple process: listen, write, read, and witness. We learn to bypass the critical mind and let the pen fearlessly take us where our soul leads. This space is intimate, safe, and sacred. There is no judgment here. No critique. There is no pressure to write well, only to write truthfully. Also, there’s no homework! The only commitment required is you showing up to class once a week to write honestly.
In Free-Range Writing Circles, we write as fast as we can, for 15 minutes, the pen never leaving the page. By writing so quickly, we can push past our inner critic, ego, and all the ways we stay trapped when trying too hard to look or sound good. With permission to write as poorly as possible, our bellies hanging over our pants, we can say “yes” to the words and stories coming through us.
The practice is simple but the magic that happens when we gather is anything but. There is no judgment. No critiques. We simply write, share, and bear witness to others as they courageously do the same. There is no pressure to write well, though we may end up writing ourselves well.
Free-Range Writing is for anyone, whether you’re a novice or have published your third book.
These writing circles are for you if:
- You are a patient or caregiver dealing with a major illness and want to regain control of your narrative and express the unvarnished truth of what you’re dealing with.
- You are facing a difficult challenge, such as loss, grief, or loneliness, and want a supportive place to explore your sadness, anger, confusion, and other emotions.
- You are a new parent, empty nester, recently married or divorced, experiencing a career reset, or going through a major transition and trying to find your new bearings.
- You are looking to jumpstart or get unstuck on a specific writing project and want to cultivate a practice that helps peel back the layers and get to the meat of what you are trying to express.
- You yearn to be part of an intentional community that values honesty and authenticity during these crazy, uneasy times.
Whatever your reason, Free-Range Writing Circles will help you find yourself and your people.
Free-Range Writing Classes and Healing Circles are small by design. Like witches in a coven mixing a brew, we gather (in person or online), each of us bringing our unique ingredients to the cauldron. Our lives. Our stories, Our grief. Our hopes. We can’t mix the brew without you. Will you join us?
Ready to commit to becoming an ongoing part of this fantastic intentional writing community? Email me at meeshahalm@gmail.com to schedule a discovery call, reserve your spot, and get on my mailing list.
New 8-week-long Spring Writing Circles starting the week of April 18! (Registration is now open. I intentionally keep the groups small, so they are intimate, safe spaces; I accept no more than 8 writers. Email me to reserve your spot today!)
Session 1: April 18- June 6, Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm PST, Cost: $360
Session 2: April 18- June 6, Tuesday brown bag edition, 12 noon – 1:30 pm PST, Cost: $360
Session 3: April 19- June 7, Wednesday evenings, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm PST, Cost: $360
Session 4: Healing Writing Circles for Patients, Caregivers, and Survivors, day and time TBD
If there is enough demand, I will offer a healing writing circle exclusively for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Contact me if interested.
Free-Range Writing Circle: Summer School (Online) (Registration is now open; space is limited. Email me to reserve your spot today!)
June 28- July 25, Wednesday evenings **, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm PST, Cost: $225
Summers are for travel, trashy beach reads, and looser schedules, but that doesn’t mean we must sacrifice our creativity or self-care. Give yourself a summer treat and carve out a little YOU time to sit down and write. Did I mention, no homework? The only commitment is showing up to class (online) and showing up for yourself.
Worried your summer plans might get in the way? The class will be held via Zoom, so you can participate from anywhere, be it the beach or a garret apartment in the 17th arrondissement in Paris.
In addition, I am also offering a special in case you miss one due to summer plans. This will be a 5-week class, but you only have to pay for four weeks ($199) if you miss one due to summer plans. Anyone who can attend all 6 gets the extra class for free.
Space is limited to 8 people. Reach out to reserve your spot.
* If there is enough demand for a midday, East Coast-friendly time slot, I will consider rescheduling summer school earlier. If that works better for you, please reach out.
If tuition is a hardship, please reach out. I offer a limited number of scholarships.
Still on the fence? Join me for a complimentary drop-in session. Email me to sign up for one of my free one-day workshops.
Here’s what students are saying about my writing circles:
“A diagnosis can alter your life down to your cells. Meesha’s class offers a gift to her students. A space to be honest, a place to unload a burden that no one else needs to hold, and an opportunity to meet creative friends who will move with you past the cliche, “You are not alone.” Free-Range Writing encourages you to tap into parts of yourself you didn’t realize were there, giving you genuine strength. If you stumble into the opportunity to write with Meesha, say yes, and you will transform.
– Jenny McCutcheon, elementary school teacher and writing student
“Meesha’s Free-Range Writing circles allow me to drop into feelings and thoughts and put them on the page with no fear or concern about whether what I write is good enough. When I hear other participants share their short pieces I am touched by their vulnerability and it gives me permission to fully express myself.”
— Lauren T. Meyer, PainterDancer, artist, and creative facilitator
Relevant Teacher and Facilitator Training:
Certified Wild Writing Teacher, Wild Writing Teacher Training with Founder Laurie Wagner, Winter Cohort 2022
Certified Facilitator, Storytelling Facilitating Stories for Impact, Real Food, Real Stories, Fall Cohort 2018
Certified Empowered Patient Leaders, PALTOWN, Fall 2022 Cohort
PREVIOUS WRITING CIRCLES
Winter 2023: 8-week Session 1: Feb 7th-April 4th, Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm PST, no class on Valentine’s Day, 2/14. * ALL SPOTS FILLED *
Winter 2023: 8-week Session 2: Feb 7th-April 4th, Tuesday brown bag edition, 12 noon – 1:00 pm PST, (all the magic in less time!), no class on 2/14. * ALL SPOTS FILLED *
Free-Range Writers Reunion, 1-day workshop: Monday, Jan 9th, 11 am-1:00 pm PST * ALL SPOTS FILLED *
Summer 2022: 4-week session: Tuesdays, July 19-August 9: 11 am-12:30 pm PST * ALL SPOTS FILLED *
Spring 2022: 3-week session, Mondays, May 2-16, 11 am-12:30 pm PST *ALL SPOTS FILLED *