1. What is the time commitment outside of this class?

The most important consideration is your commitment to developing a practice for your writing life. The time that takes outside of the weekly two and a half hour class is up to you. The group will support your intentions.

2. What kind of writing assignments are there?

Writing prompts, exercises, and articles are offered over the course of a semester, but they are meant as a supplement to your writing life.  These are offerings for times you feel stuck or are in need of some fresh inspiration. Occasionally, we discuss an article as a group, but there are no tests or quizzes and you are always free to follow your own muse. Samples of poems, essays, excerpts from literature are meant to encourage reading and thinking outside of class.

3. Can I miss classes?

Very few writers can manage their schedules for perfect attendance. On the other hand, missing more than three classes (in a 13-week core class) can feel like a loss to the members of your small group, who count on you for good listening, support, and feedback week-to-week. If you know you’ll miss more than three classes in a series, it’s probably best to wait until you have the open space to pursue this opportunity with the best chance of regular attendance.

4. I want to write in a supportive community like this but cannot carve out 13 consecutive weeks.

Consider a weekend retreat, a workshop, shorter class series, or a sampler. Other opportunities are always evolving. Check our website from time to time to see if something else might work for you.

5. How many writers make up a typical circle?

Circles range in size from 8-18. This allows us to create small groups of four where your writing is heard and responded to every week according to the specific kinds of feedback you request. We’ve had classes as small as 6 and as large as 20.

6. I don’t know anything about giving critique.

We don’t offer critique. Rather, we learn to identify and lift up what is strong and powerful in each person’s writing and listen for what the writer asks for. Learning how to give and receive constructive feedback is a major focus of our work together. The writing naturally deepens as we write more, listen to one another, and as we hear one another’s work, and explore avenues for deepening together. Small groups are constructed with a view toward the kind of writing projects being pursued and the kind of feedback wished for. While some groups focus on careful encouragement only, others provide supportive craft feedback.

7. Can I make up a missed class by attending a different day?

This would not work in our context. Building a community of trust is integral to our work, and each class creates its own community. We do, however, send all materials to you the day you miss so you can keep up.

8. What are your hours of operation? Can I come by the office when meetings are not in session?

There are a number of other meetings and activities that operate in our space, and we don’t currently have drop-in hours.  Please call or email for an appointment, if you’d like to speak with someone about our programs.

9. What are your payment policies?

For information on tuition discounts and payment plans, click here.

Payment is accepted by credit card at registration on our website.  If you choose another payment option, you will be invoiced via email, and can pay online or by check from that invoice.  Payment in full (or according to your payment plan, if you are approved for one–see below) is required by the due date to guarantee your seat in the circle.  (Due dates are generally 5 days before the class starts.) If payment is not received by the due date, your space may be filled by a writer from the waiting list.

To pay by check, send your check payable to WFACFB, Inc. to:
PO BOX 6657
Bloomington, Indiana 47407

For multi-session circles, $50 of the tuition payment is a non-refundable registration fee. 

If you need to withdraw from a class, please make sure to inform your facilitator and the Registrar at least 24 hours in advance, in order to receive a refund (minus the registration fee if applicable). Late withdrawals will not receive refunds.

If we must cancel a series or workshop due to low registrations or other factors, you will be notified at least 24 hours prior to the class, and full payment will be returned.

Sometimes individual class sessions may need to be canceled. These will be rescheduled by the facilitator.

10. Is there any flexibility in the payment for classes?

We do not want finances to be the limiting factor for anyone. We offer payment plans and tuition discounts, depending on available funds. Please click here to apply for tuition assistance, and we’ll make every effort to work with you.

If you have questions that are not answered here, please do not hesitate to CONTACT US!