Cultivating Beauty and Stories in an Online Writing Group
Welcome to La Roseraie, a lovely remote gathering place tucked away in the online world where you can play with words, explore story, and enjoy being in the rich company of others
Here, we cultivate stillness and reflection, and we practice writing whatever comes to us, knowing we all hold diverse and vast worlds inside.
In this group, we write together.
Who Is La Roseraie For?
This online writing group is for anyone interested in writing or the written word.
This is also for you if you’re curious about writing as self-exploration.
It might also be for you if you feel like you might have some things you’d like to say, but aren’t yet sure what those are.
All experience levels are welcome.
And when I say that, I mean it. Some of the most profound experiences I’ve witnessed inwriting groups are from people who never considered themselves to be writers.
The prompts we use will allow you to write what you want to write. So there is space for those with interests in any type of writing, such as personal essays, short stories, romance, fiction, creative non-fiction, memoir, poetry, self-exploration, family stories, and so on.
Vous êtes bienvenue. You are welcome.
Lovely Words from Others
“Before starting the writing group, I wondered if I had anything to write about and would it be worth reading out loud. Diane’s prompts generated endless ideas and got the creative juices flowing. The supportive structure of the sessions made sharing our work aloud painless and something I grew to look forward to. I now have a consistent writing practice and find joy and clarity from it everyday.”
—Anne Slattery, United States
“I feel much more easeful with my writing after our time together. This experience really helped bolster my confidence as a writer. It took the pressure off of having to hold my own container, so that I could just focus on the most important thing: writing. Knowing that these parameters free the writer within, I am encouraged about the path that lies ahead for my writing.”
—Alex
The Shape and Flow of Our Time Together
Each week, I tap into my intuition to curate delicious readings and create writing invitations and starters that feel ssimple, complex, deep, beautiful, fun, soulful or some variation of those, and more.
The ingredients in our time together are diverse and varied. That said, we do follow a similar path from week to week.
The arrival
First, we arrive. That sounds obvious, of course. If I start the Zoom call and there are people there, we have arrived, no? But what I’ve found for myself, and others, is that sometimes I am somewhere without quite being there.
So, just like we would if we were gathering in my living room, we start our time together with a bit of settling in, of stillness. It’s an invitation to come together in the space, center our intentions and greet each other.
The starters
As you might expect, most of our time together is spent writing.
We start simply.
To get our pens moving, we begin with some simple writing to help us settle in and shift into our writerly spaces.
I then usually read a passage or a poem. Hearing other people’s writing is a gift, and it can sprinkle some gentle inspiration. I think of these readings as a sort of appetizer, an amuse-bouche.
The invitations
Then, I share some writing doorways. Some people call these writing prompts, but I don’t care much for that term. It brings to mind a picture of me taking a stick and poking you somehow to write. 📌
I much prefer the idea of offering an invitation.
So I present words, phrases, ideas—all as invitations to write—like a beautiful doorway invites to you cross a threshold.
What might come up in your memory or imagination if you step through that door to see something new?
The writing
At this point, we turn our video cameras and our microphones off, and we write. Whatever arises from our memories or our imaginations, in response to the invitation or something else entirely…we write. Depending on the time and size of group, we may do this several times.
Then, we take a short break. We remember our bodies. As needed, we might stretch or heat up a beverage before coming back together.
The sharing
Then, I invite everyone to share some of their freshly written words. This sometimes makes people nervous. What if what we wrote is garbage? What if everyone else’s is so much better than ours? What if….?
Oh, I hear you. I’ve thought those very things, on more than one occasion.
It’s very normal to think this way. And know that you do not have to share your writing if you don’t want to. There is no pressure to share or not share. There is simply space to.
When we do share, we follow the AWA method…Which means we only respond to the writing with what is strong. With what we remember. With how the writing makes us feel.
This is where some real magic can happen. When we hear what stands out, what is strong in our writing, we want to keep writing.
But you don’t have to share if you don’t want to.
The send off
At the end, we spend just a few minutes reflecting on what we will be taking with us from our session into the week ahead.
It’s a lovely way to part, to say “until we meet again.”
A Week of Repose
After every three meetings, we take one week off. During this week, on Monday, I’ll send out a specially curated reading and writing doorway. That way, you can use them to make time and space during the week to write if you want.
This is the week as well you will decide if you want to stay another month, and continue meeting with the group. You’ll be more than welcome to carry on! Otherwise, if you don’t wish to, we will wish you and your writing well.
A Small, Cozy Group
I am intentionally keeping the size of the group small, so we create a cozy supportive setting where everyone has the space to stretch out, and, as they wish, to contribute and share.
The groups will have no more than eight participants, plus myself.
A Word about Responses
When we share our freshly written words in the weekly group, the only responses that are offered are supportive.
We share what stays with us, what is strong, what we felt as we listened to the writing.
Keeping Confidentiality
In my writing workshops, we each pledge an agreement to confidentiality. This means both limiting our responses to a piece of writing at the designated time, but also respecting the privacy of the writer.
We treat all writing as fiction—as a piece of art.
The truth is, we are always writing from both memory and imagination. Treating our work as fiction creates a safe space for us to share our words without judgement.
Lovely Words from Others
“I appreciated the dedicated time to write. Two and a half hours for writing seemed like a luxury and the time flew by. The writing prompts were smart and playful, generating ideas I didn’t know I had. The women in the group and their willingness to share their work and feedback made for a rich, joyful experience.”
— Anne Slattery
“I started this course as a complete rookie, brand new pen in hand... By the end of the 10 weeks, I have a notebook FULL of short pieces that I love and feel so proud of. I really did not expect that to happen, and I'm honestly delighted. Now, when something interesting, difficult, joyful, or strange happens, I'm starting to find myself reaching for my notebook to catch the moment.”
— Susie
La Roseraie Writing Group Lets You:
Set aside space for deep nourishment, spending creative time with yourself, your writing and the writing of others
Write about things that emerge from within, freely exploring whatever wants to be expressed
Be surprised at the beauty and power and stories you hold inside
Begin recognizing the jewels of your own voice and style
Cultivate sacred space and relationships in a group of like-minded women
Lovely Words from Others
“Before the writing group experience, I only dreamt about writing. I had pretty negative thoughts/feelings about my skill, topics, and style. I didn't trust myself or the process. So I didn't write. Now I know that when I simply start writing, something will pop up. I can recognize the inner senses of when I'm on and off track ... and I know that ALL of that is part of the process. I'm also able to recognize the thoughts that keep me from writing and can better follow my instincts.”
—Beverly Belling
“I liked the surprise of what I wrote. Is it like free association? I liked when participants shared and we mentioned what we liked. Wonderful women who are so interesting and creative.”
—Debra
Some Questions You Might Have…
Is this open to everyone?
Yes. It is my hope that we will gather a diverse group together. Writing and sharing and listening to individuals with unique perspectives enriches our lives and our writing.
I speak to every writer before they join. I do this because this is a unique writing group.
There are many writing groups and many writers. Not everyone will be looking for the kind of writing group I offer, so I want to make sure it’s a good fit for all of us.
When do we meet?
There will be a free session, Tuesday, March 4th. You do not have to attend this session if you don’t want to, though if you haven’t been in a writing group with me before, it will give you a good idea of how our sessions will look. And if you have been in a group with me before, I’d love to welcome you here too!
Then, the group will start the week of March 11, 2025. The group will meet for three weeks, on Tuesday, then have one week off.
The following month it will follow the same rhythm. Three weeks of meetings, one week off.
Weekly meeting time:
Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Central Time in the U.S. (Find your time here)
What if that day/time doesn’t work for me?
It is my hope is that I will grow the number of offerings available.
If this sounds like the perfect thing for you and your writing, and the ONLY thing stopping you is the day or time, please let me know. When I’m ready to add a second offering, I can check in with you on timing.
Where are the meetings being held?
These are virtual, online meetings, via Zoom. So you can join from anywhere – your bedroom, a coffee shop, the woods.
The only request is that if you’re out in public to find a quiet corner and use headphones to maintain enclosure of the group.
What if I have to miss a session?
Your presence in the group is an intricate part of its essence, so you will be missed.
Having said that, life happens and we all sometimes have things that cannot be rescheduled or put off. If you have to miss a session, please let me know as soon as possible. After the session, I will share that week’s writing prompts with you via e-mail.
Is there financial assistance available?
I am committed to creating a beautiful, accessible space for women. To provide support for this, there are a limited amount of funds available for individuals who may face financial barriers.
Please reach out to me by e-mail to further discuss.
About Me, Your Writing Workshop Facilitator
Writer, Intuitive Guide and Mentor
I’m a lifelong writer, and reader, who loves writing both fiction and poetry and have co-hosted several women’s reflective writing retreats. I’m delighted to have just recently completed a poetry collection as well as a draft of my first novel.
My poems have appeared or will soon appear in Amethyst Review, Pasque Petals, song of ourself, and World Lives, Prairie Living. I’ve also published several personal essays, and a number of articles professionally.
AWA Certified Writing Workshop Facilitator
With years of experience in nurturing creativity and empowering others, I bring a unique blend of expertise and passion to my role as an AWA Certified Writing Workshop Facilitator. Trained in the Amherst Writers & Artists method, I create a supportive and inspiring environment, where writers of all types of experience can explore their voices and refine their writing.
Every person has a story worth telling. We are writers because we write.
Certified Coach and Intuitive Guide
In 2016, I completed an in-depth life coach training program, and then went on to become a Martha Beck Certified Wayfinder Life Coach. After that, I studied intuition and learned the ARTs method of energy reading at Beverly Belling’s Intuitive Arts Studio, where I soon became one of the program’s Endorsed Intuitives.
Since then, I’ve spent hundreds of hours coaching, mentoring and reading energy for individuals, creatives, and other coaches, and individuals helping them align their projects, businesses, dreams and lives to their soul-selves.
I’ve lived across the globe and am currently settled in the upper plains of the Midwest, close to the earth and people that nourish the world.
Lovely Words from Others
“The sessions were clear and well-structured, but always gently and with great kindness. It was such a safe space - each week, I was immediately at ease.
—Susie
“I adored this group and look forward to the next one!”
—Alex
“It has been lovely writing with you and the Monday midday group. These weeks have been amazing for my writing process. Great prompts and reflections have given me resources for much more writing and new ways of thinking about how and what I write have opened up. So many barriers within me have been broken or at least flexed and bent and I am feeling all sorts of success. Two happy dances in one week as I've made breakthroughs in projects: finally found the beginning chapter(s) to the novel I've been working on for a decade and wrote a poem that has kept coming to me in fragments for three years.
— Holly Moseley
Evaluate It First
No need to commit before you sign up. You can attend one writing group session for free to make sure it’s the right choice for you.
I’ll be having a free writing group call on March 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CT. If you’d like to attend that session to try out the format before you sign up, you’re welcome to register here.
Near the end of that call, I will be giving a five-minute talk about this group to share information to those who may not be familiar with this offer.
Once the group is up and running (e.g. you’re reading this after March 4), you will be able to join an upcoming session for free to experience the group as long as there is space open. If this is something you’re interested in, please reach out to me.
What’s Included?
Optional Free session
Tuesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. Central Time in the U.S., or during any live session thereafter where space is available. If you wish, sign up for that separately here.
Three (3) two-hour long writing group meetings per month
Tuesday, April 8, 15 and 22 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Central Time in the U.S. (find your time here)
One asynchronous week with writing prompts and inspiration via email per month
Tuesday, April 29th*
Price: $180/month*
*Open enrollment ongoing for the following months; preference given to existing group members first.
Group limited to eight (8) participants
Deadline to apply: Thursday, April 3, 2025**
**Applications for following months accepted on an ongoing basis
Bonus Gift
If you sign up for three months of the writing group (April through June), you will receive two bonuses:
One set of 33 Writing Doorways writing prompts sent to your inbox every day for 33 days, to begin whenever you feel is most supportive ($15 value)
One private mentoring/intuitive/coaching session with me to cover anything you’d like - your writing, business, life, energy, etc. ($150 value)
GUARANTEE
I believe in the beauty, quality and value of this offering, and I’ve poured my heart into creating it. So I’m offering you a guarantee. If, after we meet and both decide it’s a good fit, you attend at least two sessions and for whatever reason feel you have made a mistake signing up, contact me before the third session, and I’ll refund your money. No questions asked.
Are You Ready to Write Together in La Roseraie?
If you’re ready to join this unique writing group, follow the steps below:
Step 1. Click the “Apply” button below. You’ll be taken to my scheduling page to schedule a short conversation. I’ll tell you a bit about the group and ask what you’re looking for, so we can both make sure this is a good fit.*
*If you have already worked with me or taken a course with me, please email me instead at diane@innerwisdomwayfinding.com.
Step 2: You’ll receive a confirmation email with Zoom meeting instructions and link to add the information to your calendar.
Step 3: On the day of our meeting, we’ll talk. I’ll tell you a bit more about the group and you’ll let me know what you’re looking for, and we’ll go from there. <3
NOT SURE YET?
Feel free to ask me any questions you have about this program. You can send me an email, and I’ll get back to you by email or suggest a short call if that feels right.