What Began with a Mix of Writers Experienced and Novice…15 Years Later Still is the Mix only now some Meet on Zoom while others Still Hold Out for In Person.
A Simple Request Began Carmen’s Fort Worth Writers’ Circles:
15 years ago, while looking to write a book, a Fort Worth man, Jim B. asked: “Will you teach me? At your house?”
That simple question and a yes began two Writers’ Circles in my living room. COVID chased us onto Zoom and now one group has returned to the living Room; another is a split decision, and the newest,THE THIRD, has remained on Zoom with writers from different towns, cities and states. All are a good mix, engage in vigorous discussion and readily accept ways to “make it better” whether “it” is a poem, short story, memoir, nonfiction or a novel.
A founding principle has been “brag first and then offer critique or suggestions for making it better.” I learned that teaching wisdom from the head of the former Writer’s Institute in Connecticut. She was a master teacher. And it makes sense that we can more readily accept critique if we’re not hit with “what’s wrong” right off the bat.
That guiding philosophy prompted Writers’ Circle members to make a sign and name us “Scribblers’ Sanctuary,” now also the name of the newsletter. By the way. Sign up for it if you haven’t; share it with another. Readers receive an issue devoted to writing alternating with an issue devoted to Texas history.
“Carmen’s life experience as a reporter, author, activist, lecturer and world class storyteller is invaluable in helping writers find their own stories.”
Kay Dial, Dallas essayist and memoirist, has been a regular participant in Carmen’s Writers’ Circles and SMU classes
Writers’ Circles
Writers’ Circles meet Tuesdays at 7 pm in person
Wednesdays at 1:30 pm, in-person or zoom.
Thursday night group, 7 pm, ZOOM.
To begin each class, I lead instruction on some element of story or style, then members read their work and receive suggestions. It’s mixed forms, mixed genres: Novels, Short Stories, Essays and Articles, Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir. Occasionally a poet or two or three.
Each Circle session runs for six weeks, then a new one begins for another six weeks. Many writers continue, working on longer writings.
These groups are small, usually 7 or 8 people.
To talk more about how a Writers’ Circle might fit your writing and your schedule, and to register, get in touch with me by phone or EMAIL.
“I’ve been attending the Tuesday Writers’ Circle for over six years, as I have worked on two historical fiction novels. Carmen’s guidance and feedback has been invaluable for my projects, and the group feedback has been a powerful resource also. The weekly meetings keep me motivated and making progress…”
David Ekstrom
For 15 years, men and women have knocked on the door of my writing place, my home, “Scribblers’ Sanctuary,” nicknamed by early students who made the sign on the front door.
“Until I had the good fortune to join with others in Carmen Goldthwaite’s Writers’ Circle (teaching circle), I was one of those writers who scribbled poems on the back of used envelopes, wrote essays without attempting re-writes and dreamed of someday writing a book. And now, four years later, under Carmen’s tutelage, I have completed that long-dreamed-of book – IT’LL RAIN SOMEDAY… ALWAYS DOES.
“And yes, I still scribble on the backs of scrap paper and write the occasional essay. And yet, now have some idea about the worth of those words.”
Carol Durham Henderson, Author
“No matter the form or genre, it’s all about ‘finding your story’ and then sorting through the ways and means to let the story live for the reader. It’s rewarding to help writers do that.”
Carmen Goldthwaite
I speak and teach at writing events – conferences, conventions, retreats, and writing organizations.
Below are a few comments from past events:
“Dear Carmen,
Houston writer/editor and beautiful poet Sarah Cortez at East Texas Writers Guild Conference
I have to confess that I felt as though I could listen to you all day long! Thank you for your graceful and classy presence at the conference!”
“You alone made the conference worth attending, and I’m looking forward to hearing you again.”
Caleb Pirtle after Northeast Texas Writers conference
Previous events & topics
Storytelling Event at Pioneer Farms – Telling stories of the “little known or long forgotten” women at Pioneer Farms, a living history museum on the northern outskirts of Austin.
Weatherford Public Library – “Weaving Genealogy into Stories” and “Finding Your Story.”
The Texas Writers Guild, Point of View
East Texas Writers Guild conference—Scene & Setting & Point of View
Northeast Texas Writers Organization, Point of View, Description with Movement.
Fort Worth Public Library, Finding the Story & Memoir
Dallas Fort Worth Writers Workshop Conferences 2011 – 2014: Addressing Dialogue, Creative Nonfiction, Finding the Story, Setting Scenes & Description & Movement, Narrative Nonfiction.
Professional Insurance Communicators of America (PICA); “Storycraft”
The Texas Writers Guild, “Creative Nonfiction”
National Novel Writing Month in November (NaNoWriMo), “Dialogue, the Tension Engine of Fiction”
Texas Writers League Annual Agents Convention, “Voice, Suspense & Style,” Austin, TX
Creative Writing department, “Dialogue” and “Story,” Woman’s Club of Fort Worth
Novice writing classes at First Christian, First Methodist and Arlington Heights Christian Church, all in Fort Worth
For more information about me and for downloadable photos, author bio, and resumé, please see: