Welcome To Wellspring Writing Collective
Hello there, kindred wordsmiths and story-crafters! I'm Cindy Cunningham, the founder of Wellspring Writing Collective, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to our cozy corner of the writing world. If you're wondering who we are, what we do, where we're located (virtually and physically), and why we exist, then you've come to the right place.
Who Are We?
Wellspring seeks to include and empower writers from myriad walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences. We provide a supportive community, a platform for your words to shine, and an array of services tailored to reignite your love for writing and help you overcome creative challenges. As a diverse and inclusive collective, we honor and celebrate the richness of human experience. Our mission is to provide a nurturing space for anyone wishing to tell their story–BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, professionals seeking to reignite their creativity, the just-beginning writer, those who write best with others, and anyone else looking for a safe writing space.
Where do we operate?
Many of our classes find a home online, which means we're accessible to writers from anywhere the internet is available. While we can't guarantee a cozy coffee shop meetup each session, we can guarantee a supportive, confidential, virtual environment. Currently, we host in-person classes at Quarry on W Cary St. RVA.
What Do We Offer? Here's a glimpse of what we do:
Monthly Literary Soirees: Imagine a welcoming gathering in a private home, where writers come together to learn new ways to explore their writing–through collage, spoken word, poetic form, and more. It's like a literary potluck where everyone brings a piece of their writing energy to the table (and sometimes it’s an actual potluck with food as well!).
Online and In-Person Classes: Our classes are designed to help you rediscover the joy of writing, connect with a supportive community, and tackle that pesky imposter syndrome. Whether you're a seasoned writer or picking up the pen after a hiatus, we've got a class that's just right for you. Some of our offerings include learning to write flash fiction, creating persona poems, an LGBTQIA+ workshop & writing group, and five or six-week writing classes that allow you to write what comes naturally.
Retreats & Literary Escapes: Are unfinished projects haunting you? Do you need a full-immersion weekend to kickstart your project or to allow you dedicated and uninterrupted writing time? Our retreats provide the structure and guidance you need to revitalize your manuscript and your muse. Join us in breathtaking beach and mountain escapes as we craft stories amid natural beauty.
Writing Coach and Editing Services: Need a guiding hand on your writing journey? We’ll provide personalized support and feedback and find a package that works for you. We're also equipped to help you transform your raw drafts into polished gems.
Wellspring Literary Journal: Our literary journal provides a platform for your creative expressions, a place where your short nonfiction and literary poems can find a home. At this time, it is online–but we plan to produce some print issues down the line. Issue One is accepting submissions as of Sept. 15, 2024 with a theme of “The Source.” Send us your work!
Why Did I Start Wellspring?
Wellspring Writing Collective came into being because I couldn't ignore the calls from my students, friends, and kindred writers who were yearning for a space to create and to publish together. There was a hunger for a gentle and affirming platform, one that would support myriad voices including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and those who felt their writing dreams and goals were slipping away.
As someone whose student feedback often centers around my ability to create safe spaces, I wanted to provide a haven for anyone who has a story to tell, a poem to share, or a creative fire to rekindle. Wellspring exists for those whose careers have taken them away from their writing passion, for those juggling the demands of work and creativity, and for anyone seeking a writing space that feels like finding home.
In essence, Wellspring Writing Collective is more than just a writing community; it's a source of inspiration, and a sanctuary for your words.
Imagine a cozy campfire, a bustling Zoom room, or a lively table filled with writers, all eager to share their stories. You feel the warmth of community and the spark of inspiration as you exchange ideas and feedback.
That's the Wellspring Collective, a safe space to learn, experiment, and grow as a writer.
I can't wait to embark on this writing adventure with you.