Welcome to Finding Your Voice Writing Group!
We’re a community dedicated to freedom of expression, authentic self-discovery, and fostering empathy through the power of storytelling.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or don’t consider yourself a writer at all, everyone can grow from this practice. This group is not about correct grammar or story structure or having anything to prove. This group is for you if:
- You recognize the transformative power of storytelling in cultivating empathy and sparking personal and social change.
- You seek a creative outlet that helps you to move past your inner critic and tap into your authentic voice.
- You’re willing to try new things and explore new ways of seeing yourself and the world around you.
- You want to be part of a supportive group that allows you to come as you are.
Here’s how it works: I read a poem to the group to give us some inspiration, I pick a line from the poem as our writing prompt, and we spend a few minutes writing – pen never leaving the page. The idea is to get a lot of words down, without pausing to consider whether the words are “good enough.” We try to say yes to whatever comes up and get comfortable writing as our complicated, messy, real selves. This is how we find our authentic voice.
After each writing prompt, we read what we wrote to the group. There’s no critique, no commentary, no advice. We just listen and say thank you. I’m writing and reading right along with you.
Sign up for emails about upcoming writing meetups and classes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to read my writing to the group?
Yes, please. In my experience, the reading is the most daunting and most rewarding part of the class. We don’t offer critique, commentary, or advice in response to anyone’s reading. We simply listen and say thank you. There’s something powerful in holding non-judgmental space for each other’s stories in this way.
What’s the end product from this writing?
What I think you want to hear: This writing practice generates a lot of “raw material” that lends itself well to memoir, personal essays, and poems. It also surfaces themes to explore in fiction writing or other creative endeavors.
What I want to tell you: All of the above is true AND this practice has shown me the value of creating for the sake of creating. It’s freeing to let go of expectations that a piece turn out a certain way and instead just express what feels true to you.
Can I host a private writing session for my group or retreat?
Yes! This writing practice offers a unique way to build a bond within a group, spark creative thinking, and foster self reflection. If that aligns with your goals for your group or event, contact me to discuss a private writing session. Writing prompts can be tailored to different themes.
Testimonials
About me
My name is Lauren Slagter, and I write because I have so many questions, because I am a good messenger, because I want to leave a trail of words that could help another person find their way … (read more). I am trained in Laurie Wagner’s Wild Writing approach, which is the basis of the Finding Your Voice Writing Group. I do social impact communication work and help translate academic research on poverty alleviation into actionable policy recommendations. I’m also involved in community organizing for poverty alleviation through my local chapter of Circles.
My reporting on poverty, education, and housing has been published by MLive, Stacker, Crain’s Detroit, Kokomo Tribune, and the Big Rapids Pioneer, and my creative writing has been published by Flyover Country Literary Magazine and Great Lakes Review. I have received numerous awards for my reporting from the Associated Press, Michigan Press Association, and Hoosier State Press Association. I have a journalism degree from Grand Valley State University – where I was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper – and a creative writing certificate from Wesleyan University. I live in Ypsilanti, Michigan, with my husband
Lauren Slagter 