Info for Learners

These sessions are great for anyone, especially if:

• You have (or think you might have) a barrier that makes it difficult for you to participate in traditional feedback-based writing groups, including:

  • Known or suspected developmental/learning disability (ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.)

  • Known or suspected neurodivergence/mental health concern (anxiety, depression, etc.)

  • English as a Second Language

• You want to get better at creative writing but aren’t comfortable with it

• You want to improve your wellbeing and/or learn to express yourself

• You’re shy/introverted and don’t want to share work or read out loud

• You’ve done some writing before and want to rediscover your passion for it in a low-pressure setting

Creative writing can improve your life in many ways! Here are a few:

Mental Health & Self-Care

Whether you’re journaling or imagining, writing lets you get your feelings out in a safe, healthy way. This helps you cope with stress, process difficult experiences, and see the changes in yourself over time. The page doesn’t judge!

Brain Health

Research shows that a regular writing practice strengthens your concentration, memory, problem-solving, and mental flexibility. For children and youth, it helps develop new brain pathways; for adults and seniors, it protects those pathways and reduces cognitive decline.

Physical Health

The brain helps the body, and creative writing can actually boost your immune system! Plus, writing by hand is a great way to practice fine motor skills.

Skill Building for Work and School

When you write, you gain skills you can use in the real world. Effective communication, critical thinking, information processing, adaptability — these valuable abilities aren’t as common as you might think, and they’ll set you apart.

See the note on generative AI below to find out more.

Sources: Stanford | ScienceDirect | Global Brain Health Institute | InclusiveTeach.com | NeuroLaunch

Most creative writing lessons focus on the “feedback” learning model. You share your writing with others in the class, you hear their responses, and you learn from that feedback. This is a fantastic way for people who are passionate about writing to find a community, improve their skills, and meet their goals. Write It First isn’t trying to replace it!

However, as the owner has learned, this model isn’t accessible for everyone. Many people face barriers like shyness, anxiety, introversion, neurodivergence, disability, ESL, and more. The expectation to share writing with the group might stop them from signing up for, or meaningfully participating in, a traditional writing class. Even optional sharing sessions often make people feel internal pressure to participate or shame from not doing so.

That’s where the “generative” learning model comes in. These classes are low-pressure with no homework, grading, or public feedback. When participants learn to write for themselves and not for others, they can build their skills naturally, find joy in the process, and make it a regular practice!

This model follows the methodology of New Shoots, a Vancouver-based creative writing mentorship program which has helped hundreds of students since 1985. Erin (Write It First’s owner) served as coordinator of this program for three years while she completed her Creative Writing graduate degree.

To participate in writing lessons, you must:

• Read and write basic English (ESL learners welcome!)

• Write with pen & paper*

• Communicate verbally (speaking) or with AAC

• Participate in lessons with the aid of quiet, non-disruptive fidgets, stims, and/or sensory devices if needed

• Show up and try your best!

*Those who are more comfortable writing with a device (laptop, tablet, etc.) may do so. Please see the note about generative AI.

You do NOT need:

• Any creative writing experience

• A goal or specific idea

• A “creative mind” or “natural talent” for writing

Classes feature a combination of:

“Free writes” — solo writing exercises

• Quiet, individual writing time

• Short (5-10 minutes each)

• Always private — you’ll never be asked to share these!

• You’re welcome to use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones if they help

Activities

• These may involve worksheets, art, brainstorming, and/or moving around the space!

• Each activity has a time limit

• You may be asked to work with a partner or group (assigned by instructor) to come up with ideas — but you aren’t required to share out loud with the class

Group discussions

• The floor is open for anyone to share their thoughts

• It is ALWAYS okay to stay silent in a group discussion

• The instructor will NEVER call on a specific person

If you have an accessibility need or concern, please ask and your instructor will do everything possible to accommodate you.

Typically, a representative for an organization or group (school, facility, community centre, etc.) is responsible for completing the booking. If you want to get the process started, please:

a) share this site with your organization

OR

b) contact me with their information and I’ll reach out to them on your behalf!

We do not use generative AI for any part of the writing process. The classes are intended to help learners practice and develop these skills!

However, participants are welcome to use assistive technology such as spelling and grammar tools.

Please read more about generative AI here.