The Writers Circle

The Writers Circle Events

Guest Speakers, Writing Retreats, Mini-Workshops & More

October 18: AUTUMN MINI-RETREAT at Lord Stirling Park, Basking Ridge, NJ

November 15: JANE FRIEDMAN: What Writers Need to Know about AI - virtual event

December 20: WINTER SOLSTICE CANDLELIGHT WRITE at The Nature of Reading Bookshop, Madison, NJ

January 9: 2027 WINTER MINI-RETREAT at The Co-Co, Summit, NJ

March 7: MASTER CLASS: HOW TO GET PUBLISHED SUCCESSFULLY with The Book Doctors at The Unitarian Fellowship, Morristown, NJ

~ All times listed are Eastern Time (ET). Scroll down for full details and registration. ~

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Want to give a class or special event as a gift?

Gift Cards available here.

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More events in the works! Join our email list to be the first to hear about our upcoming workshops, events, and all The Writers Circle news.

Autumn Creative Writing Mini-Retreat

Get inspired by the beauty of nature with our one-day writing retreat in a truly magical setting.

Write in the comfort of the Environmental Education Center overlooking placid Branta Pond.

Take nature walks to inspire your writing.

Join us for creativity sparking prompts, yoga, and much more!

~Tuition includes breakfast and lunch~

Optional: Receive individual critiques on your work from one of TWC’s author-instructors.

Get away from the suburban hubbub and dedicate a day to your writing!

Program	Location	Days/Times	Tuitions/Prices	Action
2026 Autumn Mini-Retreat	Lord Stirling Park Environmental Education Center, 190 Lord Stirling Rd, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA	Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026 Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm	$165.00 2026 Autumn Mini-Retreat - in-person	Register

What Writers Need to Know About AI with Jane Friedman

Like it or hate it, artificial intelligence is an inescapable feature of work and life for writing and publishing today.

In plain English, publishing industry expert Jane Friedman will explain how AI is already being used (for both good and bad purposes) and how authors can prepare for the future regardless of their position on the technology.

(Don’t worry, the world will still need writers and editors in a world with AI.)

Jane Friedman has spent her entire career in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. Established in 2015, her newsletter The Bottom Line provides nuanced market intelligence to thousands of authors and industry. Her latest book is THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER, SECOND EDITION (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal. In addition to serving on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund, she works with organizations such as The Authors Guild to bring transparency to the business of publishing. Learn more at JaneFriedman.com.

Program	Location	Days/Times	Tuitions/Prices	Action
What Writers Need to Know About AI with Jane Friedman		Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026 Sunday 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	$75.00 What Writers Need to Know About AI - VIRTUAL	Register

Winter Solstice Candlelight Write

Join The Writers Circle for an evening of creative writing prompts, inspiring readings, sharing, and community lit by (electric) candlelight to celebrate the longest night of the year.

Plus, take advantage of a special event-only discount on The Nature of Reading's wonderful selection of books
for the season and beyond. Light refreshments will be served.

Program	Location	Days/Times	Tuitions/Prices	Action
Winter Solstice Candlelight Write	The Nature of Reading Bookshop, 4 Green Village Rd, Madison, NJ 07940, USA	Dec 20, 2026 - Dec 20, 2026 Sunday 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm	$35.00 2026 Winter Solstice Candlelight Write - IN-PERSON	Register

2027 Winter Mini-Retreat

Get cozy with your writing
in our one-day winter retreat.

Write in the casual comfort of The Co-Co in convenient, downtown Summit, NJ.

Join us for creativity-sparking prompts & craft sessions, writing project planning & goal-setting, and plenty of time to write throughout the day.

~Tuition includes breakfast and lunch~

Optional: Receive individual critiques on your work from one of TWC’s author-instructors.

Start 2027 off write!

Program	Location	Days/Times	Tuitions/Prices	Action
2027 Winter Mini-Retreat	426 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ 07901, USA	Jan 09, 2027 - Jan 09, 2027 Saturday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm	$165.00 2027 Winter Mini-Retreat - IN-PERSON	Register

Master Class: How To Get Published Successfully

with Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, "The Book Doctors"

It is the greatest time in history to be a writer. The barrier to publishing has been torn down and now anyone can get published. But to get published successfully is a whole other matter. Eckstut and Sterry take you through the entire publishing process. This step-by-step, soups-to-nuts workshop will remove the smoke and mirrors from the murky world of publishing and give writers a compass and map to a successfully published book.

Program	Location	Days/Times	Tuitions/Prices	Action
Master Class: How To Get Published Successfully	Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA	Mar 07, 2027 - Mar 07, 2027 Sunday 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm	$95.00 Master Class: How To Get Published Successfully with The Book Doctors	Register

Program Cancellation Policy: Workshops or events that do not reach their minimum registration are at risk of cancellation. Often registrations occur at the last minute. The Writers Circle does its best to wait as long as possible before cancelling any program. Registered students are notified by email approximately 5 days prior to the scheduled program start date if their program is under-registered. Cancellation is announced by email approximately 2 days prior to the scheduled program start date and registered students will be provided with opportunities for alternate programs, credits, or refunds. The best way to ensure that a program runs is to register at least one week prior to the scheduled start of any workshop or event.