Heading into a new season with WWG

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Jen Lynn Anderson

Hello writers!benches in autumn

While the leaves are turning and the air is cooling, we have plenty of opportunities to lean into the cozy season and build our community of quiet creativity and introspection. Writing is a personal craft, yet it is at the same time a craft that is intended to reach others, to spark ideas and imagination.

Like the leaves in autumn, Waconia Writers’ Group has seen many changes over the last several years. New faces we have welcomed, others we haven’t seen in awhile but are ready to welcome back if or when they return. Through the changes, WWG remains a beacon for writers of all ages, experience levels, and backgrounds; meeting writers where they are on their individual writing journeys, and fostering that sense of community in the process. We have several opportunities in the months ahead to engage with each other, to generate that inspiration for and with each other. We are excited to meet you in that space!

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER WRITE-INS

We will be meeting on a few Monday evenings at Waconia Library to write in community:

Monday, October 20, 6:00-8:00pm
Monday, November 3, 6:00-8:00pm
Monday, November 17, 6:00-8:00pm

These write-ins are casual! Come when you can, stay as long as you want, bring the project you are currently working on! We’ll be set up either in the Activity Room OR by the fireplace area at the front of the library (depending on available space).

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH MEETINGS

We are still meeting on the first Saturday of the month at Waconia Library, from 10:30am-12:00pm. These meetings are intended to bring members together to share our writing (whether it’s inspired through a writing prompt, forward momentum on a current project, or a piece that organically emerged from mind to page). These meetings are also a central place for writers to share tips, advice, and experience with all aspects of writing, from idea generation to publishing. **PLEASE NOTE: If writers are seeking a more formal critique for their pieces, please reach out to WWG in advance and we can identify individuals who are able to provide this type of feedback.** The remaining meetings for 2025 are Saturday 11/1, and Saturday 12/6.

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

There are some end-of-year events being planned through the Arts Consortium of Carver County!

  • There is a Writers Conversations & Connections event hosted at the Chanhassen Library every other month; the next meeting is Saturday, October 25.
  • SAVE THE DATE: The ACCC Music and Literary Committees are planning a combined event for writers to read their pieces set to music! The tentatively scheduled date is Friday, December 5; time and location to be determined. More information to come!

As always, happy writing!

Jen

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WWG meeting, Saturday June 7

Posted on June 6, 2025 by waconiawriters

It’s time for a meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, June 7, 2025

WHERE: Waconia Library, possibly the Activity Room depending on availability (if not, we’ll meet in our usual spot in the Magazine Corner).

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

WWG MEETING CONTACT: Mona

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA: We will spend about 10-15 minutes talking about upcoming events and writerly opportunities. The rest of the meeting, we will give members the space to share anything they’ve been working on (open reading + critique if requested).

JUNE WRITERLY EVENTS:

* ACCC Flash Fiction Event: Friday, June 13, at Parley Lake Winery (as part of the Arts in Harmony celebration 5-8pm). Awards and readings are scheduled for 6-7 pm.

*Open Mic Event @ Chanhassen Farmers’ Market: Saturday, June 14, 10am-12pm, at Chanhassen Farmers’ Market (City Center Park, Chanhassen). Registration is recommended, more info here.

 

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WWG meeting, Saturday May 3

Posted on May 2, 2025 by waconiawriters

It’s time for a meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, May 3, 2025

WHERE: Waconia Library, possibly the Activity Room depending on availability (if not, we’ll meet in our usual spot in the Magazine Corner).

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA: We will spend about 10-15 minutes talking about upcoming events and writerly opportunities. The rest of the meeting, we will give members the space to share anything they’ve been working on (open reading + critique if requested).

 

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April WWG Meeting “cancelled”

Posted on April 4, 2025 by waconiawriters

Due to unexpected circumstances, Jen will not be available to facilitate the WWG meeting on Saturday, April 5, at Waconia Library.

Writers are still welcome to gather at 10:30 in the Magazine Area of the library, to connect on their writing projects/progress.

The calendar will be updated by Sunday, 4/6 to reflect upcoming spring writing events in our community.

The next WWG meeting will be Saturday, May 3, 10:30 AM at Waconia Library.

Thank you for understanding!

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WWG meeting, Saturday March 1

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Jen Lynn Anderson

It’s time for a meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025

WHERE: Waconia Library, possibly the Activity Room depending on availability (if not, we’ll meet in our usual spot in the Magazine Corner).

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA: We will spend about 10-15 minutes talking about upcoming events and writerly opportunities. The rest of the meeting, we will give members the space to share anything they’ve been working on (open reading + critique if requested).

 

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WWG meeting, Saturday February 1

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Jen Lynn Anderson

It’s time for a meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, February 1, 2025

WHERE: Waconia Library, possibly the Activity Room depending on availability (if not, we’ll meet in our usual spot in the Magazine Corner).

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA: We will spend about 20-30 minutes talking about upcoming events and giving members the space to share anything they’ve been working on (open reading + critique if requested).

We will be using the rest of this meeting time as writing time. If you join us, bring your laptop or notebook and pen. You can write on a recent group prompt, OR you can bring your story in progress, or the whisper of an idea. Let’s take time on this surprisingly balmy February Saturday to work on our craft! 

 

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WWG meeting, Saturday December 7

Posted on December 6, 2024 by waconiawriters

It’s time for a meeting of the writing minds!

WHEN: Saturday, December 7, 2024

WHERE: Waconia Library, possibly the Activity Room depending on availability (if not, we’ll meet in our usual spot in the Magazine Corner).

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA: We will spend about 20-30 minutes talking about upcoming events and giving members the space to share anything they’ve been working on (open reading + critique if requested).

We will be using the rest of this meeting time as writing time. If you join us, bring your laptop or notebook and pen. You can write on a recent group prompt, OR you can bring your story in progress, or the whisper of an idea. Let’s take time on this brisk December Saturday to work on our craft! 

 

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WWG meeting CANCELLED (Saturday 11/2)

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Jen Lynn Anderson

Due to a lack of availability for facilitators, the WWG Saturday meeting is cancelled for 11/2. 

We will be working on some additional meet-ups in November, to celebrate what is historically the Month of Novel Writing! Please check back for additional details!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CALL FOR WRITERS, ACCC MEMBER SHOW. Opens November 11, 2024. 

The start of the ACCC Member Show has been rescheduled. The exhibit, previously set to open on Nov. 25, will now open on Nov. 11. Member writers may also participate in the show by viewing the exhibit and writing a piece inspired by one of the artworks. Email that story or poem to Liya Oertel by December 6. Be ready to read your work at the Artist Reception on Dec. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The exhibit is not theme based.

Non-member writers are encouraged to view the Member Exhibit and attend the Artist Reception. At the end of the gallery show, the exhibit will go on the road to local libraries for up to four months, so artists  should be prepared to surrender their work for that period of time.

ACCC Music + Literary Collaboration Event:
Fall Splendor: Words and Music.
Friday, November 22, 7:00 PM. Chaska Community Center Theater (1661 Park Ridge Drive, Chaska).

The ACCC event coordinators are looking for writers to compose pieces on the following prompts: A Funny Thing, Worth It, Magic, Mystery, Last time, Blue. Writers can partner with musicians to set their words to music! More information to come!

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WWG meeting, TODAY Saturday October 5

Posted on October 5, 2024 by waconiawriters

It’s time for a writing session!

WHEN: Saturday, October 5, 2024

WHERE: Waconia Library, possibly the Activity Room if our librarian fairy godmothers can make the magic happen like last time! (If their magic wands are broken, we’ll meet in our usual spot in the Magazine Corner.)

WHAT TIME: 10:30am 

WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA: We will spend about 20-30 minutes talking about upcoming events and giving members the space to share anything they’ve been working on (open reading + critique if requested).

We will be using the rest of this meeting time as writing time. If you join us, bring your laptop or notebook and pen. You can write on a recent group prompt: “Write about a door, and what’s behind it.” You can write about the fall season, or something spooky for October 31. You can bring your story in progress, or the whisper of an idea. Let’s take time on this crisp October Saturday to work on our craft! 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SOWER GALLERY VIEW/WRITE/READ EVENT. MAGICAL, MYSTICAL AND JUST PLAIN COOL!
Sunday, October 13, 12-2pm
Sower Gallery (Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, 148 Engler Blvd, Chaska)

The Sower Gallery in Chaska is seeking writers to view its upcoming exhibit, write a piece inspired by one of the artworks and read that story or poem during the show’s Artist Reception scheduled in October!

  • The exhibit opens Sunday, Sept. 29 and runs through Friday, Dec. 20.
  • It features 15 artists and over 30 pieces of art.
  • View the show Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. or make an off-hours appointment by emailing info@SowerGallery.com or calling Chris at 651-335-9535.
  • Writers intending to read at the reception should let Chris know.
  • The reading event is part of a collaboration between the Sower Gallery and the Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium of Carver County.

ACCC Music + Literary Collaboration Event:
Fall Splendor: Words and Music.
Friday, November 22, 7:00 PM. Chaska Community Center Theater (1661 Park Ridge Drive, Chaska).

The ACCC event coordinators are looking for writers to compose pieces on the following prompts: A Funny Thing, Worth It, Magic, Mystery, Last time, Blue. Writers can partner with musicians to set their words to music! More information to come!

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WRITERLY EVENTS THIS MONTH

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Jen Lynn Anderson

THIS THURSDAY!

ACCC EVENT. A FIRE IN THE DARK: STORIES OF THE FALL SEASON.
Thursday October 3, 5:30-8:30pm
Fire Ring, Lowry Nature Center, Carver Park Reserve.

Join the ACCC Literary Committee for a magical evening of cozy fall vibes and spooky stories around the campfire! Join us at 5:30 to enjoy the sights and sounds of the park in early evening… and maybe get inspired! We will start the reading around 6-6:30pm (a little closer to the gloaming). Don’t forget to bring a story to share via firelight, whether spooky, eerie, or deliciously fall flavored!

SOME NOTES ON THE NIGHT:

  • Please dress for the weather. While it’s been unseasonably mild, it is still autumn and the nights are cooling down… bring jackets and blankets/dress for your comfort.
  • Extra flashlights are welcome for everyone’s convenience!
  • Refreshments and warm beverages will be provided.
  • Directions to Lowry Nature Center: Please be aware that many GPS systems incorrectly mark the location of Lowry Nature Center based on the street address. Try using Lowry Nature Center as your search term. From Hwy 5 (near Dairy Queen and Vet Clinic): Take County Road 11 (Victoria Drive) north 1.5 miles. The entrance road will be on the right. From Hwy 7: Take the traffic circle to go south on County Road 11 (Victoria Drive) for about one mile. The entrance road will be on your left. Once you arrive… follow the lanterns.
    🔥

SUNDAY OCTOBER 13

SOWER GALLERY VIEW/WRITE/READ EVENT. MAGICAL, MYSTICAL AND JUST PLAIN COOL!
Sunday, October 13, 12-2pm, Sower Gallery (Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, 148 Engler Blvd, Chaska)

The Sower Gallery in Chaska is seeking writers to view its upcoming exhibit, write a piece inspired by one of the artworks and read that story or poem during the show’s Artist Reception scheduled in October!

  • The exhibit opens Sunday, Sept. 29 and runs through Friday, Dec. 20.
  • It features 15 artists and over 30 pieces of art.
  • View the show Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. or make an off-hours appointment by emailing info@SowerGallery.com or calling Chris at 651-335-9535.
  • Writers intending to read at the reception should let Chris know.
  • The reading event is part of a collaboration between the Sower Gallery and the Literary Committee of the Arts Consortium of Carver County.

 

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