Words & Things (November 2025 – January 2026)

Sharing some additional Writerly Events for the end of 2025, and beginning of 2026!

Arts Consortium of Carver County Event: Joyful Noise (Music and Words)

An image depicting a blue background and a program booklet with a gentleman performing on a mandolin; title is A Joyful Noise. The image text reads: A holiday evening with musicians and writers of Carver County, Friday, December 5, 2025, 7:00 PM, Chaska Community Theater, 1661 Park Ridge Drive, Chaska, MN.Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Chaska Community Center Theatre

On behalf of the the ACCC Music and Literary Committees:

We are excited to invite you to Joyful Noise, a special collaborative event celebrating the musicians and writers of Carver County. Spend an evening surrounded by the magic of live music and storytelling from our talented artists.

The theme for the night will revolve around these prompt words:

  • Best or Worst Winter
  • Shine
  • True Charity
  • Naughty or Nice
  • Holiday Magic or Humbug
  • Wishes
  • New Beginnings
  • Trees

If you are interested in participating, please forward your submission to Steve Kelzer  or Doug Munson no later than December 1.


Waconia Writers’ Group Write-Ins

A stock image of four people sitting around a table with notebooks, a laptop, and some cold beverages.In partnership with Waconia Library, the WWG is once again hosting a series of write-ins on Monday evenings, in November, December, and January!

What is a write-in?

A combination of writing time and socializing. An opportunity to build community and share space with other writers as we work on our individual projects. Usually with snacks!

What are WWG’s write-ins all about?

We started doing these as a way to participate in National Novel Writing Month (but in a more individualized, less intense way to get a book started, finished, or anything in between during the month of November!). We have been hosting write-ins for a few years now, as we enjoyed the community and the inspiration we found from being in each others’ company. During a write-in session, we sometimes do “writing sprints” (timing ourselves to write as many words as possible within a 10-minute or 15-minute timeframe), sometimes chat about obstacles we are working through or problems we’re solving with our projects, but mostly we just write!

Do I have to attend all of the scheduled write-ins?

Nope! Attend when you can, stay as long as you can. It’s an open door and we welcome anyone who needs a little change of scenery from their usual writing location. Also… snacks!

What is the WWG write-in schedule for this year?

We are expanding a bit! We will have weekly Monday night write-ins from November 3 through December 22 (skipping December 29), and then January 5 through January 26. Almost three whole months of writing fun! These write-ins are all listed on our WWG Events calendar.

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WWG meeting, Saturday November 1

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

WHEN: Saturday, November 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 

WWG MEETING CONTACT: Jen

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).

NOVEMBER WRITERLY EVENTS:

* WWG Write-Ins. 3 Mondays in November (11/3, 11/10, 11/17), 6-8pm, Waconia Library. Come when you can, stay as long as you want! Bring your current or pending writing project, and put some words to the page in the company of fellow writers!

Check our Events Calendar for future/upcoming writerly events in our community!

 

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Heading into a new season with WWG

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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)

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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