Writing with the Light On | Drop-in Sessions
Register now for Drop-In sessions with "Writing with the Light On," a 12-week expressive writing circle for BIPOC writers, prioritizing queer/trans voices. There's sliding scale!
Dates: March 29 - June 28 (no session on April 12 and May 31)
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST
Location: Online
Cost: Sliding scale options below
currently 10 paid spaces available
Featured Circle: Writing with the Light On
A 12-week journey into expressive writing and self-discovery. This circle is open exclusively to members of the global majority, with preference to queer and trans members. Applying for this circle is mandatory.
Note: We are offering reservation for drop-in spots only. Once the circle begins, a weekly reminder will be sent via email and Slack to sign up in advance for any remaining seats.
Please note: there will be no sessions on April 12 and May 31.
Overview:
I know what it means to hold stories in the dark—stories that ache to be witnessed, stories that deserve the space to breathe. This 12-week journey is about writing as a practice of self-discovery, healing, and truth-telling in a world that often tries to silence us.
This space is intentionally designed for writers of color with a deep commitment to centering queer and trans voices. Here, we write together in silence, not to be judged or analyzed, but to honor the power of our words as they emerge. We root ourselves in grounding practices, lean into thoughtfully crafted prompts, and hold space for each other in a way that feels safe, intimate, and freeing.
Whether you drop in for a single session or stay for the full journey, this circle exists so that you don’t have to write alone. Here, we write with the light on—so that we can see and be seen, so that our stories can illuminate the path forward.
Additionally, you will have the option to be privately witnessed and receive constructive criticism in order to better prepare your stories, whether for yourself or for the world.
It is my hope that in choosing to write with the light on, we are taking a communal step toward radical joy.
Program Details
Weekly 90-minute silent co-writing sessions
Thoughtfully crafted writing prompts
Grounding practices to open and close each session
Flexible attendance - drop in or attend all sessions
Maximum 15 participants for intimate group dynamics
Additional Support
Weekly office hours for private consultation available to 1- and 3-month bundles.
Evidence-based resources on expressive writing
Supportive community of fellow writers
Access to writing practice development guidance
How to Join
Complete our intake form to share your interests and needs. This step is mandatory and must be completed before entry.
Once you have heard back from us via email, select your preferred payment tier (included in your email).
Registration is required. You will receive your Zoom invitation via email, where you must indicate your dates of attendance. Only after this step will you be fully registered.
All Literary Liberation circles take place online and are accessible anywhere in the world. This circle will not have recorded sessions.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Shawna Ayoub is a brown, queer, Durham-based writer and instructor whose work prioritizes the engagement of difficult topics. After recognizing the personal benefits of writing for release and recovery, she has made her practice public for the last 15 years, offering courses independently as well as through the Center for Creative Writing. Her work has appeared in Verywell Mind, Raising Mothers, Survivor Lit, Exit 7, [wherever], The Archipelago, and The Manifest-Station. Her Substack, Survive Your Story, explores themes of expressive writing. You can read her there and follow her on Bluesky.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Payment will only be accepted for this circle after you’ve heard back from us via email. Please do not pay in advance.
This circle is offered on a sliding scale structure. We believe in accessibility while sustaining our work and community. Please read more about our sliding scale policy on our FAQ.
Investment Options
Drop-in Sessions: $15 / $25 / $35 (single payment per session; co-writing only)
Choose your tier based on your circumstances:
Supported Price: Students, fixed income, financially constrained
Standard Price: Standard rate
Pay-it-Forward Price: Supporter rate (helps maintain accessibility)
Limited seats are available and offered on a first-come basis. If you need a payment plan, email directly at hello@literaryliberation.net with Writing with The Light On Payment Plan as the subject.