DC WRITERS' SALON
PLAYGROUND

Feedback Fridays

Peer feedback, when integrated into the practice of writing, can be validating, course correcting, and motivating. At the Salon, we have two ways to get feedback. One is by participating in Finishers' Group, in which we exchange feedback once or twice a quarter. The other is joining a Feedback Friday, which we try to offer once a quarter.

Here's how Feedback Fridays work: ​
  • Bring up to 2,500 words to share either in PDF form or three printed copies
  • At 7pm, we'll put folks into groups of about 4, ideally based on genre
  • For the first hour together, folks will read what their group members have shared
  • At 8pm, groups will break off and each member of the group will get 12 minutes to hear feedback

The next date is Friday, November 4th from 7 - 9pm. All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up with your words. We'll share some helpful feedback guidelines and adjust group size and timing as needed. 
Mark your calendar for November 4th
The next quarter's Feedback Friday will be in early February.

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know.

We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, Michael Kardos, Matthew Salesses, Stephen King, George Saunders, Mary Karr, Toni Morrison, and Renni Browne with Dave King.


Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over a season to explore how to bring the insights into our own writing.

To begin 2025, we're reading and following the renowned Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" (pdf /print). We'll read a chapter each week over twelve weeks, meeting for 30 minute virtual check-ins on Saturday mornings to foster accountability and 90 minute hybrid (in-person with virtual option) four times to share discoveries and discuss experiences. Specifically:
​
  • Jan 4th, kick off, read up to week 1 (meeting in-person)
  • Jan 11th, read week 1 on safety
  • Jan 18th, read week 2 on identity
  • Jan 25th, read week 3 on power (NO meeting, Member Retreat)
  • Feb 1st, read week 4 on integrity (meeting in person)
  • Feb 8th, read week 5 on possibility
  • Feb 15th, read week 6 on abundance
  • Feb 22nd, read week 7 on connection
  • Mar 1st, read week 8 on strength (meeting in person)
  • Mar 8th, read week 9 on compassion
  • Mar 15th, read week 10 on self-protection
  • Mar 22nd, read week 11 on autonomy
  • Mar 29th, read week 12 on faith (meeting in-person)​
​
​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up and ideally read and follow the program (not a requirement, but helpful!) You can jump in at any time, though more fun if you stick with the group for the duration. 
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Join Book Club
Sneak preview of books for the rest of 2025 (selected from these books on writing): Apr - May: Story Genius, Jun-Jul: Save The Cat, Sep - Nov: Brandon Sanderson lectures OR Novelist As A Vocation

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know.

We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, Michael Kardos, Matthew Salesses, Stephen King, George Saunders, Mary Karr, and Toni Morrison.


Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the insights into our own writing.

This fall, we're doing a mid-season re-boot. The first books we picked weren't quite a match, so in the spirit of editing, we're taking a red pen to the plan and now reading "Self-Editing For Fiction Writers," but with a twist - a chance to apply it to our work. Here are the details: 
​
  • Nov 2nd, read through chapter 6
  • Nov 16th, read through the end
  • Nov 30th, workshop on your own​
  • Dec 14th, discussion about the process of editing

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up and ideally read (not a requirement, but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
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Sneak preview of likely books for 2025 (selected from this long list of books on writing).
Jan - Mar: The Artist's Way, Apr - May: Story Genius, Jun-Jul: Save The Cat, Sep - Nov: Brandon Sanderson lectures OR Novelist As A Vocation
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Based in Dupont Circle, the Salon is a studio and community for writers, the active or aspiring, extroverted artists seeking humans or introverted linguists seeking accountability. Come write with us!
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SALONS

Salons are 2 hour sessions where we come together to write, bookended with hellos and and a short debrief afterwards. 
Try Out a Salon
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CONNECTION

We have Affinity Circles, a Project Group, a book club, and other programs to help writers connect.
Learn About Programs
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WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

To facilitate learning, practice, and feeling heard, we have occasional workshops, shows, events, and socials. 
come to an event

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know.

We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, Michael Kardos, Matthew Salesses, Stephen King, George Saunders, Mary Karr, and Toni Morrison.


Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one (or sometimes two) book(s) over ten weeks to explore how to bring the insights into our own writing.

This fall, we're reading "Several Short Sentences About Writing"
along with "On Revision" and discussing together on the 
following Saturdays from 11am - 12:30pm:
​
  • Sept 22st, read SSSAW through pg. 38 + Revision through ch. 2
  • Oct 5th, read SSSAW through pg. 78 + Revision through ch. 3
  • Oct 19th, read SSSAW through pg. 119 + Revision through ch. 5
  • Nov 2nd, read SSSAW through pg. 159 + Revision through ch. 6
  • Nov 16th, read both SSSAW + Revision through the end​

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up and ideally read (not a requirement, but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
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A long list of books on writing. Reach out to weigh in on preferred books for 2025.

Affinity Circles

We often hear from members a desire to connect with fellow writers in their genre. It can be so helpful to discuss writing pickles, exchange resources and know-how, and trade work for feedback. Affinity circles are topical gatherings to help facilitate this kind of connection. Here's how they work:

  • Circles meet monthly on Wednesdays from 8 - 9:30pm 
  • We have four genre circles (plus many one-off gatherings and we're happy to add more by request)
  • For each meeting, members can optionally submit writing OR a process question for feedback​

And, of course, folks can use the Salon for meeting outside the organized dates and use the time however is helpful - sharing inspired examples, craft dialogue, prompted writing, etc. Pop us a note and we can give you access and support. 

Members, if you're interested in participating in a circle, you can just show up on the date. Feedback submissions are due the Saturday before. Here is all you need to know on the submission process.
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Short Stories


Meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month
Potential discussion topics:
What are your favorite short stories? How do you keep stories actually short? Where are you looking to share or publish your work?
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Poetry


Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month
Potential discussion topics:
​What poetry collections, publications, or sites do you read? How do you balance feedback and intuition? From where do you source inspiration?
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Personal Essay & Memoir


Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month
Potential discussion topics:
What makes the form work? How do you balance truth telling and fallible memory? Where do you read or aspire to publish?
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Fantasy & Sci-Fi


Meets the 4th Wednesday of every month
Potential discussion topics:​
What tools help you organize? How do you distinguish between planning and procrastinating? What books or authors get you inspired? 
If you'd like to propose a genre or have other feedback, pop us a note at [email protected].

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know.

We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, Michael Kardos, Matthew Salesses, Stephen King,  George Saunders, and Mary Karr.


Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

This summer, we're getting into the writing of Toni Morrison. Join us in reading "Playing In The Dark" along with "The Source of Self-Regard" and discussing together on the following Saturdays from 11am - 12:30pm:
​
  • June 22nd, read Playing through One + Source through Arts Advocacy
  • July 6th, read Source through Hard, True, and Lasting
  • July 20th, read Playing through Two + Source through The Writer Before
  • August 3rd, read Source through Faulkner
  • August 17th, read Playing + Source through the end​​

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up and ideally read (not a requirement but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
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Sneak preview of the Fall 2024 books: William Germano's "On Revision" 
​with Verlyn Klinkenborg's "Several Short Sentences About Writing."

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know.

We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, Michael Kardos, Matthew Salesses, Stephen King, and George Saunders.


Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

This spring, we're getting into the writing of Mary Karr. Join us in reading her memoir "The Liars' Club" along with "The Art of Memoir" and discussing together on the following Saturdays from 11am - 12:30pm:
​
  • April 6th, read Liars through Ch. 3 and Art through Ch. 4
  • April 20th, read Liars through Ch. 6 and Art through Ch. 8
  • May 4th, read Liars through Ch. 9 and Art through Ch. 13
  • May 18th, read Liars through Ch. 12 and Art through Ch. 18
  • June 1st, read Liars and Art through the end​​

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up and ideally read (not a requirement but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
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Sneak preview of the upcoming 2024 books: Summer: Toni Morrison's "Playing In The Dark" with "The Source of Self Regard." Fall: William Germano's "On Revision" with Verlyn Klinkenborg's "Several Short Sentences About Writing."

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know.

We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, Michael Kardos, Matthew Salesses, and Stephen King.


Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

This winter, we're reading George Saunders' "A Swim In A Pond In The Rain". Join us in reading "four Russians give a master class on writing, reading, and life" and discussing together on the following Saturdays from 11am - 12:30pm:
​
  • January 20th, read through The Singers commentary (page 162)
  • February 3rd, read through Master and Man commentary (page 245)
  • February 17th, read through The Nose commentary (page 308)
  • March 2nd, read through the end 
  • March 16th, read the three Saunders' stories here​​

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up and ideally read (not a requirement but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
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Sneak preview of the upcoming 2024 books: Spring: Mary Karr's "The Art of Memoir" with "The Liar's Club." Summer: Toni Morrison's "Playing In The Dark" with "The Source of Self Regard." Fall: William Germano's "On Revision" with Verlyn Klinkenborg's "Several Short Sentences About Writing."

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know. We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, Michael Kardos, and Matthew Salesses.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

This fall, we're reading an oldie but goodie, Stephen King (print / PDF) while we also spend the quarter independently reading and vetting books being considered for Salon book club 2024. Join us in reading "On Writing" or in picking any from this book list to help us choose our next four. 

We are meeting on the following Saturdays from 11am - 12:30pm:
​
  • October 21st, reading through C.V. number 20
  • November 4th, reading through Toolbox
  • November 18th, reading through On Writing number 8
  • December 2nd, reading through the end
  • December 16th, discussing & selecting books for book club 2024​​

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up and ideally read (not a requirement but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
Join Book Club
Book Club meets in person, however we're happy to join Zoom by request for those who are only able to join remotely. Reach out to Ali if you want to participate via Zoom.
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The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know. We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, Michael Kardos, and Matthew Salesses.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

But this summer, we're changing it up by revisiting some of our favorite books and themes. Each week, we have some exercises (all found here) to apply to new or existing work, and when we gather, we'll talk about how it went and share our work for discussion.

We are meeting on the following dates, with the following themes, from 11am - 12:30pm in person and virtual so join however suits you. 


  • July 23rd, themes of Emotion and Memory
  • August 6th, themes of Stakes and Motivation
  • August 20th, themes of Dialogue and Characterization
  • September 3rd, themes of Point of View and Voice
  • September 17th, themes of Sound, Senses, and Imagery​​

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up (and ideally take a peak at what's in store for that day, not a requirement but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
Join Book Club
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The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know. We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, Mary Oliver, and Michael Kardos.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

This spring, we're getting into workshopping with the highly recommended new collection by Matthew Salesses, "Craft In The Real World." We are meeting on the following dates from 11am - 12:30pm in person and virtual so join however suits you. 

  • April 23rd, reading through What is craft (page 39)
  • May 7th, reading through Character and story arc (page 68)
  • May 21st, reading through Structure (page 98)
  • June 4th, reading through Alternative workshops (page 143)
  • June 18th, reading through to the end ​​

We meet every other Sunday for a chat about how to integrate nuggets into our writing, sometimes playing with prompts or exercises suggested or inspired by the reading.

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up (and ideally read, not a requirement but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
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Join Book Club
To join the book club Google group or to share book ideas email [email protected]. For a taste of book club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.
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Patron Membership
Subscribe

Affinity Circles
(*older iteration)

We often hear from members a desire to connect with fellow writers in their genre or at their stage. It can be so helpful to discuss writing pickles, exchange resources and know-how, and even trade work for feedback. Affinity circles are monthly topical gatherings to help facilitate this connection. Here's how they work:

  • Circles meet on Wednesdays from 8 - 9:30pm (always the last of every month, sometimes more often) 
  • Each month is organized around a specific topic
  • The discussion is wide open to participants' needs (questions below can be jumping off points)
​
And, of course, folks can exchange info and use the Salon as a meeting spot outside the organized circles (just pop us a note and we can give you access and support). If you're interested in joining a circle, you can just show up on the date. 
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Short Stories


Next Circle: Wednesday, April 19th
​

At the next gathering, we'll exchange stories for feedback. Email hello at dcwriterssalon.com if you'd like to partake OR join the Google group.
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Querying Agents


Wednesday, April 26th
​

What are your key resources for finding agents? What has worked (or hasn't) in your process? How do you stay motivated?
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Personal Essay & Memoir


Next Circle: Wednesday, May 8th
​

At the next gathering, we'll exchange our work for feedback. Email hello at dcwriterssalon.com if you'd like to partake or join the Google group.
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Fantasy


Wednesday, May 31st
​

What tools help you organize? How do you distinguish between planning and procrastinating? What books or authors get you inspired? 
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Poetry


Wednesday, March 29th
​

What poetry collections, publications, or sites do you read? How do you balance feedback and intuition? From where do you source inspiration?
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Editing


Wednesday, June 28th
​

What frameworks or approaches have you found helpful? How do you know if a change is an improvement? How do you seek external input?
Topics for the next half of 2023 will be by member request, but may include screenwriting, historical fiction, character development, young adult, and dialogue. If you'd like to help guide a conversation or propose a topic, pop us a note at [email protected].

Book Pick for Spring

This spring, we're getting into workshopping with the highly recommended new collection by Matthew Salesses, "Craft In The Real World."

As usual, we meet every other Sunday so will be 
meeting on the following dates from 11am - 12:30pm in person and virtual. 

  • April 23rd, reading through What is craft (page 39)
  • May 7th, reading through Character and story arc (page 68)
  • May 21st, reading through Structure (page 98)
  • June 4th, reading through Alternative workshops (page 143)
  • June 18th, reading through to the end ​
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To join the book club Google group or to share book ideas email [email protected]. For a taste of book club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know. We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, Roy Peter Clark, and Mary Oliver.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

This winter, we're studying the short story, reading "The Art and Craft of Fiction" (pdf here, used print here) by Michael Kardos, which includes a curated anthology of fifteen short stories. We are meeting on the following dates from 11am - 12:30pm in person and virtual so join however suits you. 

  • Jan 22nd, reading through Ch. 3 + Alexie, Bausch, Brockmeier
  • Feb 5th, reading through Ch. 5 + Everett, Hagenston, Hannah, Le Guin
  • Feb 19th, reading through Ch. 6 + Lahiri, McCorkle, Moore, Cheever
  • Mar 5th, reading through Ch. 8 + O'Brien, Packer, Russell, Jackson
  • Mar 19th, reading through Ch. 11 + Saunders, Updike, Wolff, Jemisin, Hemingway, Leavitt

We meet every other Sunday for a chat about how to integrate nuggets into our writing, sometimes playing with prompts or exercises, and examining what makes each short story work for us or not.

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up (and ideally read, not a requirement but helpful!) ​It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. 
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Join Book Club

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know. We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, Donald Maass, and Roy Peter Clark.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

This Fall, we're doing something new: getting into poetry with Mary Oliver, reading "A Poetry Handbook" alongside her collection "Felicity." We are meeting on these dates from 11am - 12:30pm in person and virtual so join however suits you. 


  • October 16th, initial discussion on poetry
  • October 30th, reading both books through page 34
  • November 13th, reading both books through page 57
  • November 27th, reading both books through page 91
  • December 11th, reading Handbook to the end

We meet every other Sunday for a chat about how to integrate nuggets into our writing, sometimes playing with prompts. It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two.

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up (and ideally read, not a requirement but helpful!) 
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Join Book Club
To share book ideas email [email protected]. For a taste of book club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.

About Membership

DC Writers’ Salon is a studio and community for writers, for the active or aspiring; author, poet, comedian or playwright (and all the other forms); extroverted artists seeking humans or introverted linguists seeking accountability.

The Salon is like a yoga studio for writers. Writers of all genres and stages come to write at Salons - two hour sessions to primarily write together, but also to
stay accountable, reflect on the writing process, and connect with others in an otherwise lonely art. 

There are two Salon memberships - casual and regular - and you can also drop in if that better suits you. Memberships include a whole bunch of Salon Goings On including a monthly social. 
Become A Member
Member Benefits
CASUAL
REGULAR
Salons Per Month
up to 3 Salons
Unlimited
Morning Poppins
Unlimited
Unlimited
Finishers' Group
-
Yes
Use of Salon Drop In Hours
Yes
Yes
Member Feedback Events
Yes
Yes
Book Club
Yes
Yes
Friday Socials, Sunday Suppers, Movie Nights
Yes
Yes
Workshop & Event Discount
-
Yes
Snacks, Drinks, SWAG & Hugs
Oodles
Oodles
Monthly Cost
​$55
​$95
You can change or pause your membership at any time. Email [email protected] with questions or for help.

About Membership

DC Writers’ Salon is a studio and community for writers, for the active or aspiring; author, poet, comedian or playwright (and all the other forms); extroverted artists seeking humans or introverted linguists seeking accountability.

The Salon is like a yoga studio for writers. Writers of all genres and stages come to write at Salons - two hour sessions to primarily write together, but also to
stay accountable, reflect on the writing process, and connect with others in an otherwise lonely art. 

There are two Salon memberships - casual and regular - and you can also drop in if that better suits you. Memberships include a whole bunch of Salon Goings On including a monthly social. 
Become A Member
Member Benefits
PATRON membership

Connect to writing & community
PRACTICE membership

Space & time for a regular practice.
PROJECT membership

 Support to grow, finish and publish.
Join hosted writing Salons:
​Two-hour writing sessions book-ended by connection and reflection.
Twice per month
Once per week
Unlimited
Open hours writing:
​Use of the Salon studio for solo writing sessions. 
Can be a visit
Can be a visit
Unlimited
Be included in our member directory:
Helping members get to know and connect with those working on similar writing.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Participate in Affinity Circles: 
Monthly topical gatherings to discuss writing, resources, and know-how. 
Yes
Yes
Yes
Come to potlucks, socials, and member-led nights:
Regular occasions to socialize with fellow writers. 
Yes
Yes
Yes
Be part of the Salon book club:
Every other week discussion of a book about writing.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Join Finishers' Group and feedback exchanges: 
Groups that boost accountability, connection, and feedback, including from developmental editors. 
-
-
Yes
Author and Agent wine and cheese events: 
Quarterly Q&A events with industry experts.
-
-
Yes
Access to publishing databases and classes: 
Resources to subscription tools to support publishing.​
-
-
Yes
Get snacks, drinks, and SWAG: 
All sorts of drinks, snacks, and Salon goodies.
Oodles
Oodles
Oodles
​Monthly Cost
​$75
​$125
​$155
You can change or pause your membership at any time.
​Email [email protected] with questions or for help.

Set Up Your Membership

You're almost done! But if you landed here and aren't sure what this is, go back a step.
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$20 per Salon 

Drop into a Salon as you'd like rather than become a monthly member. 
Salon Drop In
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$55 per month

Join a Salon up to 3 times per month, and have access to other benefits.
Casual Membership
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$95 per month

Come to as many Salons as you'd like and have access to all member benefits.
Regular Membership
Helpful notes: Memberships renew on the 1st of every month. You can cancel any time and also have the option to pause for a month or two for any reason. We also reserve the right to refuse or cancel membership.

About Membership

DC Writers’ Salon is a studio and community for writers, for the active or aspiring; author, poet, comedian or playwright (and all the other forms); extroverted artists seeking humans or introverted linguists seeking accountability.

The Salon is like a yoga studio for writers. Writers of all genres and stages come to write at Salons - two hour sessions to primarily write together, but also to
stay accountable, reflect on the writing process, and connect with others in an otherwise lonely art. 

There are two Salon memberships - casual and regular - and you can also 
drop in if that better suits you. Memberships include a whole bunch of Salon Goings On including a monthly social. 
Become A Member
Member Benefits
CASUAL
REGULAR
Salons Per Month
up to 3 Salons
Unlimited
Morning Poppins
Unlimited
Unlimited
Finishers' Group
-
Yes
Use of Salon Drop In Hours
Yes
Yes
Member Feedback Events
Yes
Yes
Book Club
Yes
Yes
Friday Socials, Sunday Suppers, Movie Nights
Yes
Yes
Workshop & Event Discount
-
Yes
Snacks, Drinks, SWAG & Hugs
Oodles
Oodles
Monthly Cost
​$55
​$95
You can change or pause your membership at any time. Email [email protected] with questions or for help.

Set Up Your Membership

You're almost done! But if you landed here and aren't sure what this is, go back a step.
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$75 per month

For writers who want to be part of a fellowship community and reconnect to writing.

​Join up to twice a month, plus community benefits.
Patron Membership
Picture

​$125 per month

For writers who want to prioritize space and time for a regular writing practice.

Join one Salon each week, plus community benefits.
Practice Membership
Picture

$155 per month

For writers who want to grow in their craft, complete work, and explore publication.

Join as many Salons as you'd like, plus community benefits.
Project Membership
Helpful notes: Memberships renew on the 1st of every month. You can cancel any time and also have the option to pause for a month or two for any reason. We also reserve the right to refuse or cancel membership.

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know. We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, and Roy Peter Clark.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

This Summer, we're getting into "The Emotional Craft of Fiction" by Donald Maass. We are meeting on these dates, in person and virtual so join however suits you. 


  • July 17th, 11 - 12:30pm, reading through Chapter 2
  • July 31st, 11 - 12:30pm, reading through Chapter 4
  • August 14th 11 - 12:30pm, reading through Chapter 5
  • August 28th, 11 - 12:30pm, reading through Chapter 6
  • September 11th, 11 - 12:30pm, reading through the end

We meet every other Sunday for a chat about how to integrate nuggets into our writing, sometimes playing with prompts. It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two.

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up (and ideally read, not a requirement but helpful!) 
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Join Book Club
To share book ideas or get on the Google group, email [email protected]. For a taste of book club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.

The Salon Book* Club

* Essay Edition
In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know. We've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, Ursula Le Guin, Kurt Vonnegut with Suzanne McConnell, Ernest Hemingway, and Roy Peter Clark.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over ten weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

For this Spring quarter, we're changing it up a bit: Instead of a book, we're digging into this collection of curated essays to explore what works, what doesn't, and why. We are meeting on these dates, in person and virtual so join however suits you. 


  • April 24th, 11 - 12:30pm, Essays Widely Read
  • May 8th, 11 - 12:30pm, Essays on Hard Topics
  • May 22nd, 11 - 12:30pm, Humor Essays
  • June 5th, 11 - 12:30pm, Social Commentary Essays
  • June 19th, 11 - 12:30pm, Essays by Impressive Women

We meet every other Sunday for a chat about how to integrate nuggets into our writing, sometimes playing with prompts. It's encouraged to stick with the group for the duration, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two.

​All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up (and, of course, read the essays, not a requirement but helpful!) 
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Join the book (aka essay) club
To share book ideas or get on the Google group, email [email protected]. For a taste of book club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing. Very meta, we know. So far, we've read Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, and Kurt Vonnegut and Suzanne McConnell. 

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over eight to twelve weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

For this quarter, we're reading Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast and we'll be meeting on these dates:


  • July 25th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Six
  • August 8th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Fourteen
  • August 22nd, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Nineteen
  • (Skipping Labor Day weekend, some extra time for reading)
  • September 19th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through the end

We meet every other Sunday to chat and play with prompts, taking time to integrate nuggets into our writing. It's encouraged to stick with the group for the whole book, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up, virtually OR in person.
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Join the book club
To share book ideas or get on the Google group, email [email protected]. For a taste of book club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing, like Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, and Stephen King. Very meta, we know.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over eight to twelve weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

The last meeting of this quarter is on March 21st, during which we are talking about the end of Where The Past Begins by Amy Tan. The next book we'll be reading is Pity The Reader by Kurt Vonnegut and Suzanne McConnell 
meeting on these dates:

  • April 18th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Five (page 74)
  • May 2nd, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Fourteen (page 148)
  • May 16th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Twenty Five (page 215)
  • May 30th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Thirty One (page 295)
  • June 13th, 11 - 12:30pm, Read through Chapter Thirty Seven, the end (page 383)

We meet every other Sunday to chat and play with prompts, taking time to integrate nuggets into our writing. It's encouraged to stick with the group for the whole book, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. All members welcome, no need to sign up, just show up (right now virtually, of course). 
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Join the book club
Save the date: the next book club will kick off on Sunday, October 17th. 

To share book ideas or get on the Google group, email [email protected]. For a taste of book club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.
We know that priorities ebb and flow so we've provided a range rather than a fixed number of Salons each month. 
It's intended to be a guideline to help you, but not something cumbersome to count and track.
Email any time for help changing or pausing your membership.
Member Benefits
SMALL
MEDIUM
LARGE
Salons Per Month
1 - 3 Salons
4 - 8 Salons
8 + Salons
Morning Poppins
Unlimited
Unlimited
Unlimited
Finishers' Group
-
Yes
Yes
Member Jams
-
Yes
Yes
Book Club
Yes
Yes
Yes
First Friday Socials & Sunday Suppers
Yes
Yes
Yes
Workshop & Event Discount
-
Yes
Yes
Snacks, Drinks, SWAG & Hugs
Oodles
Oodles
Oodles
Monthly Cost
$45
$95
$135

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing, like Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, and Stephen King. Very meta, we know.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over eight to twelve weeks. For the first quarter of this year, we are reading Where The Past Begins by Amy Tan 
and meeting on these dates (*recently updated):

  • February 7th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through I. Imagination
  • February 21st, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through III. Retrieving The Past
  • March 7th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Nine 
  • March 21st, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through VI. Language (the end)

We meet every other Sunday to chat and play with prompts, taking time to integrate nuggets into our writing. It's encouraged to stick with the group for the whole book, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. And no need to sign up, just show up (right now virtually, of course). All members welcome.

Book suggestions and discussion ideas very welcome or email us to get in on the Google group (email [email protected]). For a taste of Book Club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.
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Join the book club
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Save the Date and Sneak preview: For April through June's book club that kicks off on April 4th, we'll be reading Pity the Reader by Kurt Vonnegut and Suzanne McConnell. 

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing, like Anne Lamott, Samuel Delany, bell hooks, Amy Tan, and Stephen King. Very meta, we know.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over eight to twelve weeks to explore how to bring the author's insights into our own writing.

The last meeting of this quarter is on March 21st, during which we are talking about the end of Where The Past Begins by Amy Tan. The next book we'll be reading is Pity The Reader by Kurt Vonnegut and Suzanne McConnell 
meeting on these dates:

  • April 18th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Five (page 74)
  • May 2nd, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Fourteen (page 148)
  • May 16th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Twenty Five (page 215)
  • May 30th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Chapter Thirty One (page 295)
  • June 13th, 11 - 12:30pm, Read through Chapter Thirty Seven (page 383)

We meet every other Sunday to chat and play with prompts, taking time to integrate nuggets into our writing. It's encouraged to stick with the group for the whole book, but totally understandable if schedule changes mean missing one or two. And no need to sign up, just show up (right now virtually, of course). All members welcome.

Book suggestions and discussion ideas very welcome or email us to get in on the Google group (email [email protected]). For a taste of Book Club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird.
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Join the book club
Save the date and sneak preview: For July through September's book club that kicks off on July 11th, we'll be reading The Power of Myth, by Joseph Campbell. 

The Salon Book Club

In the Salon book club, we read books about writing, like Anne Lamott and Samuel Delany and Stephen King. Very meta, we know.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over eight to ten weeks. Beginning in October, we will be reading Remembered Rapture by bell hooks 
and meeting on these dates: 

  • October 18th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Remembered Rapture (p 45)
  • November 1st, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through From Public to Private (p 96)
  • November 15th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Intellectual Life (p 143)
  • November 29th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Emily Dickinson (p 199)
  • December 13th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Writer to Writer (the end)

We meet every other Sunday to talk and play with prompts, taking time to digest and integrate nuggets into our writing. It's encouraged that you try to come to all meetings, but totally understandable that's not always possible. And no need to sign up, just show up (right now virtually, of course). All members and passes welcome.

Future book suggestions and discussion ideas very welcome or email us to get in on the Google group (email [email protected]). To get a taste of Book Club, here is a collection of quotes and exercises from our last two books: Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird and Samuel Delany's About Writing.
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Join the book club

The Salon Book Club

By popular demand, introducing a book club unlike any other.

In the Salon book club we read books about writing, like Natalie Goldberg and Stephen King. Very meta, we know.

Rather than discuss once, we read and practice with one book over eight weeks. We are currently reading About Writing by Samuel Delany 
and meeting on these dates:

  • July 12th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through On Pure Storytelling (p 94)
  • July 26th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Part One (p 148)
  • August 9th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Part Two (p 206)
  • August 23rd, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through A Silent Interview (p 309)
  • September 6th, 11 - 12:30pm, Reading through Nits, Nips, Tucks and Tips

We meet every other Sunday to discuss and play with prompts, practicing with the insights of the book. It's encouraged that you try to come to all meetings, but totally understandable that's not always possible. And no need to sign up, just show up (right now virtually, of course). All members and passes welcome.

Future book suggestions and discussion ideas very welcome [email protected]. To get a taste of Book Club, here is a collection of quotes and prompts from our last book, Anne Lamott's Bird By Bird. 
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Join the book club

About Finishers' Group

In bringing together write
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    Join a Q4 Finishers' Group

    You're not committing to this, just getting the wheels turning.
    This is like an open mic (minus the open) and will be scheduled based on interest.
    By clicking submit, you get that Finishers' Group participation is for you and your fellow Finishers and you commit to be part of the group through March 28th. All submissions after January 18th will be bumped to a Q2. group.
Submit
Some answers to frequently asked questions about Finishers' Group: 

  • You absolutely don’t have to be write a whole book or screenplay, but decide what success is. (e.g. 2 short stories OR 5 essays or poems OR a book proposal, etc.)
  • You certainly don’t have to be able to attend all dates since life happens but great if you can. Only caveat is that if you join a group and drop out, other than for an emergency, you likely won't be invited back into a group.
  • There are three groups - Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. You stick with your group's day but you can most certainly come to any other Salon outside of your group if you ever have to miss Finishers.
​
Finishers' Groups start at the beginning of each quarter.
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Member Updates

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October 26, 2019
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1807 18th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009
To keep everyone safe, the Salon has a 100% Covid boosted policy. Please decline to join in person if you're not vaccinated.