The Writing Circle has been a stabilizing force and source of joy throughout this year.
The One Story Writing Circle is a year-long education program and accountability group, hosted and moderated by One Story.
When you join the One Story Writing Circle, you join a small cohort of fiction writers looking to devote a year to improving their craft and process. Writing Circle members will be granted access to a private Slack channel facilitated by One Story staff, where they will set personal writing objectives, both creative and professional, and be provided with resources aimed at helping writers achieve their targets. One Story will host regular Zoom meetups with Circle members.
Zoom meetups will be moderated by One Story staff and will feature opportunities to connect such as readings, guided discussions, write-ins (structured time to write alongside other Writing Circle members), and generative writing sessions.
Circle membership also grants free access to select One Story classes for 2026, and discounts to others. To get an idea of the kinds of courses we offer, visit our classes page.
As with One Story’s other online course offerings, the Writing Circle is geared toward fiction writers.
While there will be space for writers to share questions and ideas with each other, there will be no individual evaluations or reviews. The One Story Writing Circle is not a place for criticism or critique. It is a supportive space to help you reach your writing goals.
The Writing Circle will launch in mid-January and will be limited to 20-30 students. Writers can be at any skill level, but to ensure a consistent and committed community, all applications must be received by November 30, 2025 and writers must commit to the full year.
We are seeking writers:
- with a clear project in mind
- with a need for community
- who are excited to be a part of a group environment and ready to get to work
- who are able to commit to and participate in monthly check-ins and Zoom meet-ups
- who are eager to take part in our online classes
- who are comfortable connecting with other writers in an online setting
The One Story Writing Circle costs $595 for One Story patrons and $625 for non-patrons. There is a $10 application fee.
What you get:
- Free access to all of One Story’s 2026 asynchronous open-enrollment classes and self-guided courses
- Free access to our 2026 Lecture Series
- 50% off Craft Courses and Reading Groups
- Exclusive access to the One Story Writing Circle Slack channel, featuring goal setting, accountability check-ins, a discussion space to share your progress with fellow members, resources, and more
- A small writing community built solely for support and encouragement
- Extended access to One Story online class material: all Writing Circle members will have unlimited access to 2026 asynchronous classes for one year after the course start date (regular students only receive access for 5 weeks after the class’s start date)
Schedule
Meeting Schedule (all times in ET)
Subject to change
Sunday, January 25, 4-5:15 pm ET: Welcome meet-up
Sunday, February 15, 4-5:15pm: Write-In Freewriting Session
Sunday, March 15, 4-5:15pm ET: Write-In Freewriting Session
Sunday, April 12, 4-5:30pm Student Reading
Sunday, May 17, 4-5:15pm: Write-In Freewriting Session
Sunday, June 14, 4-5:30pm Student Reading
Sunday, September 13, 4-5:30pm Student Reading
Sunday, October 18, 4-5:15pm Write-In
Sunday, November 15, 4-5:30pm: Student Reading
Sunday, December 13: 4-5:15pm Farewell Toast
How to Apply:
Applications will be considered via Subfolio. There is a nonrefundable $10 application fee. Applications will consist of a statement of intent so that we can learn about you and your project and a few other questions to gauge your experience in online group settings and where you are in your writing career. Applicants will be chosen based on their interest in and commitment to the class as demonstrated in their application. There is no writing sample required for this class. The deadline to apply is 11:59pm ET on November 30, 2025. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by early January.
FAQ
Will the One Story Writing Circle provide critiques or feedback on my writing?
No. The Writing Circle provides educational programming and a cheering squad to help you reach your writing goals, but will not be providing critiques or individual feedback on your writing.
When can I apply for the One Story Writing Circle?
The application period is open through November 30, 2025.
What are the application requirements?
We are seeking writers at all stages in their careers who are ready to commit to their writing goals and who are willing to participate in a year-long online community. Applicants should submit a statement that outlines their writing goals for the year, a CV, and answer a few questions about themselves and their experience interacting in online communities.
How does it work?
Writing Circle members receive an invitation to our private Slack channel, where they can track their progress toward their goals and share any updates.
This is also where we’ll share resources for writers and the occasional writing or discussion prompt. We will also meet for live Zoom sessions throughout the year that will include readings by Writing Circle members and chances to share resources and connect with one another.
- How many members are in the Writing Circle?
- 20-30.
- Is participation on the Writing Circle Slack required?
Yes. In addition to helping writers create a sustainable writing practice, we hope to build a community of writers who can support you and your work long after the class is over. It is for this reason that we are seeking applicants who can commit to participating on the Slack channel and in Zoom meetings.
- Is there homework?
Yes. Circle members will be expected to track their goal progress and share updates on that progress with the group. Moderators will review methods for tracking goal progress at the beginning of the year.
- How much time will the Writing Circle take?
Plan to spend around 45 minutes to one hour per month on the Slack channel. Monthly meet-ups run between one hour and fifteen minutes to one-and-a-half hours. There will be no Zoom meet-ups in July and August.
- Can I take it on my phone?
- Yes, though we recommend using a tablet or a computer for easier access to class materials.
- Can I participate if I’m not a member of the Writing Circle?
No. These monthly meetings are only offered to Writing Circle members. You are still welcome to register for our other online course offerings.
What classes will the Writing Circle give me access to?
Writing Circle members will receive access to all open-enrollment asynchronous classes and all of our self-guided classes. They will receive 50% off our craft courses and reading groups if they choose to enroll. They will not receive access to online workshops or our Writers’ Conference, though they are welcome to apply.
Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance for the Writing Circle?
There are no scholarships or financial assistance available for the Writing Circle, however we can provide an application fee waiver for those in need of one. Please write to edu.support@one-story.com
I have another question! Where should I ask it?
Please write to edu.support@one-story.com
Discounts & Policies
Our online classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.
Patron Discount: In order to qualify for our member discount, you must either be an active Patron or register for a Patron membership by the application deadline for this opportunity. Please note that the discount is for our Patrons only. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in the organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers are Patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a Patron, you can do so here.
Refund Policy: One Story classes are nonrefundable after the class start date. A full refund policy will be made available upon acceptance. For questions about the refund policy, or if you are unable to take the class after you have registered, please contact maribeth@one-story.com.
If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.
