Cancer Writing Circle- Week 5

Join a weekly gathering of fellow travelers undergoing treatment for cancer to write to prompts provided for timed intervals. No writing experience is necessary. This series is designed to provide a supportive environment to develop a creative practice of reflective writing. While we will talk about the writing and our experience of writing, this is not a writing class or a cancer support group. That said, participants are likely to gain greater clarity regarding their life experiences and our writing is likely to improve with practice.

The structure and format of the series is informed by James Pennebaker’s Write to Heal and Suleika Jaouad’s bestselling book, The Book of Alchemy, both of which affirm the power of writing to heal. There is no requirement to purchase these books to participate. However, reading these authors will provide you with a deeper context for the prompts and may inspire you to dig deeper. 

This circle is inspired by Brenda Ulyend’s book, If You Want to Write, which posits everyone is a writer. No one will be required to read or share their work. Volunteers will be invited to share excerpts of their writing every session.

Six Mondays in a row beginning on October 6, 2025.

Facilitators: Chris McLeod is a writer living with metastatic breast cancer who is eager to create a community of cancer patients interested in developing a writing practice. RCWMS trustee Liddy Grantland is a writer, published author, and a social work student living with metastatic breast cancer.