If you’ve experienced the magic of a FlourishWriters focus group, we know you’re ready to get back into community. Get excited with us because registration is open for our 2025 focus groups.

What are FlourishWriters focus groups?

FlourishWriters focus groups are peer-led meeting spaces where writers gather to support one another. Each group has a private space in our Circle community for collaboration and connection 24/7 as needed. Groups meet live at least once monthly (replay provided) with some groups meeting more often depending on their mission. 

See below “What groups are being offered in 2025?” for a detailed description of the nine groups offered this year. 

Download and read the Focus Group Member’s Guide for more information=> https://flourishgathering.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FlourishWriters-Focus-Group-Members-Guide.pdf

Why join a FlourishWriters focus group? 

Focus groups provide a place to connect with other writers, ask questions, get answers, and find encouragement. If you’re seeking camaraderie and energy, join with other Christian communicators with a similar focus during this season of their writing life. 

• Ask questions—Get answers to your questions, even stuff you didn’t know to ask. Inside a focus group, you’ll find solutions from other writers you can trust.
• Chat with the community—Each group has a private space in our Circle community for collaboration and connection. Groups meet live at least once a month.
• Discover tools and resources—You can count on the colleagues in your focus group space to share their favorite tools and resources that save you time and money, 
• Celebrate wins—Your focus group is here to cheer you on and keep your eyes on the prize. When you win, we all win.

When will focus groups be in session?

Focus groups will remain open for five months: mid-July through mid-November 2025. Member registration is open June 16th to 27th. Members will be added to their focus group spaces July 1st. 

Each group has a private space for asynchronous communication via chat available 24/7 during the five-month open period July through November. The schedule of live meetings will be finalized once group members have registered. There is no way to guarantee that each member will be able to attend live meetings given the complexities of time zones and availability, but replays will be provided. 

Where do focus groups meet? 

Focus groups meet in the FlourishWriters private community space inside Circle. Each group has their own space for group members to collaborate, ask questions, share links, and stay in step with one another. 

What groups are being offered in 2025? 

We are pleased to offer nine focus groups this year. Read on for a description of each group. 

Group 1: Going Deeper with God (Sharon Deming w/ Deborah Mosely)

As a Christian writer, you depend on God for inspiration, guidance, and revelation, which flow through the depth of your relationship with Him. So, let's take it one level deeper with God. If you want to hear Him more clearly, follow Him more confidently, and know Him more intimately, this focus group is for you. We'll explore ways to nurture your deepening bond with God and encourage you to move forward in His calling with increasing freedom, peace, and faith.

Group 2: Bible Study Writers (Kelly Shoemaker w/ Amy Loos)

Calling all Bible study writers. In this focus group, we learn from one another as we share the ins and outs of writing studies designed to guide readers into God’s Word. We are all at different stages of writing, and even if you’re still in the planning stages, the discussions will be beneficial as you design and write your study. No matter the style of Bible study you’re working on, we aim to facilitate a lively discussion and build your confidence as you see your project through to completion.

Group 3: Accountability Work Along (Lynda Kelly w/ Mary Boswell)

Writers are familiar with all the excuses not to write. If you desire greater focus and follow-through, consider joining us in the Accountability Work Along group. Each meeting provides two elements. During our accountability time, participants share progress on goals and clarify their next steps. When you speak a goal out loud, you’re more likely to complete it. The second half of each meeting is a “work along” time where we create space to make progress on our goals with the FlourishWriters community cheering us on.

Group 4: Creative Writing (Marcie Sextro w/ Mary Whitaker & Judy Boyd)

If your message is expressed through creative writing, this is the group for you. Find companionship with others who write poetry, fiction, novellas, short stories, video scripts, screenplays, and more. As Eugene Peterson says, “Storytellers invite participation, making us aware of the way things are, not just aware as spectators, but aware so we can get in on this world of wonders.” Connect with like-minded creatives who are honing their craft and encouraging one another in the adventure. 

Group 5: The Art & Purpose of Writing (Cynthia Staudt w/ Michele Wanamaker)

Completing a writing project is a marathon, not a sprint. That’s why running partners are critical to your success. In those stretches where you’re far from the starting line but the end is nowhere in sight, you need motivation and inspiration to keep going. If you’ve battled with indecision or waning perseverance, the Art & Purpose of Writing focus group invites you to gather with writing colleagues who are committed to keeping your eyes on the prize and seeking clarity of vision to see your writing projects through to completion.

Group 6: Optimizing Substack (Stephanie Miller w/ Katherine Baker)

Let’s join together with writers who desire to grow a Substack community. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been at it for some time, we’ll learn how to connect with readers and other writers in the Substack ecosystem. This focus group provides space for participants to share their knowledge and ask questions while engaging in collaborative discussion to deepen understanding and enhance strategic engagement online. Come connect with other writers where we learn, practice, and improve.

Group 7: Self-Publishing Support (Jenny Kochert w/ Mindy Kiker)

It’s easier than ever for authors to manage the process of launching their message into the world without the aid of a traditional publisher which is exciting but also potentially overwhelming. In this focus group, we discuss the ins and outs of the self-publishing process including preparing the manuscript, design & formatting, branding, uploading, printing, and distribution. We also highlight money-saving options so you know how to publish a book you can be proud of on a budget.

Group 8: Writing for Online Publications (Amy Wozniak w/ Nancy Lee)

We aim to help writers shape personal, faith-based stories that connect with readers and editors—especially focused on finding a place for our writing in short-form online publications like Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts Books (not the magazine), The Upper Room, Today's Christian Living, Her View From Home, and Living by Design Ministries (to name a few). Let’s find the heart of your story, structure it with emotional depth and clarity, and match the voice and message to the audience each publication serves.

Group 9: Faith-Based Writers (Linda Cobourn w/ Cindy Fort)

Gathering those who desire to tell their God-inspired stories, especially devotional and memoir writers sharing personal stories as illustrations of spiritual truths. Linda writes a weekly blog to share her stories of faith, widowhood, and parenting an adult on the autism spectrum. Cindy is a trauma-informed counselor who desires to support those who are writing their own hard stories. This focus group is for faith-based writers who aim to grow in the craft of writing with companionship and critique.

How do I join a FlourishWriters focus group?

Member registration is open June 16th to 27th. 

We are asking for a minimum $20 donation to cover hosting and administrative fees. This donation does not cover all the costs involved with offering focus groups to our community at large, but it helps defray some of the financial burden incurred so that we can provide this way to connect and collaborate as FloursihWriters. You’re welcome to donate more than $20 if you so desire.

Follow these steps to join a focus group:

1. Pay a donation of at least $20 for each group you want to join.
2. Make sure you have joined the FlourishWriters private community space in Circle. If not, follow this link and create a profile=> https://flourishwriters.circle.so/join?invitation_token=cd39233b06a5ac838d4f98959fe7fe25be935950-922aabfa-643c-49b2-88be-81a55b1ca0d1
3. Review the group descriptions above and make a note of which group(s) you will join.
4. Upon successful payment, you will receive instructions on how to select which focus group(s) you wish to join. Please note that focus groups will be capped at 30 participants total.
5. You will be added to your focus group(s) no later than July 1st. 
6. A live welcome meeting will be scheduled by your group leaders between July 8th and July 15th. 

How many focus groups can I join?

You may join more than one group, but please be realistic about the time you can commit. Member participation is key to making sure a focus group benefits everyone involved. Each group has daily contact available in the private community space, and groups meet live at least once a month while some groups may meet more often as needed. Each group requires a $20 donation minimum to join.