The Writing Salon’s Online Class
“The Round Robin is a great invention right up there with Post-it Notes, Velcro, ATM’s.”
—Dale Bentson
“The more you use your writing muscles, the more you tone and strengthen them.”
-Jane Underwood
Jane Underwood, founder of The Writing Salon and creator of Round Robin, had a unique vision when she developed the class. By combining several elements—partnering, repetition, practice, feedback, and dedication—she created not just a writing course but a vibrant community, one that has continued and grown for over a decade.
Daily writing and partner exchanges are crucial to the foundation of the course. Each Sunday, participants receive writing prompts for the upcoming week. A sample prompt might be “apple” or “I haven’t forgotten.” Participants are expected to commit to the class for 20-30 minutes each day, with 10-12 of those minutes going toward their own writing and the other 10-20 minutes toward partner responses. New partners are assigned on a weekly basis.
Writers in all genres and at all levels of experience take this class. Beginners use it to get started. Seasoned writers use it to stave off writer’s block and to generate new material. Many participants return session after session as they’ve found that the daily writing practice enables them to continually produce new material, to invite the unexpected, and to prioritize writing amid otherwise busy schedules.
Round Robin is offered twice a year in a 3-week version, twice a year in a longer 6-week version, and twice a year in the traditional 8-week version. Running concurrently with the 6-week and 8-week versions, The Writing Salon recently launched the Round Robin Writing Group, which is designed specifically for Robins who are enrolled in these longer classes and would like an even more immersive experience.
If you’d like to take your work to the next level, The Writing Salon offers additional online classes where you can get more extensive feedback on creative pieces that you’ve started in Round Robin. Check out Creative Writing Workshop and our brand-new Turn Your Fragments into Finished Works.
In This Class You Will
Write regularly
Enjoy and explore the process of writing freely and playfully
“Partner” on a rotating basis with classmates
Provide positive feedback in order to encourage one another and create community
Upcoming Round Robin Classes
Are you currently enrolled in Round Robin?
Hear From Our Robins
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How many Round Robin classes have you taken?
One 8-week session of daily writing.
What are the most valuable elements of your Round Robin experience?
Establishing a daily writing practice and developing snippets of ideas for future stories.
How have you felt about the partner feedback you received during Round Robin?
I loved having a writing partner--both for the accountability as well as the feedback. While I knew the feedback would always be positive because of how the Round Robin classes are constructed, I didn't realize how motivating it would be to receive daily positive comments on raw writing.
Describe Round Robin in one word.
Invigorating.
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How many Round Robin classes have you taken?
I have taken three Round Robins.
What are the most valuable elements of your Round Robin experience?
I love the chance to experiment as I develop longer pieces, and get daily feedback.
How have you felt about the partner feedback you received during Round Robin?
Partner feedback is the best! I love the variety of feedback you get over the course of a session!
Describe Round Robin in one word.
Galvanizing.
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How many Round Robin classes have you taken?
I've taken one eight week class.
What are the most valuable elements of your Round Robin experience?
It was the encouragement to write once a day, no matter how I felt or what time of day it was, even when I had no idea what I was going to write about. Knowing that my partner and I had an agreement with each other to both write and offer comments. It was great to have an activity that gave continuity and creative experience to my life in these exciting and confusing.
How have you felt about the partner feedback you received during Round Robin?
The feedback was wonderful, my partner offered their thoughts on what they thought were the most valuable parts of my daily piece. Often my piece would bring a partner's personal experience to their mind and it was nice to see that my piece actually struck a powerful chord for another person. I felt like I had done a bit of great writing!
Describe Round Robin in one word.
Inspiring.
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How many Round Robin classes have you taken?
2. Going on 3!
What are the most valuable elements of your Round Robin experience?
The Round Robin has empowered me to establish a daily writing routine, as each prompt ensures that I will put my pen to paper every day. I am always stunned by how much new material I generate over the course of this class. I find that Kathy’s prompts are incredibly thought-provoking – serving as a vital component of the creative process.
How have you felt about the partner feedback you received during Round Robin?
Initially I found the concept of partner feedback to be quite daunting. However, I have been encouraged and delighted by the insightful comments and fruitful conversation that follows with fellow Robins. The prospect of receiving immediate feedback the next day energizes me to continue writing each week. I also learn so much by being exposed to various styles and providing feedback.
Describe Round Robin in one word.
Community.
