Looking for an online writing community?

"Swirl and Swing is a community of serious writers who are committed to writing every week and, just as important, to critiquing the writing of others. We like to maintain a group of about eight writers so there is always something on the table and always a conversation going. The group values critiques that don’t stop at “I like this” but delve into what’s likable about it, what’s working and not working, whether the piece is heading in its most advantageous direction, whether there is room to push forward. The atmosphere is safe, welcoming and non-judgmental. We love experimentation and maintain a space where failure is encouraged and celebrated as the only way to create something verdant and new. I like to think of the group as an estuary where we can all be little fish together before we venture out of the reeds into the open water. Please click HERE to see a description of how the group works. If you think you might be a good fit, send a couple sample poems and a brief bio. Someone from the group will respond to you shortly."

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2010 Kundiman Asian American Poetry Retreat

In order to help mentor the next generation of Asian-American poets, Kundiman is sponsoring an annual Poetry Retreat at Fordham University in New York City. During the Retreat, nationally renowned Asian American poets will conduct workshops with fellows. Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings will also be scheduled. Through this Retreat, Kundiman hopes to provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Asian American poets. This 6-day Retreat will take place from Tuesday to Sunday. Workshops will not exceed eight students.

Tuition fee is $350. Room and Board is free to accepted Fellows.

Send five to seven (5-7) paginated, stapled pages of poetry, with your name included on each page. Include a cover letter with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address and a brief paragraph describing what you would like to accomplish at the Kundiman Asian American Poetry Retreat. Include a SAS postcard if you want an application receipt. Manuscripts will not be returned. No electronic submissions, please.

Complete guidelines here

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Community of Squidoo

One of my favorite things that I love about Squidoo is the wonderful community. Squidoo has created a very synergistic community of people who are constantly working to improve their own work, and improve Squidoo. This is hard to find on the internet. It is so much easier to find negative sites and groups.

By creating a strong community, it can only make Squidoo as a site, and a phenomenon better. And that, in turn, will make all of our quality lenses grow and increase in traffic. Which, of course, earns us and our charities more money.

By participating in just one small way, each person really contributes to a greater whole. That is really what the power of networking is all about.

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