Works In Progress

A Recovery-Through-Writing Group

Works In Progress is a WAR - Writing, Accountability, Recovery - group that uses creative writing as a tool for healing and growth for addicts seeking recovery. We meet bi-monthly to provide accountability, education, set goals, and support each other—whether you're an experienced writer or just exploring writing for the first time. This is not a traditional writing workshop, but members are welcome to support each other outside of meetings. We also host regular readings and open mics. With some exceptions, Readings and Open Mics happen once a month.

Our community is built on SAAVR—Support, Accountability, Authorship, Visibility, & Recovery. Come be a SAAVR with us.

SAAVR: Our Core Values

Support – Writers and addicts alike need support beyond their immediate circles. We provide a space where that support is built-in.
Accountability – Thriving in writing and recovery requires accountability. Sharing our progress helps us stay committed.
Authorship – Addiction can strip away a sense of control. Writing empowers us to reclaim our voices, express our truths, and shape our own narratives.
Visibility – Addiction thrives in darkness. Writing sheds light on our struggles and triumphs. We write for ourselves, and we write to be heard.
Recovery – We are a recovery-focused group first and a writing group second. You don’t have to be a great writer—just serious about recovery and willing to use creative writing as part of your journey.

Creative Writing Can Heal Us

“Creativity is a basic human response to trauma and a natural emergency defense system,” - Louise DeSalvo, Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives

Creative writing has a unique way of helping us process trauma, pain, frustration, helplessness, regret, despair, and confusion. It allows us to take the raw material of our experiences and shape it into poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and essays—helping us find meaning in the chaos.

"Research suggests that trauma damages brain tissue, but that when people translate their emotional experience into words, they may be changing the way it is organized in the brain...According to a 2019 study, a six-week writing intervention increases resilience, and decreases depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and rumination among those reporting trauma in the past year. Thirty-five percent of the participants who began the program with indicators of likely clinical depression ended the program no longer meeting this criterion" (Writing Can Help Us Heal from Trauma).

Recovery from addiction is excruciating work—lonely, heartbreaking, and at times, devastating. It can take years, decades, or even a lifetime. But true recovery requires discovery. It demands tenacity and a willingness to try new things. In this way, we are all Works In Progress.

Authors aren’t considered writers unless they have an ongoing work in progress. Works in progress are hidden from the public and only shared with a trusted circle that understands the process and won't confuse the final version from the work in progress. Works in progress are messy, confusing, unfinished, full of mistakes and embarrassing prose. So too is the addict. But just as an author continually refines their work, an addict must actively engage in their recovery to truly be in recovery.

Recovery, like writing, doesn't have to be a solitary journey. Recovery flourishes in a space of support, accountability, and shared experience. Works In Progress is more than just a writing group—it’s a recovery group that uses creative writing as a tool for healing, growth, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a writer seeking recovery or someone in recovery seeking a creative outlet, you are welcome here. Join us, set goals, share your journey, and become part of a community that understands—we are all works in progress.

Come Join Us

To maintain a safe and supportive space for addicts seeking recovery, Works In Progress is a closed group. New members are always welcome with no size limit, but there is a vetting process to ensure our community remains committed and aligned with our mission. This process includes a brief application and conversation to help us understand your goals and ensure the group is the right fit for you. Anyone struggling with debilitating addiction who is ready to embrace creative writing as a tool for recovery is encouraged to apply.

While Works In Progress is a recovery group, our primary focus is creative writing. We welcome addicts of all backgrounds and writers of all genres, including those who have never written before. No prior writing experience is required—only a willingness to explore creativity as part of the recovery process.

Our approach to recovery is indirect—much like the martial arts principle of redirection. Instead of fighting against what we want to eliminate, we focus on what we want to cultivate. When we nurture growth, the weeds take care of themselves. Members support each other through goal-setting, accountability, and encouragement. Regular participation is encouraged, but we understand that everyone’s journey is different. Whether you share your work or simply listen and learn, you are welcome here.

As part of our commitment to writing and recovery, members will also have the opportunity to read and discuss selected works. These readings will serve as inspiration, guidance, and a way to deepen our understanding of the recovery-through-writing process. To help cover costs for materials and group operations, there is a monthly membership fee of $15 per member.

If you’re ready to take this step, reach out to begin the vetting process. We look forward to growing with you.

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.