Welcome to Gather.

A home for poets. We are a community of gutsy, bold writers who explore the edges of our craft in the company of our poetry people.

I'm Maria.

I'll be your host, biggest supporter, and mentor in Gather. I've facilitated dozens of workshops and mentored over 100 poets in my career.

My approach to community-based writing is this: I believe poems should be cared for. I promise to care for yours. This community will give your poems the best chance at burning brightly.

More about me

Why join Gather?

  • Dedicated time to write

    Maria hosts a weekly generative writing session led with a creative writing prompt, ample writing time, and sharing. You can choose to attend either:

    Sunday Morning Session: 11am-12pm ET

    Monday Evening Session: 7-8pm ET

  • Valuable feedback on your writing

    In Gather, we host a monthly Office Hour, where you can receive live feedback on your poems from myself and other talented poets at the table. You'll also have ongoing support in our Feedback and Sharing space in our members-only portal.

  • Opportunities to connect

    At the end of every month, we host Poetry Dinner. This is unique event, different every month, that provides a space to practice reading our poems. Every month there's a fun twist—that's all I will say!

  • Learn from visiting award-winning poets

    Every month, we host guest poets to teach craft workshops. In the past poets like Chen Chen, Dion O'Reilly, Trev Cimenski, JES Stintzi, and more have visited our table. (Aren't we lucky?!)

  • Gain access to the entire Gather video library

    Rewatch every single generative writing session I've taught and every workshop that has taken place in Gather, including the guest-poets mentioned previously. (Value of over $2500!)

  • Publishing guidance and opportunities

    Many poets at the table have gone on to publish poems in reputable lit mags and publish their own full-length collections. You will be in good company and supported robustly.

What are current members saying?

  • Kassandra says:

    "Maria has cultivated a vibrant, supportive, and welcoming community in Gather. She thoughtfully plans each week's lesson with care and intention, creating a space where poets of all backgrounds can thrive. Beyond the lessons, she has fostered a beautiful network of like-minded individuals who are eager to offer feedback, listen to each other's work, and build lasting friendships across the globe. I highly recommend Gather to poets at any stage of their journey—there is always something to be gained, and you’ll be nourished both creatively and personally every week. "

  • Mary says:

    "Finding and joining Gather has been such a joy. Becoming a part of this community has reawakened my love of writing, and the space Maria has created in Gather is so special and so full of support, encouragement, and celebration. I have learned to really embrace and fine-tune my craft and have made amazing connections with fellow writers. I would recommend Gather to anyone, it's been one of the best gifts I've ever given myself!"

  • Alex says:

    "Maria has been such a pleasure to work with during “Gather”. She includes a brief lesson and prompt at the beginning of each workshop. It is always accessible and inspiring. She truly goes above and beyond for her writers and I feel like I have gained so much more confidence and skill since doing this workshop with her."

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FAQ

What is Gather?

Gather is a community of writers who are dedicated to growing and expanding their craft, while enjoying sweet communion with other like-minded writers. We meet via Zoom weekly.

Gather writing circles are offered in 12-week sessions. The next writing circle spans April-June.

How do I know if this community will be right for me?

If you are a student of language, open-minded, and willing to support other writers alongside you, Gather is for you. This writing community will softly push you to write outside of your comfort zone.

Gather might not be a good fit if you're looking for a place to promote your projects, or if you're unwilling to give and receive support to and from the talented writers creating alongside you.

What times are the events?

Our weekly generative writing sessions are held from 11am-12pm ET on Sundays and from 7-8pm ET on Mondays.

Special events and workshops with guest speakers usually take place in the evenings around 7pm ET, or at noon on Saturdays ET.

How many poets are in Gather?

At any given moment, there are usually around 50 poets at the table. I want each poet's poems to be deeply cared for and tended to, which is why we accept so few new writers each round.

Is there a payment plan?

Yes. A 12 week round of Gather is offered either at one-time payment or three equal monthly installments.

The rate you pay to join Gather will never change if you stay at the table. As rates for new members increase (to keep paying guest speakers fairly, sometimes the rates go up), my promise to you is that yours never will.

The secret sauce?

What makes this table so special?

Gather is a small, intimate writing community. We hover around the 50-ish member mark. All live events are either hosted or attended by me, and I respond to every poem in our portal with thoughtful editorial feedback. I tend to your poems as if they were mine 🤍

The demand to join is high—our waitlist has over 425 members—but my promise to you is that we'll never sacrifice the intimacy of gathering at a table, where it all started.

Join Gather

We are opening to new members in April!

Join the waitlist to get an invite

Become a part of the community!

Access to:

  • Weekly generative writing sessions (Sundays at 11am ET or Mondays at 7pm ET)
  • Feedback on your work from Maria and other talented poets via monthly office hours and an ongoing feedback forum
  • Monthly workshops with award-winning guest poets and speakers
  • Monthly Poetry Dinners
  • Access to the entire workshop library from 2024 ($2500+ value)
  • Access to my Intro to Poetry course ($75 value)

I'm in!