"I love coming to the studio and knowing it will be full of like-minded people, people who write and read, people who nurture other writers, people who have become treasured friends. The people, the studio, help me call myself a writer.

The food is pretty good, too."

Jeannee Sacken

"The community of writers that has developed from connections made in the workshops or at Open Houses.
The network of Redbird alumni.
The great atmosphere of the room.
The variety of programs involved.
The affordability of the programs (I speak as a writer, not as a presenter!)"

Anne Bingham

"It is a set date on my calendar when I can get immersed in my writing.

I love that there's a diverse group of people with a variety of talent and style.

I always gain something from each of the people reading.

Because we meet regularly, it has become a 'safe' place to spill my guts on paper.

John is a great poet and editor. While the critiques of all of the members are helpful in demonstrating which parts of my writing "speaks" to each of them, John's thoughtful guidance often helps me edit my writing so that it "GRIPS" my audience.

I feel I am growing as a writer under the tutelage of all the participants in the roundtable."

Annie Parcels

"In addition to all the good opinions from the other writers, make sure you mention what a good time management tool the classes are. You know you have to have a segment prepared for reading, so it allows short term goal setting. Otherwise, writing is hard to pin down."

Barbara McDermott

"The Leader!
Great place to meet other writers
Critiques that are positive and helpful
Summer programs grow writers we'll want to read
Chance to learn by reading and reviewing what others write
Place where I can listen to what I write with someone else's ears."

Mary Lou Bell

"Even though Redbird is a business, it never seems run like a business.

Everything has a personal touch, from the teachers to the students. But the deserved overall success is attributed to the one who heads it all-- Judy Bridges: who has a Newsletter, making everyone important; who reaches out wherever she can to make new and old writers feel welcome; who loves what she's doing, and knows what she's doing; who branches out into all areas of writing.

And the building is blessed too. The view of the lake-- and ample parking!"

Ludmilla Bollow

"A way to meet women and men writers within the Milwaukee/Madison area.

A way to have professional critique from professional writers.

A way to have dialogue with story writers and hope for improvement or positive affirmations."

Sandi Walker

"Support from Judy and other writers.
Being with writers. Seeing other's progress.
Positive atmosphere.
Treats from travelers.
Feedback.
Setting Building. View from the windows. Fun and laughter."

Carol Wobig

"Redbird gives me the opportunity to be as creative as possible and get to know other kids who enjoy the same things I do. I especially enjoy the round tables. It is fun!

Julia H.

"I think what I like most about Redbird is it's a safe place to come together with other writers in order to grow together as writers."

Cheryl Kelley

"Direction
Communication
Understanding
Refuge
Encouragement
Networking
Practical tools
Potential for growth
Freedom to think
Camaraderie
'That nudge we all need'
Qualified critique
Mentoring
Peer Support
Expansion - of thought, process and goals
Confidence
New options
Faith it can be done and you can do it"

Colleen Heather Rogan

"Redbird is the only place (that I'm aware of) in the entire Chicago/Milwaukee megalopolis that offers a place for writers of all ages to congregate to take quality courses, form critique groups, and generally come into contact with other writers at a REASONABLE cost.
10.Redbird has coffee.
9. Redbird is in a great location -- love the building and the lake.
8. Redbird is accessible. (OK, so maybe not so much for me but for countless thousands...)
7. Redbird is affordable.
6. Redbird offers opportunities for writers to meet with peers to discuss their work.
5. Redbird offers outstanding workshops/seminars/courses in a variety of genres.
4. Redbird provides opportunities to meet and learn from published authors.
3. Redbird provides educational opportunities for writers of all ages and stages of writing.
2. Redbird provides a "home" for writers to blossom and flourish.
1. Redbird has Judy Bridges."

Constance Anderson (Highland Park, Illinois)

"Well, there are many writers groups in this world - but how many of them offer a professional facilitator? having you (Judy Bridges) "managing" the group makes all the difference in the world; your constructive critiques/suggestions are spot on!"

Claudia Burns

"Contact with other writers who are trying to achieve the same difficult goals."

Dave Thome

"Having a facilitator is what sets Redbird apart from other groups. Democratic-styled groups can't offer the perspective Judy's can. I think this is the main thing.

Also, Judy (or other leaders) sets the tone, and can see to it that the criticism doesn't become brutal. On the other hand, she's not afraid to suggest to a writer that the writing doesn't quite hit the mark or needs a lot of work, which is just what a writer, albeit thin-skinned, may need.

On the other hand, I have seen for myself how Judy smiles and her face lights up when a really good piece of writing is read.

She really cares about good writing. Her viewpoint doesn't dominate, nor does anyone else's."

Doreen Zeller

"I like Redbird's very existence. If identity is a negotiation (as the postmodernists would have us believe) then it's the group that gets to decide what's real.

For over ten years, Redbird has created a space where writers validate one another's existence and the worth of crafting the written word."

Ean Behr

"I'm thinking the sheer suspense of Round Table, wondering what cards will be thrown down on the table in the hours to come."

Eric Hansen

"I was so pleased and relieved to sit in your classroom and feel like my thoughts, my writing, you took very seriously.

I have learned a lot and have enjoyed every
minute of it.
Thank you, Judy. You are a treasure."

Eileen Elliott

"Good stuff:
1. Opportunity to grow, to sharpen my craft, to try new genres
2. Judy herself - her expert facilitation, her critiques - seeing the flow of the piece as a whole, as well as the small stuff
3. The mutual critiquing is so, so helpful, even when I don't bring pages of my own
4. Opportunity to meet some of the best people in the world - other writers - in an atmosphere of mutual help and concern - how cool is that?
5. The revved up feeling I have afterwards. I flip on a jazz station as I drive. When I get home, I brew some tea, read the comments of my peers, then hit the computer.

I can't wait to write. "

Josephine Marie Flynn

"I love the people, especially Judy.....The workshops are great and the whole atmosphere is inspiring."

Dorie Hayes

"1. Judy Bridges, the heart of Redbird
2. The supportive atmosphere
3. The people who are attracted to Redbird and stay around because they are people who appreciate the supportive atmosphere, positive reinforcement, and real help with their writing. As a whole they are warm, lovely, interesting, giving and stimulating people to be around.
4. The view of Lake Michigan and the whole feel of the Marian Center and its grounds. It's a good place to be, surrounded by the history and the spirit of those wonderful nuns, past and present."

Judy Beehler

"I enjoy . . .
The close-knit writing groups
The networking and friendships.

The pool of shared knowledge and experiences, sometimes swimming in it, sometimes just dipping a toe in.

The practical guidance offered through classes, critiques, and contacts.

Knowing there are shoulders to rely upon when needed
The close proximity to my home.

The stairs, which give me the chance to expend all my anxiety and presentation fears before I arrive.

The elegant yet firm control exercised by critique group moderators, contributing to the single-purpose of each group setting: to critique.

The feeling of inclusion, of belonging to a community.

Judy's friendship. "

Jason M. Waltz

"Round Table

Diverse group of serious writers with a facilitator that sets a good respectful working atmosphere and everyone's writing improves.

When someone is working on a longer book, I can't wait until I get to hear where the writing will go in the next session.

Reading for critique every two weeks keeps me hard at work at my writing.

Special workshops help a writing improve."

Judith Zukerman

"I haven't participated in RB class in quite sometime, but what I like about you AND RB is the spirit and honesty that guides your teaching, mentoring and friendship. It shines through RB too!"

Kaite Miller

"The hard work of writing is appreciated and acknowledged.

Every finished manuscript is celebrated with joy!

The writers at the roundtable are each uniquely hilarious and interesting. We laughed a lot."

Karen Dahlman

"I love rubbing shoulders with writers in the field and getting feedback from people who love writing.

I love that Redbird gives me the opportunity to be challenged in a creative way which is totally different than the technical world that I am in
professionally.

I love learning about a side of Milwaukee that, until joining Redbird, I didn't know existed in Milwaukee--the burgeoning creative edge of our "blue collar" city.

Even after a "bad writing night", I love seeing Milwaukee's skyline at night from the south as I leave Redbird--a view, as a western suburbanite, I never had seen until I ventured to Redbird."

Kathy Olsen

"10. Giving voice to your writing spirit.

9. Hearing yourself read your own words.

8. Getting input from other readers.

7. Getting input from other writers.

6. Getting input from the group leader.

5. Reading other writers.

4. Sharing your work with real people besides your friends.

3. Discovering typos.

2. Getting a "bird's eye" view of facts.

1. Making new friends."

Kelly Vetter

"I love the ambience.

I love the people.

I love the positive energy.

I love the support.

I love Judy!

I love the success stories floating around the room.

I love the safe place to "fail."

I love the fact that every time I walk through the door, I learn something new.

Did I say I love Judy?"

Kim Suhr

"1. Judy Bridges
2. Felicity Librie
3. feedback
4. community
5. resources
6. lake view
7. coffee, baked goods
8. cardio workout
9. sunsets
10. howling wolf-dogs"

Kirk Farber

"One of the best things about Redbird is the Young Authors Program. Young people are allowed to develop their abilities in a safe, challenging, nurturing and non-traditional environment.

Children are encouraged to 'unplug' through walks on the grounds, along the lakeshore, and in the woods.

Creative exercises allow their imaginations to blossom so the children tap into their creative potential.

New friendships are made with other children who think 'just like them'.

Most children are excited to get there and sad to leave.

Thank you for giving children a place to express themselves. The seeds you plant today will grow and bear fruit for many years to come!"

Kristine Jaeger (writer and mother of young author)

"It's the warmth of encouragement that anyone feels after climbing those damn stairs. It's the human connections, the sense of community, free of intimidation or pressure.

It's the view from the classroom windows that allows writers to stretch their own horizons and dreams.

It's the free parking and the hot tea and Dave's smilng face. And, of course, it's your steady-as-she-goes, no-bullshit attitude about writing (and life), Judy, that makes Redbird Redbird.

It's unlike any other place I've known."

Kurt Chandler

"Judy Bridges is the heart and soul of Redbird Studio. If we could see Judy's soul, it would appear as a red squiggle with the words inscribed underneath, "One more time".

Thousands of people have passed through the doorway of writer's heaven to read one more story, one more time, ten pages max.

Once when I was oxygen depleted after an especially hard climb, I staggered into Montessori and sat down. I almost didn't realize my mistake; the same creative play, the same warm fun-loving spirit.

Thanks, Judy, many times over for keeping imagination alive."

Larry Kresse

"Class offerings that provide concrete and specific tips and shortcuts on how to craft as well how to write a piece that is engaging and hangs together.

An atmosphere that minimizes my tendency to feel like a nitwit when I'm out of my comfort zone.

Writers Circles that provide structured and objective feedback on writing.

Accountability...to other writers, to self, to the craft."

Maureen Laustsen

"1. Judy -- great teacher, encouraging, honest, direct and inspiring
2. Location -- great feel, homey, safe, encouraging, warm
3. Mix of classes, roundtables and workshops supports writers at all stages of the process
4. A community of writers. Once you become a part of Redbird you are always a part of it.
5. A resource center for writers, with books, examples of other local writers who've been published and contest/area workshop information
6. The Young Authors Program -- great environment for young writers to be challenged, expanded and allowed to express themselves.
7. The Longevity of Redbird -- it's been around a while (since 1993) and has helped 6,000 plus writers in the process.
8. Roundtable critique groups help to push and drive writers to improve and expand their writing skills
9. Redbird News in my email inbox keeps me up-to-date easily on happenings at Redbird
10. Judy."

Shannon Jackson Arnold

"The warmth! And I don't mean the temperature. The room's decorations and arrangement are always inviting and the positive spirit of the place comes out to greet you -- it's evident in Judy's smile as you walk in, the bright, bold, solid colors, the open arrangement that conveys the feeling that there'll be no nasty secrets or snide comments here.

The Studio is an oasis for calm, intelligent, thoughtful, discussion of individual writing projects."

Sharon Addy

"I love the creative energy of Redbird. Your attitude pervades the place, encouraging and nurturing. Each paragraph, scene, and book are mountains to be climbed.

When a place like Redbird exists, it says to all of us "You can" and "Overcome your self, overcome your fears."

Thank you for giving me a room of my own. "

Shauna Singh Baldwin

"What I like best about Redbird is that it is a quality writer's group where aspiring writers of all genres who are serious about getting published can network, make friends, and get thorough feedback on their work."

Sheila Julson

"I love that you are the best damn book consultant on the planet!!! You have made my books into a selling machine with global reach.

You helped me think outside the box and believe and I would not be in this position without you, my friend!!!

And that is what I know for sure! "

Stacey Kannenberg