Writers’ Haven Evanston

Cooperative coWorking spaces for Women Writers

As featured in…

Launched in February 2020, Writers’ Haven Evanston is my second, home-based, cooperative workspace for women writers.

As featured in The Daily Northwestern (Feb, 2022)

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Why Writers’ Haven Evanston? We’re the only business in town dedicated exclusively to women writers and their needs. As a woman-owned business, we also donate a percentage of our earnings to the YWCA Evanston/North Shore, working to eliminate racism and empower women.

Backstory
Click here to learn about the history of the house

As a freelance writer and community builder, I’ve loved working in comfy, interesting, and AFFORDABLE spaces — ideally filled with other women writers. But havens like this aren’t easy to find.

Libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops are fantastic, but sometimes, we need something different.

Some days, we need space to spread out. Other times, we want to cocoon in privacy. For some projects, we find it inspiring to huddle with others. Other days, it’s motivating just being around other writers (without actually having to interact!).

In 2014, I launched my first creative escape for women — Writers’ Haven Michigan — in my summer home, offering a space with all the options I craved, including flexible scheduling in a home-like setting with a mix of communal and private work areas.

Inspired by the outpouring of positive feedback from clients, I’m delighted to introduce Writers’ Haven Evanston.

How Does It Work?
Schedule time for creative escapes when they work with your busy life.

Annual Membership: $75
15% off all space rentals, coaching services, books & merch.

Monday-Friday, 9a-4p
Non-Members: $50/day ($7.14/hour)
Members: $42.50/day ($6.07/hour)

5-Day “Writers’ Blocks”
5 Days for the price of 4
(Days need not be concurrent)
Non-Members: $200 ($5.71/hour)
Members: $170 ($4.85/hour)

Small, Private Group Meetings
Must be a member to book; prices vary on group size and time
Monday-Friday 6p-9p
or
Weekends 9a-4p

• Spend a peaceful day immersed in your writing project.
• Work independently or gather safely with your small group.
• Book a consult with Christine to fine-tune your writing goals, discuss a work-in-progress, or wrestle an unwieldy manuscript.
• Find inspiration during monthly workshops and write-ins designed to invigorate your creativity, surrounded by a supportive community.

An Ideal Locale
We’re an easy walk from the Elevated and Metra stops — equidistant from Main Street and Davis Street in Evanston, Illinois.

If you’re here for a whole day, take a quick lunch break and head to Lake Michigan’s Lee Street Beach (8 blocks away), or pop into any of the dozens of restaurants, shops & boutiques, studios & galleries or services along Evanston’s Main Dempster Mile as a treat for work well done.

Located in a charming, 3-story, Queen Anne-style Victorian row house, you’ll always find coffee, tea, and chocolate — not to mention the company of others who love words as much as you.

Click here to learn more

Coworking Can Combat Loneliness
According to research published in the Harvard Business Review, the “loneliness epidemic” existed long before the pandemic. The increase in gig workers, independent contractors, and freelancers all working remotely has led to many of us losing touch with each other.

From his surveys of coworking space members, Steve King published these findings:

87% of respondents reported they meet other members for social reasons, with 54% saying they socialize with other members after work and/or on weekends

  • 79% said coworking has expanded their social networks

  • 83% report that they are less lonely since joining a coworking space

  • 89% report that they are happier since joining a coworking space

    Clearly, coworking spaces do more than increase productivity and break up our creative blocks; they’re proven to help combat feelings of isolation.

 


Testimonials from Writers’ Haven Evanston clients:

“Christine Wolf is marvelous for many reasons, and her apt naming of Writers' Haven is just the first. A haven is exactly what she's created. The space is perfectly curated to make writers feel cozy and welcome while at the same time spurring the creativity and productivity that is so hard to find in day to day life. I started coming to WH a year ago. In that time, I've made so much progress on my novel that I doubt I would have without weekly, day-long sessions in this space. If more coworking spaces had freshly made cinnamon rolls, unlimited coffee, and someone as vibrant as Christine to greet you in the morning, they'd all be packed! I can't stress enough how invaluable Writers' Haven is for writers looking to power through their latest project or just enjoy themselves.”
—Tessa Constantine, Novelist

Thank you for opening your beautiful home to us! I have struggled to make time for my writing lately, and having the dedicated time and space for writing was exactly what I needed to reconnect with my writing, and with my writing friends. I appreciate the room, the light, the variety of spaces, in your house, but most of all, I appreciate your hospitality.”
—Paula Mikrut, Writer

“I spent a day at the writing retreat of my dreams, and it was a 30 minute drive from my house. @tinywolf1 runs the Writer’s Haven out of her gorgeous old Victorian home in Evanston, and when I found out you can rent a desk for an entire day here, I jumped on the chance. Since it’s pandemic times, I had the entire third floor to myself, and it was a DREAM. I wrote 5500 words in my second novel (!!), drank complimentary coffee, ate complimentary chocolate, and moved around but mostly settled in this amazing window seat overlooking the street. I’m so grateful Christine created this space for writers in Chicago and the surrounding area. I will *definitely* be writing here again!”
Melissa Baron, Author of speculative fiction, romance, and fantasy — with a dash of paranormal or horror

“I had my first visit to the Writers’ Haven today and all I can say is that it certainly lives up to its name. I was completely blown away by the environment you have created for writers. Everything about the day and your home worked for me — right down to the slippers! In fact, especially the slippers. I want those slippers! Seriously, where did you get them? After 40 years as a journalist, I am just now shifting into fiction writing. I really enjoyed all the writing-related decor, from the manual typewriter to the paper flowers and wreath made with newsprint. The 3-D sculptures climbing the wall are magnificent. All these details were inspiring and encouraging to me. It was as if the whole house was saying, ‘You are a writer. This is where writers write. Go ahead and write!’ And I did. I had the most productive day of writing that I can remember. It was so easy to be focused in this lovely, quiet, comfortable setting. I didn’t want to leave! Thank you for the snacks — that toffee!!!! And the coffee. Everything about the environment felt like it was of service to me and my writing. It made my writing feel important. Thank you for that. I can’t wait to come back. Thank you.”
—Janie Gabbett, Journalist and writer of fiction

“This is the ideal space for both groups and individuals to work, as there’s space on the main level for smaller groups to gather to write and discuss — as well plenty of other space in the house for quiet work in individual rooms. The floor plan is flexible and open to accommodate both writers in a group and writers working alone, but wanting to feel part of a community. First of all, it's a gorgeous, sophisticated space to work. Feels like home -- with a fireplace, a comfortable couch and chairs, and access to a kitchen -- but without the distractions one has at home. The house has a "retreat within the city" kind of feel, with calming blue and green colors, and thoughtful touches that make one want to settle in to a cozy spot for a long time to think, read or write. Perfect place to get away for a couple hours or a day, and work on a special project. It's a pleasure to have such a space conveniently located and easily accessible. Christine has taken care of all the details! It's just dreamy!”
—Julie L., Writer of creative nonfiction, memoir, flash, and poetry

“I appreciated the comfort of the space, natural light, available variety of spaces (table, couch, shared space, alone space), access to kitchen and available drinks. Was looking forward to enjoying the outdoor space when the weather improved. Liked availability of parking and how easy it is to get to. Liked the level of welcome, service, and care from Christine! Thank you! Hope to be back at Haven soon!”
—Jeannine B., Writer of short stories, comedy & storytelling for performance, interviews, and essays


Testimonials from Writers’ Haven Michigan clients:

"the writers' haven is cozy, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful. it's a large house and a relaxing environment, with quiet spaces for thinking and writing and all the comforts of home. it's the perfect place to get away for creatively productive time."
— New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Irby

“Christine is a smart, funny, and gracious host. Can't wait to return.”
—Writer Laura Vasilion

“Just had a phenomenal weekend at the house. Christine is the loveliest host and she was super helpful with my writing project too. Highly recommend!”
—Writer Rachel Pizer Tzinberg

“Terrific! The lovely setting was restorative. The other writers inspired me, and Christine kept us comfortable all weekend.”
—Author Juliet Bond

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