Hello! If you have found this group, you are obviously interested in composing some sort of speculative fiction. Our purpose is to help you improve your writing, provide support, and help you become a published author (if that is your goal).

We meet twice a month, on the first and third Thursday of each month. Our meetings consist primarily of critiques, with occasional short presentations and speakers. Pieces to be critiqued are on a first-come first-serve volunteer basis. Pieces are limited to 4000 words per meeting.

Anyone who is interested in ANY KIND of speculative fiction writing should join: science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, paranormal, horror, supernatural, superhero, utopian, dystopian, post apocalyptic, apocalyptic, and more! We have members who write flash fiction, short stories, screen plays, novellas, and novels.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the group!

HOW IT WORKS

1) A person will volunteer their piece of approximately 4000 words or less to be critiqued for a specific meeting date by emailing it to me at sarah.n.fisk(at)gmail(dot)com. We playfully call this the HOT SEAT. Often people go a little over the word limit and that is OK.

2) I post a .doc and .pdf version of the piece in our Files section (see top nav bar) with the date clearly labeled.

3) All members print out the piece and write all over it - with grammar, spelling, thematic, plot, character, narration, voice, etc comments. Both positive and negative.

4) Everyone will bring their marked-up copy to the meeting. Verbal critiques take place at the meeting and focus on craft rather than grammar. All critiques should be constructive and specific. No "I don't like it" or "you suck" allowed. Something more along the lines of "I really like your fresh voice, especially in this paragraph" or "Mary Jane's character could use a little more developing, I feel like I don't know her."

4a) Anyone can speak at any time and discussion/differing opinions are encouraged. So much of writing/reading is subjective.

5) At the end of the meeting, everyone gives their marked up copy to the author. This will help the person remember your thoughts, provides an opportunity for you to voice an opinion you might not make with 10 people listening, and is especially helpful for grammar issues.

6) Repeat. Please let me know if you have any questions!