What we’re about
Greetings! Welcome to the Write Out Loud Meetup page.
Write Out Loud is a welcoming and diverse group of LGBTQ+ writers, united by our shared passion for exploring the world through words. We meet twice monthly to share our latest creations, offering and receiving constructive feedback in a supportive environment. Whether you're writing memoir, poetry, YA, horror, plays, personal essays, or any other genre or format, you'll find a space here. Our mission is to foster creativity, build community, and help each other move our writing forward. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, encouragement and inspiration await.
FAQ (and Not So FAQ):
How often does Write Out Loud meet?
Typically the group meets the first and third Sunday of each month. We start promptly at 1 PM and go thru to 4 PM PST.
Where does Write Out Loud meet?
Due to the ongoing worldwide situation, we have been meeting via Zoom to ensure everyone stays safe. This also allows people from outside the Los Angeles area to attend - double win! The Zoom link will be sent out through Meetup messages multiple times in the week leading up to the meeting to all writers who have selected to attend the event.
How are the meetings structured?
At the beginning of each meeting, Glenn explains the usual schedule that we take and writers are called on to read their pieces out loud for up to ten minutes. Their fellow writers will then offer feedback for up to ten minutes. The readings and feedback portions are timed so that we can get through as many attendees' work as possible while still offering a reasonable amount of time to make their participation worthwhile. Recurring attendees are given priority over newcomers (to encourage repeat attendance and discourage those who wish to come one time solely to share and get feedback on their own piece). Note that we don't always get to hear from all the writers who show up. Those who don't get to read one meeting are given the priority at the following meeting.
How many writers attend each meeting?
It varies. Usually we have around 10 writers. Sometimes we may have 5, other times we may have 25.
What genres and styles are represented?
Anything goes! We have memoirs. We have screenplays. We have poetry. We have self-improvement books. We have Young Adult novels. We have Sci-Fi. We have Fantasy. We have songs. Whatever genre you work in, we welcome it!
Must I have writing to share in order to attend?
You can "audit" one meeting, but after that, yes, have something to read to the group.
Must I give feedback to the other writers?
You don't have to provide feedback on every piece you hear, but it's only right that if you are there to get feedback, you should give some as well.
How much does it cost, man?
Membership is free, though I don't mind donations to help me pay both Meetup's fees for hosting this page and Zoom costs.
Must I attend every meeting?
No, but do plan on attending at least once per year. Also, if you RSVP "Yes" but then find you can't make it, please have the courtesy to change your RSVP so as to alert us. It helps us know how many people to expect and prepare accordingly. Repeat offenders to this will be removed from the group.
Any other questions, drop me a note.
Hope to see you soon!
Glenn, Organizer, Write Out Loud - LGBTQ Writers Group