What we’re about
Welcome to the Coffee House Writers Group
With over 4,000 members and Critique Group Chapters in Pomona/San Dimas, Fullerton and Long Beach, the Coffee House Writers Group is a friendly community where we writers can find support and camaraderie in the otherwise lonely pursuit of our craft. The group operates a little differently than many critique groups - members are encouraged to bring a short piece of writing to read out loud at each meeting (although it's not mandatory). Critiques are done verbally, based on how well the writing stands up to being read out loud. We do this for two reasons -
• A lot of things like flow and cadence are best picked up when a piece is read out loud
• This type of critique invites the participation of those with busy schedules who don't have time to prepare written critiques ahead of time or are already part of a written-critique-type of group
Things to expect:
• A friendly group of supportive writers to hang out with on a regular basis
• A safe supportive environment for new writers and veterans. We encourage all kinds of writing (although we do ask that you keep what you read out loud to a PG-13 rating since we do meet in public venues)
• Great feedback on your writing - CHWG critique groups have attracted members that include published writers, writing teachers, editors and other professionals
• Fun!
Things that you will not find here:
• Judgment calls and bashing. Nope. We maintain a very supportive environment - we all have to start somewhere and even the best of writers got their beginnings
• Homework. We do not publish files to be reviewed before the meetings, nor do we insist that people prepare critiques before the meetings
• Drama. There's enough of that in our stories! Let's leave the drama on the pages
Connect with our rapidly growing writing community:
Between meetings there is a very active Facebook group as well as a Facebook fan page. We also have community events, writing seminars, parties and readings in addition to critique meetings.
If this sounds like a fun interesting group, feel free to join and come to one of our meetings!
Keep Writing!!!!!!!
Christine Marie Bryant
CEO Coffee House Writers Group
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Online - Long Beach - Wednesday Critique Night CHWG on ZoomLink visible for attendees
PLEASE MESSAGE RUSS THOMPSON (HOST) FOR THE ZOOM LINK VIA MEETUP MESSAGE OR HIS EMAIL AT RUSSTHOMPSON95@GMAIL.COM - THANK YOU.
There is a new Zoom link as of June 2022.
WHAT WE’RE ABOUT
Awesome Community AND AMAZING STORIES !
Our mission is to support writers in honing their craft and current projects. We do this with a community of writers providing constructive feedback. Everyone is welcome here. We do not distinguish between returning members and the brand new!
THE WAY IT WORKS
Writers read their work aloud. All critiquing happens on the spot. That means NO HOMEWORK!
Writing Critique Groups are 6pm to 8:45pm, but you can come at any time and stay for as long as it suits you. When you first come, please sign in. The sign-in sheet distinguishes those that wish to read their work aloud and for those that do not. There is no obligation to present your work or to critique others. Do only what you are comfortable. You may "Pass" when it's your turn to critique.
When we get started, we go down the sign-in sheet for readings. When a reader has finished, each person at the table will have their own time to critique the work starting to the right (counter-clockwise). During that time, the speaker has the floor and is not to be interrupted by anyone else –even the person that just read. It is not a discussion, just unbiased editing advice. For the sake of time, any back and forth should be for clarification purposes only.
Can’t wait to see you and hear your stories! Guidelines Below
READERS
Speak up so everyone can hear you. Some people bring copies for everyone to follow along, but there's no requirement.
You can read any kind of piece you wish including prose, poetry, and scripts. Strong language is permitted and should be expected by all who come. We like to think of our group as rated M for mature. The only genre we do not read aloud is erotica.
There is no time limit on reading. We just ask that you watch your time and be respectful of other writers wanting to read. If there are more members attending, the time reading might be shorter than if there are fewer members attending. It's a community effort. Please just take home with you the feedback that works for you and leave what doesn't at the table. No one needs to know what critiques you do or do not like. The critiques given should never turn into debates. Everyone in the group is here to help you grow as a writer and inspire you to write.
You do not have to use any commentary given on your piece that you do not agree with. Put your heart away and understand that we critique the work, not the writer. Do not feel like you have to defend your work.
LISTENERS
We don’t critique others’ critiques. Avoid debates and let the person speaking give their feedback.
Keep all talk constructive. Example –Saying something is boring does not help. Rather say instead why something was unable to keep your attention. Give the reader something they can use to better their work.
Keep all feedback concise. This keeps it from being diluted and saves time. We suggest taking notes.
If possible, feedback such as “show don’t tell” should reference specific items. Avoid language directing the author such as “You should” and instead focus on yourself i.e. “I prefer.”
CONDUCT
Please be respectful of all who attend. Harassment of any nature will not be tolerated at the venue or online. Please see or message your group facilitator if you have any concerns.
MORE
Russ Thompson, Critique Group Facilitator.
Christine will also be around periodically and happy to answer questions at 626.488.5879
We have a Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/CHWritersGroup/) with a community of writers to interact with. It is a private group. No spam or solicitation please.
We also have a fan page
(https://www.facebook.com/coffeehousewritersgroup) for anyone to "like."Follow us on Twitter @CHWritersGroup
(https://twitter.com/CHWritersGroup)We also have a Podcast on (click for link)
iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-house-writers-group/id1137847775?mt=2)
CHWritersGroup.org (http://chwritersgroup.org/) Currently under construction.
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdhGvSfNpIU_BXCQqG62xlg?&ab_channel=CoffeeHouseWritersGroup)
Listen to the first one here and now with our President and Founder about our group's origins and how it operates:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMVsZP2DD0&ab_channel=CoffeeHouseWritersGroup
- Online - Long Beach - Wednesday Critique Night CHWG on ZoomLink visible for attendees
PLEASE MESSAGE RUSS THOMPSON (HOST) FOR THE ZOOM LINK VIA MEETUP MESSAGE OR HIS EMAIL AT RUSSTHOMPSON95@GMAIL.COM - THANK YOU.
There is a new Zoom link as of June 2022.
WHAT WE’RE ABOUT
Awesome Community AND AMAZING STORIES !
Our mission is to support writers in honing their craft and current projects. We do this with a community of writers providing constructive feedback. Everyone is welcome here. We do not distinguish between returning members and the brand new!
THE WAY IT WORKS
Writers read their work aloud. All critiquing happens on the spot. That means NO HOMEWORK!
Writing Critique Groups are 6pm to 8:45pm, but you can come at any time and stay for as long as it suits you. When you first come, please sign in. The sign-in sheet distinguishes those that wish to read their work aloud and for those that do not. There is no obligation to present your work or to critique others. Do only what you are comfortable. You may "Pass" when it's your turn to critique.
When we get started, we go down the sign-in sheet for readings. When a reader has finished, each person at the table will have their own time to critique the work starting to the right (counter-clockwise). During that time, the speaker has the floor and is not to be interrupted by anyone else –even the person that just read. It is not a discussion, just unbiased editing advice. For the sake of time, any back and forth should be for clarification purposes only.
Can’t wait to see you and hear your stories! Guidelines Below
READERS
Speak up so everyone can hear you. Some people bring copies for everyone to follow along, but there's no requirement.
You can read any kind of piece you wish including prose, poetry, and scripts. Strong language is permitted and should be expected by all who come. We like to think of our group as rated M for mature. The only genre we do not read aloud is erotica.
There is no time limit on reading. We just ask that you watch your time and be respectful of other writers wanting to read. If there are more members attending, the time reading might be shorter than if there are fewer members attending. It's a community effort. Please just take home with you the feedback that works for you and leave what doesn't at the table. No one needs to know what critiques you do or do not like. The critiques given should never turn into debates. Everyone in the group is here to help you grow as a writer and inspire you to write.
You do not have to use any commentary given on your piece that you do not agree with. Put your heart away and understand that we critique the work, not the writer. Do not feel like you have to defend your work.
LISTENERS
We don’t critique others’ critiques. Avoid debates and let the person speaking give their feedback.
Keep all talk constructive. Example –Saying something is boring does not help. Rather say instead why something was unable to keep your attention. Give the reader something they can use to better their work.
Keep all feedback concise. This keeps it from being diluted and saves time. We suggest taking notes.
If possible, feedback such as “show don’t tell” should reference specific items. Avoid language directing the author such as “You should” and instead focus on yourself i.e. “I prefer.”
CONDUCT
Please be respectful of all who attend. Harassment of any nature will not be tolerated at the venue or online. Please see or message your group facilitator if you have any concerns.
MORE
Russ Thompson, Critique Group Facilitator.
Christine will also be around periodically and happy to answer questions at 626.488.5879
We have a Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/CHWritersGroup/) with a community of writers to interact with. It is a private group. No spam or solicitation please.
We also have a fan page
(https://www.facebook.com/coffeehousewritersgroup) for anyone to "like."Follow us on Twitter @CHWritersGroup
(https://twitter.com/CHWritersGroup)We also have a Podcast on (click for link)
iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-house-writers-group/id1137847775?mt=2)
CHWritersGroup.org (http://chwritersgroup.org/) Currently under construction.
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdhGvSfNpIU_BXCQqG62xlg?&ab_channel=CoffeeHouseWritersGroup)
Listen to the first one here and now with our President and Founder about our group's origins and how it operates:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMVsZP2DD0&ab_channel=CoffeeHouseWritersGroup
- Online - Long Beach - Wednesday Critique Night CHWG on ZoomLink visible for attendees
PLEASE MESSAGE RUSS THOMPSON (HOST) FOR THE ZOOM LINK VIA MEETUP MESSAGE OR HIS EMAIL AT RUSSTHOMPSON95@GMAIL.COM - THANK YOU.
There is a new Zoom link as of June 2022.
WHAT WE’RE ABOUT
Awesome Community AND AMAZING STORIES !
Our mission is to support writers in honing their craft and current projects. We do this with a community of writers providing constructive feedback. Everyone is welcome here. We do not distinguish between returning members and the brand new!
THE WAY IT WORKS
Writers read their work aloud. All critiquing happens on the spot. That means NO HOMEWORK!
Writing Critique Groups are 6pm to 8:45pm, but you can come at any time and stay for as long as it suits you. When you first come, please sign in. The sign-in sheet distinguishes those that wish to read their work aloud and for those that do not. There is no obligation to present your work or to critique others. Do only what you are comfortable. You may "Pass" when it's your turn to critique.
When we get started, we go down the sign-in sheet for readings. When a reader has finished, each person at the table will have their own time to critique the work starting to the right (counter-clockwise). During that time, the speaker has the floor and is not to be interrupted by anyone else –even the person that just read. It is not a discussion, just unbiased editing advice. For the sake of time, any back and forth should be for clarification purposes only.
Can’t wait to see you and hear your stories! Guidelines Below
READERS
Speak up so everyone can hear you. Some people bring copies for everyone to follow along, but there's no requirement.
You can read any kind of piece you wish including prose, poetry, and scripts. Strong language is permitted and should be expected by all who come. We like to think of our group as rated M for mature. The only genre we do not read aloud is erotica.
There is no time limit on reading. We just ask that you watch your time and be respectful of other writers wanting to read. If there are more members attending, the time reading might be shorter than if there are fewer members attending. It's a community effort. Please just take home with you the feedback that works for you and leave what doesn't at the table. No one needs to know what critiques you do or do not like. The critiques given should never turn into debates. Everyone in the group is here to help you grow as a writer and inspire you to write.
You do not have to use any commentary given on your piece that you do not agree with. Put your heart away and understand that we critique the work, not the writer. Do not feel like you have to defend your work.
LISTENERS
We don’t critique others’ critiques. Avoid debates and let the person speaking give their feedback.
Keep all talk constructive. Example –Saying something is boring does not help. Rather say instead why something was unable to keep your attention. Give the reader something they can use to better their work.
Keep all feedback concise. This keeps it from being diluted and saves time. We suggest taking notes.
If possible, feedback such as “show don’t tell” should reference specific items. Avoid language directing the author such as “You should” and instead focus on yourself i.e. “I prefer.”
CONDUCT
Please be respectful of all who attend. Harassment of any nature will not be tolerated at the venue or online. Please see or message your group facilitator if you have any concerns.
MORE
Russ Thompson, Critique Group Facilitator.
Christine will also be around periodically and happy to answer questions at 626.488.5879
We have a Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/CHWritersGroup/) with a community of writers to interact with. It is a private group. No spam or solicitation please.
We also have a fan page
(https://www.facebook.com/coffeehousewritersgroup) for anyone to "like."Follow us on Twitter @CHWritersGroup
(https://twitter.com/CHWritersGroup)We also have a Podcast on (click for link)
iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-house-writers-group/id1137847775?mt=2)
CHWritersGroup.org (http://chwritersgroup.org/) Currently under construction.
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdhGvSfNpIU_BXCQqG62xlg?&ab_channel=CoffeeHouseWritersGroup)
Listen to the first one here and now with our President and Founder about our group's origins and how it operates:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMVsZP2DD0&ab_channel=CoffeeHouseWritersGroup
- Online - Long Beach - Wednesday Critique Night CHWG on ZoomLink visible for attendees
PLEASE MESSAGE RUSS THOMPSON (HOST) FOR THE ZOOM LINK VIA MEETUP MESSAGE OR HIS EMAIL AT RUSSTHOMPSON95@GMAIL.COM - THANK YOU.
There is a new Zoom link as of June 2022.
WHAT WE’RE ABOUT
Awesome Community AND AMAZING STORIES !
Our mission is to support writers in honing their craft and current projects. We do this with a community of writers providing constructive feedback. Everyone is welcome here. We do not distinguish between returning members and the brand new!
THE WAY IT WORKS
Writers read their work aloud. All critiquing happens on the spot. That means NO HOMEWORK!
Writing Critique Groups are 6pm to 8:45pm, but you can come at any time and stay for as long as it suits you. When you first come, please sign in. The sign-in sheet distinguishes those that wish to read their work aloud and for those that do not. There is no obligation to present your work or to critique others. Do only what you are comfortable. You may "Pass" when it's your turn to critique.
When we get started, we go down the sign-in sheet for readings. When a reader has finished, each person at the table will have their own time to critique the work starting to the right (counter-clockwise). During that time, the speaker has the floor and is not to be interrupted by anyone else –even the person that just read. It is not a discussion, just unbiased editing advice. For the sake of time, any back and forth should be for clarification purposes only.
Can’t wait to see you and hear your stories! Guidelines Below
READERS
Speak up so everyone can hear you. Some people bring copies for everyone to follow along, but there's no requirement.
You can read any kind of piece you wish including prose, poetry, and scripts. Strong language is permitted and should be expected by all who come. We like to think of our group as rated M for mature. The only genre we do not read aloud is erotica.
There is no time limit on reading. We just ask that you watch your time and be respectful of other writers wanting to read. If there are more members attending, the time reading might be shorter than if there are fewer members attending. It's a community effort. Please just take home with you the feedback that works for you and leave what doesn't at the table. No one needs to know what critiques you do or do not like. The critiques given should never turn into debates. Everyone in the group is here to help you grow as a writer and inspire you to write.
You do not have to use any commentary given on your piece that you do not agree with. Put your heart away and understand that we critique the work, not the writer. Do not feel like you have to defend your work.
LISTENERS
We don’t critique others’ critiques. Avoid debates and let the person speaking give their feedback.
Keep all talk constructive. Example –Saying something is boring does not help. Rather say instead why something was unable to keep your attention. Give the reader something they can use to better their work.
Keep all feedback concise. This keeps it from being diluted and saves time. We suggest taking notes.
If possible, feedback such as “show don’t tell” should reference specific items. Avoid language directing the author such as “You should” and instead focus on yourself i.e. “I prefer.”
CONDUCT
Please be respectful of all who attend. Harassment of any nature will not be tolerated at the venue or online. Please see or message your group facilitator if you have any concerns.
MORE
Russ Thompson, Critique Group Facilitator.
Christine will also be around periodically and happy to answer questions at 626.488.5879
We have a Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/CHWritersGroup/) with a community of writers to interact with. It is a private group. No spam or solicitation please.
We also have a fan page
(https://www.facebook.com/coffeehousewritersgroup) for anyone to "like."Follow us on Twitter @CHWritersGroup
(https://twitter.com/CHWritersGroup)We also have a Podcast on (click for link)
iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-house-writers-group/id1137847775?mt=2)
CHWritersGroup.org (http://chwritersgroup.org/) Currently under construction.
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdhGvSfNpIU_BXCQqG62xlg?&ab_channel=CoffeeHouseWritersGroup)
Listen to the first one here and now with our President and Founder about our group's origins and how it operates:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaMVsZP2DD0&ab_channel=CoffeeHouseWritersGroup