Red Sands Writers Circle

Welcome, poets!

This is our new Bi-Monthly In-Person Poetry Meeting! We will be meeting the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at Jarrod's Cafe NEW LOCATION at Haus 109 in Downtown Mesa. We're here to share our poetry and support one another through constructive suggestions for future drafts. Our group loves all styles of poetry, including similar genres like flash fiction and spoken word.

In person please bring 8 paper copies of your work so we can add editorial marks and jot down ideas. If your poems are very short, (Haiku, etc.) feel free to bring a couple, but we otherwise try to stay to one poem per person, and please try to limit the total length to less than 2 pages. If you don't have writing to bring in yet, still feel free to join us to read and offer critiques.

FAQ:

I write prose poems, is that okay?

Yes! All styles of poetry are welcome, including similar genres like flash fiction and spoken word.

I'm writing a novel--what about that?

Most likely you'll want to attend one of the other Red Sands events that focuses on novels. However, if your writing style is particularly lyrical we might be the best group to support you! Send a message to the organizer if you're not sure.

Do I have to RSVP?

Please always RSVP if you intend to share your work, or move yourself to "Not Going" as soon as you realize you won't be able to make it.

I'm on the "wait-list" what does that mean?

You're still welcome to join us, this just means we may not have time to read your work at this meeting, though we will try.

I'm afraid someone will hate my writing, what should I do?

Don't be afraid! Rough drafts are always rough. Nobody will be perfect. We're here to support you, which means pointing out the parts that are awesome and providing honest suggestions for improvement. You're welcome to ignore the suggestions or take it into consideration for the next draft. It's just feedback. No pressure.

I'm not good at giving feedback to others, what should I do?

Oh, sure you are! If you've ever read a poem and thought "Wow, loved that line -- but this part took me out of the moment" then you've given feedback. It's simply reacting to the work. No pressure.

I'm uncomfortable with someone reading my writing aloud.

It's okay to read your own work aloud, but we will offer if you'd like one of us to do it. Sometimes it's nice to do both at a meeting, to hear the poet's voice and an outsider's. Which lines do they trip on? Is your 'voice' coming through? Reciting your own lines back is great, but consider using us as an opportunity to further support your journey to a fantastic final copy.

I want to attend but I don't have any writing to bring this time.

That's okay! You can still provide feedback. See you there!

I want to come but I have to leave early, is that okay?

Of course! Just leave a comment or let the organizer know when you get there.

I want to come but I will be late, is that okay?

No problem! Leave a comment on the RSVP page so we'll know when to expect you.

Is the group on social media?

Oh yeah! Like us and love us on all these fun platforms:

ASU hosts many free events for the local writing community. One of the best is Author-Preneurship which focuses on helping writers achieve financial success from their work. This May, they invited Red Sands to give a presentation on something we know A LOT about—critique groups! Come out to support Justin (who's very nervous about giving a presentation) and add to the discussion.

Here's the presentation topic:

The Red Sands Writers Circle aims for everyone to leave their events feeling supported, energized, and ready to improve their next draft. But are critique groups always helpful? What perks and pitfalls might a writer experience when sharing their work? After nearly a decade of critiquing and being critiqued, Justin Tate will share all he's learned about the importance of feedback along the agonizing road to publication.

IN-PERSON EVENT @ Jarrod's New Location: 109 W University Dr. Mesa, AZ

Welcome to our Saturday morning lottery event! We now run a lottery for participants via email. If it sounds complicated, worry not! All will be explained at the event. Just show up for your first time expecting to meet fellow writers and learn how our system works. Bring a pen too. If space permits, you'll be able to offer feedback on in-progress drafts of diverse forms of writing. In the future, you'll have the opportunity to share your work as well for feedback.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

Due to table space and time, we have to limit events to 12 active participants, so we have invented a lottery for active participants who not only share writing but share feedback.

Lottery events are designed with the intention to:
1. Incentivize diversity of authors (not having the same people share every week)
2. Incentivize accountability and rapport (we depend on each other for continuity and feedback)
3. Create a "fair system" that lets new members join and rewards activity, but also lets people have freedom to take vacations, have a personal life, and do other "life-flourishing" activities.

ADDITIONAL FAQ:

Does the event cost money?
Nope! But you MUST buy something from Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery to help support the venue.

I'm on the "Waitlist" what does that mean?
Everyone is on the waitlist who RSVPs through MeetUp. At the event, it will be determined who is sharing work that day.

I'm not working on a "Novel" is it okay if I bring another type of writing?
Yes! Whatever you have is great: screenplay, poetry, short story, non-fiction, whatever.

My writing is ____ genre, is that okay?
Yes! Bring your sci-fi, mystery, western, literary, or whatever genre you're working on.

I'm afraid someone will hate my writing, what should I do?
Don't be afraid! Rough drafts are always rough. Nobody will be perfect. We're here to support you, which means pointing out the parts that are awesome and providing honest suggestions for improvement. You're welcome to ignore the suggestions or take it into consideration for the next draft. It's just feedback. No pressure.

I'm not good at giving feedback to others, what should I do?
Oh, sure you are! If you've ever thought "Wow, that book was great, but I wish there was more of ___ and less of ____" then you know how to give feedback. You're welcome to provide as little or as much feedback as you're comfortable with. Easy stuff.

Is the group on social media?
Oh yeah! Join us on all these fun platforms: