Olympia / Lacey / Tumwater in-person writing session

In-person writing session at the cafe at The Grange Starbucks off Yelm Highway in Tumwater. We're a supportive and friendly group that welcomes writers of all backgrounds and skill levels.

WHAT WE'LL DO:

Our goal is to get writing done. We'll start with a brief hello and writing project check-ins. Then we'll clock 50 minutes of writing time. We don't offer a prompt. People work on all kinds of projects - or even simply write in journals.

After the writing time is up, you can stick around and volunteer to read what you wrote, or listen to others. We try to keep readings under 7 or so minutes each, with another 10 minutes or so for people to respond.

We're not a hard-core critique group. Feedback focuses on what people thought or felt when they heard your work. Some may offer simple suggestions strengthening works. We're a positive, encouraging group. Some writers have published many books, while others are not yet ready to actually call themselves a "writer" out loud. Regardless of where you are in your writing journey, you will be valued and find value in this gathering. New members and drop-ins always welcome.

WHAT TO BRING:

Your preferred writing materials. Many people bring laptops or tablets. Some bring paper and pen.

FOR THOSE WHO OVERTHINK THINGS:

We follow “cat rules”. Come and go as you please. Get up and walk around if you need to. Use earbuds or don’t. It’s okay to arrive late and it’s okay to leave early. Come one time, come every time. It’s all good.

No, you don’t need to buy anything at Starbucks. Enough people do that they are happy to host us. If we switch to a small business venue, then we’ll encourage attendees to buy a little something to contribute to “table rent”. But, this is Starbucks. They aren’t going to suffer if you don’t pay $8 for a pink drink.

RSVP counts may not be accurate. This event is shared across multiple meetups. Kelsye or Christina will always be writing at the table even if there are no visible RSVPs.

Meetup says the event is full? Come anyway! There’s space for you.

This is a diverse group of writers. If you come, you will be expected to be kind and welcoming to people who may have backgrounds, beliefs, neurotypes or lifestyles that you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with. People may share writing that is deeply personal, has adult themes, or expresses viewpoints you disagree with. Awesome. We connect and respect each other as fellow writers. Focus on the craft over content and support the people in your local community on their unique journey as a writer.

Only write romance? Or personal essays? Or historical fiction? Or sci-if or poetry or screenplays? Cool! This group is not limited to a specific genre or style. Work on your LOTR/Futurama fanfic mashup, your essays on paleontology in the early 1900’s, your snarky flash fiction. We love it all.