Western Maryland Writers Meetup Group

Welcome to the Writer's Group of Western MD. We offer meetings for writers of many genres and styles. We share our writing in exerpts or chapters, to discussing our goals, to encouraging one another to be the best at our craft. Check out our About Us page for links to our web site at http://www.westernmdwriters.com and more.
Common Questions:
I don't write fiction, can I still join?
We welcome many genres of writing, although most of our topics center on fiction writing. Members often cross over multiple genres, and you may find someone to share your specific type of writing.
What do you do at meetings?
The emphasis is on the social networking with other writers, making friends, and having a pool of fellow writers to help encourage you towards your goals. Meetings vary from workshops and specific topics, to social dinners, open meetings (with an open discussion on any topic), to groups for feedback and critique.
Meetings often alternate between critique groups and topic-based discussion.
How do I submit my writing?
We critique a maximum 5000-word piece of writing in RTF (rich text format). If you have more, you can only submit 5000-word pieces at a time. You can send your submission to Dale (grove.dale@hotmail.com) or to Sharon (frootbat31@gmail.com). Submissions will be sent to all members wishing to provide a critique. 
Be sure to save your file as an RTF or DOC format, include your email in the document, include page numbers, and a brief note on what you would like in the feedback. Examples include character development, grammar/punctuation, plot, description, writer Voice, etc.
How often do you meet?
Currently (2022) we meet online due to the pandemic through Zoom. We meet once a month, generally the first Saturday.
Does it cost anything?
Currently there are no fees, but donations are welcome to help defer costs the organizer must pay for having meetups. It also helps cover cost of printing and refreshments. 
Do I have to publish my writing?
Only if that is your goal. A number of our members wish only to improve their writing, but we do not expect members to publish if they don't want to.
What about my copyright?
Members are focusing on their own works to write and publish.  We also have zero tolerance for plagiarizing other people's work and will remove members who do so. In the years I have organized this group, I never met anyone who stole another member's work.
What else does your group do?
We help one another to reach their goals, provide advice, and do this all in a friendly atmosphere. Members often say meetings inspire them, and some enjoy the friendships they make. We've held book signings, published anthologies as a group, helped members get published, help with marketing, and share resources. 
Join our Facebook group- This is open to all local authors regardless of meetup membership. You can find resources, links, video, and fun posted there https://www.facebook.com/groups/westernmdwriters/