Red Sands Writers Circle

 
 
 

IN-PERSON EVENT

Welcome to our Saturday morning meeting! Please bring 8 paper copies of a draft/chapter you're working on. Keep the draft under 2,000 words. We'll read the draft aloud and offer suggestions. First timers are always welcome. If you don't have writing to bring yet, PLEASE DO NOT RSVP, but still feel free to join us to read, hang out, and offer critiques. Please leave a comment saying you are coming to read.

FAQ:

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.

Do I have to RSVP?

Please 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. PLEASE DO NOT RSVP if you are attending but not sharing work. Just add a comment letting us know you'll be there to read.

I'm on the "Waitlist" what does that mean?

If you're on the waitlist, you're still welcome to join us, but we will only cover people on the active list when the event starts.

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 movie 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.

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

That's okay! You can still provide feedback. PLEASE DO NOT RSVP. Just leave a comment saying you are coming to read, and see you there!

Is the group on social media?

Oh yeah! Join us on all these fun platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters/
https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/
https://twitter.com/redsandswriters
https://redsands.org

 
 
 

IN-PERSON EVENT @ Coffee Rush

Welcome to our Saturday afternoon meeting at Coffee Rush on Gilbert Rd. / Baseline! Please bring paper copies of a draft/chapter you're working on. Consider the number of RSVPs to determine how many copies. Keep your draft under 2,000 words. We'll read the draft aloud and offer suggestions. First timers are always welcome. If you don't have writing to bring yet, that's okay too! Feel free to join us to read, hang out, and offer critiques.

FAQ:

What type of writing can be critiqued?

We read everything! Bring your novel, screenplay, non-fiction, poetry, short story, TikTok skit, whatever. Anything you want feedback on, we're thrilled to give it a look.

My writing is ____ genre, is that okay?

Yes! Bring your sci-fi, mystery, western, literary, or whatever genre you're working on. We love them all!

Do I have to RSVP?

Please only RSVP if you have writing to share. If you discover you can't attend, move yourself to "Not Going" as soon as you realize you won't be able to make it. If you're joining just to read other work and share feedback, do not RSVP but do leave a comment so we will know to expect you.

I'm on the "Waitlist" what does that mean?

If you're on the waitlist, you're still welcome to join us, but we may not have time to read your draft.

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 for support, which means pointing out the parts that are awesome and providing honest suggestions for improvement. You're welcome to ignore the suggestions or take them into consideration for the next draft. It's just feedback, and not all of it will be good. As the director of your project, you get to decide what's helpful and what isn't.

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

Oh, sure you are! If you've ever thought "Wow, that movie 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.

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!

Is the group on social media?

Oh yeah! Join us on all these fun platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters/
https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/
https://twitter.com/redsandswriters
https://redsands.org

 
 
 

YES, THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT! BRING YOUR OWN MASK / SANITIZER AS DESIRED

Welcome, poets!

This is our new Bi-Monthly In-Person Poetry Meeting! We will be meeting the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at Jarrod's Cafe 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 try to limit the total length to 2 pages or less. If you don't have writing to bring in yet, still feel free to join us to read and offer critiques.

FAQ:

I'm nervous about meeting in-person during a pandemic. How can you assure I'll be safe?

Unfortunately there's no way for us to promise your safety. Attendees meet 'at your own risk.' That said, Jarrod's does allow ample space for some social distancing and has their own sanitation techniques to combat the virus. Wearing a mask is based on CDC guidelines; optional for those vaccinated-- also feel free to bring your favorite hand sanitizer if you'd like.

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:

https://discord.gg/yeeh9RV
https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters/
https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/
https://twitter.com/redsandswriters
https://redsands.org

 
 
 

* * * The Open Mic is held in the expanded side room at Jarrod's. * * *

Test out your poetry, spoken word, flash fiction or monologue in front of a live audience! Every third Sunday of the month we host an open mic event at Jarrod's Coffee. This is a place of love, compassion, and respect. You are safe to speak your truth.

Whether you perform or support us in the audience, we'd love to see you there!

If participating, please leave a comment and/or find Margot when you get there. She's usually hanging out by the coffee or near the front.

Here is a general FAQ, but please feel free to add questions in the comments below or send the organizer a private message.

FAQ:

How many pieces can I read? What is the expected length?

There's no limit on length or quantity of works, but please keep your overall performance under 10 minutes so that everyone has time to participate. If there is leftover time at the end, you're welcome to return to the stage to share additional material.

My piece isn't exactly poetry or spoken word... is that okay?

Most short pieces are acceptable, but if you're worried it may not be appropriate for this venue please throw in a comment or send a private message to the organizer.

If I RSVP do I have to perform?

Nope! You're welcome to join us as an audience member as well. If performing, please leave a note in the comments and/or let the organizer know when you arrive so they can put you on the list of performers.

Can I perform published material?

The open mic is designed for sharing original material, whether published or unpublished. If you would like to perform something written by another author and you have their permission / it's a published work, that is also okay.

Does it cost $$ to participate?

No way! This is a totally free event. We only request that you buy a coffee or yummy snack while you're there to support Jarrod's.

I'd love to perform but my work still needs editing.

No worries! Only perform when you're ready. We also have workshop groups in poetry and prose that may help. Check out our "Events" to see what all we have coming up.

Can I follow Red Sands on social media?

Oh yeah! Find us on all these fun platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters

https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/

https://twitter.com/redsandswriters

https://redsands.org