Red Sands Writers Circle

Poetry Open Mic

Sun, Jun 21 · 12:00 PM MST

Mesa Haus 109, 109 W University Dr, Mesa, AZ, US

Our Featured Poet this month is J St. C @reddoor_opening! Known for her razor sharp wit, incisive insights, and unexpected moments of tenderness, she embodies humor with a strong left hook. Come on down to Jarrod’s this Sunday and partake of her poetical fire!

This is a free event thanks to the generosity of Jarrod’s Poetry, Tea & Gallery. They only ask that attendees purchase any of their many delectables. As a host, I’m requiring it. Please show your appreciation to Jarrod’s and all they do for the community by supporting this small business with your dollars. We'll be meeting in the 2nd house across the parking lot.

See you Sunday, My Lovelies!😍❤️😘

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FIRST TIMERS ALWAYS WELCOME!!! We love our newbies!

Test out your poetry, spoken word, flash fiction or monologue in front of a live audience! Every first and third Sunday of the month we host an open mic event at Jarrod's Coffee, Tea and Gallery. This is a place of kindness, 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 to get on the sign-up sheet.

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 in the vicinity of 5 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The open mic is designed for sharing original material, whether published or unpublished.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

[Virtual] Tempe Poetry Read & Critique

Thu, Jun 25 · 7:30 PM MST

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Online

Online

** ZOOM PASSCODE IS: 123456 **

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/891797799

Our preferred sharing method is Google docs. For directions on how to do that, go here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1939kZ5oyloe16nIKX6X5-MK5yBozb5Zeb71kODDemhU/edit?usp=sharing

Alternatively, Zoom has the ability to share your screen so we can follow along as the draft is read aloud from your computer.

No software required, but your computer will need a webcam and microphone.

If you have questions, please leave a comment.

Welcome, poets! 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.

If your poems are very short, (Haiku, etc.) feel free to bring a couple, but try to limit the total length to less than 3 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 or is open to all genres. 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 you could ask someone else to read if you'd like. 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!

Is the group on social media?

Oh yeah! Like us and love us on all these fun platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters/
https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/