[VIRTUAL] Writing Workshop: Read drafts, critique

To join the virtual meeting, click this link around the scheduled time:
https://zoom.us/j/891797799

***ZOOM PASSCODE IS: 123456

Welcome to the Tuesday virtual writing workshop! We'll read your work aloud and discuss what's great and offer suggestions for improvement. Have a document ready with 1,500 words (or less) of a draft you're working on.

**Our group is filled with fiction writers, memoirists, poets, and screenwriters. If you are looking for a SPECIFIC group that only focuses on poetry or only focuses on sci-fi (for example) there are plenty on Meetup... we just aren't it. :)

You need to be able to share your document virtually with the group so that everyone can read along with you and make comments.

The easiest way is to upload your document to a personal Google Drive in advance. For directions on how to do that, go here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NjmzFGVuMWE70YWqOSA34DBpuyaL18yR/edit

Alternatively, we have the ability to screen share 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. We require everyone to turn on their cameras when we do introductions so we can connect face-to-face :)

If you have questions, please leave a comment.

GENERAL FAQs

I'm not working on a "Novel" is it okay if I bring another type of writing?

Yes! Whatever project 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. We will read it!

Do I have to RSVP?

Yes! 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. You do not need to RSVP if attending but not sharing work, simply add a comment letting us know you'll be there. If you are on the RSVP list it means we are planning space for you to read something.

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

You're still welcome to join us to critique the other work, just be aware we may not have time to read your draft. We will try, though!

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'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. Hearing a friend read gives you the rare opportunity to understand how an outsider interacts with your story. Which sentences 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! 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