[Tempe Library] All-Genre Writing Workshop: Read drafts, critique
Details
IN-PERSON EVENT @ TEMPE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location address: 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282
MEETING ROOM 7
Welcome to our Saturday morning meeting in Tempe! 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 1500 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. Just comment I'm coming just to critique or coming but nothing to share. It's all okay.
FAQ:
What type of writing can be critiqued?
We read everything! Bring your novel, screenplay, non-fiction, poetry, short story, TikTok skit, or anything else.
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!
Does Tempe Public Library have food and beverage?
Yes! Grab a coffee or snack from their cafe area.
How does the critique work?
Writers will read their work aloud. The writer then silently observes and takes notes as the readers each share feedback in turn. The critiquer focuses on large issues, leaving minor correction such as grammar and spelling on the page. Afterwards the writer receives all the copies for later review. We ask that critiquers refrain from posing questions to the writer at the table as it delays the process of critique.
Do I have to RSVP?
Yes! 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. This is essential as fellow writers print copies based on how many RSVPs. Three no shows may warrant a block. If joining to read other work and share feedback, but not share a draft yourself, add a comment so we'll 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 our suggestions 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 book 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! Just write in the comments, coming with nothing to share.
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