Let's write!

This Saturday, let's support each other's writing ambitions by writing in each other's company. There will be an optional 15 minute check-in at the beginning when we can introduce ourselves and share what we plan to work on during the 2 hours. There will also be an optional check-out at the end of the 2 hours for us to regather and share some reflections on how it went. I will bring some writing prompts, in case you'd like to use the time to respond to one.

Since many of us haven't met yet, I thought we might mark ourselves as part of the group by displaying 2 of our favorite SciFi & Fantasy books on the table where we're working. Geeky T-Shirts, buttons, laptop stickers, or a Tom Baker scarf on a hot day might also be a strong sign to the rest of us that you are there to write SciFi-Fantasy.

LOCATION - FRESH SIDE:
It's going to be hot on Saturday, so let's plan to write at Fresh Side, a tea house and restaurant in downtown Amherst. Fresh Side has outdoor seating as well as air-conditioned indoor tables and a few comfy chairs. Since we're going to use their seating while they are open, please be sure to order something in exchange for sitting there for 2 hours. They have a great menu with tasty drinks, treats, and small meals. (If you're on a tight budget, please feel free to join Jonah and I at our table. We'll order a pot of iced herbal tea and have some mochi to share.)

AN EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL CODE: If you stack your books horizontally ( = ), I will interpret that as a sign that you'd like to focus and do not want to be disturbed. However, if you are feeling social, need a break, or would like a chance to chat with me or other members of the group, you can let us know by stacking your books perpendicularly ( /\ ). If I see a person struggling to get their books to stand, I'll come over and say hi. If all else fails, we can say hi during the check-out.

BRING:
• Two SciFi-Fantasy books
• Your preferred writing tech, fully charged
• Writing talismans: fidgets, stuffed animals, pet rocks, etc...
• $ for drinks or food

PLAN
I. <= 4PM Choose a table where you'd like to write, order a drink, set-up camp, set-out your favorite books for inspiration, and perform your pre-writing rituals.
II. 4:00 - 4:15pm [Optional] - Gather at an outside table for the check-in.
III. Write!
IV. 5:45 - 6:00pm [Optional] - Gather outside for a check-out.

NEXT WEEK:
Last Saturday, we decided that we'll alternate writing weeks with workshop weeks. So next Saturday, July 30th, we'll workshop and have an opportunity to share what we've been working on.