Sac-Sierra Writers Group Biweekly Short Read and Deep Dive

Welcome to the Sac Sierra Writers Group Biweekly Meetup. Participation is open to all.

We are a community of fiction writers who meet every other Tuesday at six pm to receive feedback on work in proficiency. Some of us are novice and others are published, and the common thread among us is the need and desire to improve our writing skill.

The group is organized around Short Reads and Deep Dives. A Short Read is a piece of 3-5 pages. The writer reads the piece, then we go around the table and provide feedback. A Deep Dive is a longer piece, like a full scene or chapter, that is submitted in advance to give everyone time to prepare feedback for a more in-depth critique of the work.

We remain virtual for the time being through Zoom. RSVP to get the link.

Agenda: 6:00-6:10 Introductions; then we dive right in to readings. Order is determined by consensus and we manage the time so we finish around 8:00.

The Short Read Premise: early feedback can help steer the writing in the right direction. Quality, detailed feedback from a variety of perspectives helps--especially if the feedback is an honest appraisal of what works and what needs improvement. All writers are proficient in providing constructive feedback in their own way.

How to participate in a Short Read: RSVP to the meetup and come prepared to read 3-5 pages (up to 2,000 words). If you want to see how we operate first you can also just come and participate without submitting anything.

The Deep Dive Premise: quality feedback on narrative, character arcs, story progression, consistency and aspects of writing comes from a review of a longer pieces - a chapter, a short story, etc. People need some time to read and digest the writing to formulate their feedback.

How to participate in a Deep Dive: RSVP to the meetup and participate in one or more short reads of your work. When you are comfortable with the group and the kind of feedback to expect, submit your longer piece for group distribution one month before the scheduled meetup. We'll provide submittal details at the meeting. At the Deep Dive session we like the submitter to read a brief passage, then we go around the table with our prepared (and usually detailed) feedback.