Workshop your memoir or personal essay

• What we'll do

Up to 5 people can read and have their work critiqued at each session.

The group focuses on memoir and personal essay, so we recommend bringing pages that fit (however loosely) in those categories.

We recommend bringing ~2000 words but you can use the time however works best for you, including talking about the process of writing, finding an editor, etc.

If there are workshop members who are unfamiliar with your project, please start with a brief overview of the project and where the pages you are going to read fit into the larger project.

Each presenter will have a minimum of 30 minutes to read their pages out loud and for group critique. Workshop members will get a copy of each presenter's pages so they can make notes during the critique. The copies are then given back to the presenter at the end of their critique.

Each critique is loosely divided into two sections: What is working? and What is confusing or needs to be explored more? After the critique there is time set aside for the presenter to respond with questions and clarifications.

• What to bring

If you are presenting, bring paper copies of your piece for everyone who has RSVPed.

• Important to know

We give The Democracy Center a $20 donation for each session. The cost is split among the attendees. Exact change is appreciated.

Drop-ins are welcome, but the group works best when there is a core group of members who can commit to coming at least once a month.

Any spamming of the email list or harassment of members will result in immediate removal.

Anyone who is repeatedly disruptive or insulting to fellow writing group members will be asked to leave the group.

Complete guidelines here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15cuYCC2u00QJTbrpa80-4AXFf-sw7oMgvnimrSma0Yo/edit?usp=sharing

The Democracy Center is partially wheelchair accessible, no accessible bathroom on site. The Mandela, Parks, and Chavez rooms are accessible, but the Library is not. Wheelchair users are welcome to use the accessible restroom at Daedalus while we plan our improvements for bathroom accessibility. To reach that bathroom, exit the ramp and turn left on Bow St, at the next building (Daedalus) use their accessible entrance and their restroom will be on the right. More information at: democracycenter.org/accessibility. Contact info@democracycenter.org or 617 492 8855 as needed