Write NYC

Event: Write NYC – Come Read Things at Strangers
Writing is usually a solitary act of staring at a blinking cursor until you question your entire existence. Let’s change that.

This is an interactive meetup to actually share that work you’ve been agonizing over. Come meet humans, read your words out loud, and get feedback that won’t make you cry.

Bring your messy works-in-progress, your polished masterpieces, or that one paragraph you’ve rewritten 400 times. We’ll see who shows up and either do a big group discussion or split into pairs "speed-dating" style.

About Write NYC

• Serious Craft, Low Ego: We are here to write, not to wear berets and act like tortured geniuses. If you think you are the reincarnation of Hemingway, this probably isn't the room for you. We check our egos at the door.
• Process over Perfection: We love ugly first drafts. We love broken plots. We love typos. The goal is to move the work forward, not to impress us with how perfect you are.

House Rules

• Feedback is "Invite Only": Unsolicited advice is the worst. Before you read, tell us what you want. Do you want us to rip the plot apart? Or do you just want us to tell you you're pretty and the sentence flow is nice? We will only answer the questions you ask.
• Critique the Page, Not the Person: If the character is annoying, say "The character is annoying." Do not say, "You seem annoying." There is a difference.
• The "Sandwich" Method: We’re big fans of the Compliment Sandwich. Say something nice, offer your critique, then say something nice again. It makes the medicine go down easier.

Housekeeping

• Trauma dumps require a warning: If your piece involves graphic violence, intense spice, or generally heavy themes, please give us a "Heads Up" before you start reading. We love dark stuff, we just like to brace ourselves first.
• Eyes up, Phones down: Put the phone away. Instagram will still be there in two hours. Give the reader the same attention you’d want while baring your soul.
• Don’t make it weird: You are encouraged to make friends and swap info! Just remember that "networking" is mutual. Respect boundaries and read the room.