What we’re about
Writing a book? Let's MeetUp! Red Sands is a casual creative writing critique group open to all genres, from YA to mystery, literary to sci-fi, novels to poetry, screenplays to memoir. No fees or rigid structure. We get together to read drafts aloud and share feedback. Newbies are always welcome!
Don't have any writing yet? Just want to see how things work? Feel free to stop by as a reader. We always look forward to extra feedback!
***Recognized as one of the Top 150 groups in the world at MeetUp Togetherfest 2018***
Check out an incomplete list of published books by Red Sands members on this Goodreads List
Want more ways to connect? Join us on all the social media!
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Upcoming events
36
•OnlineSpeculative Fiction Writing: Share Drafts & Critique
OnlineTo join the virtual meeting, click the link around the scheduled time. (RSVP to see the link. )
ZOOM: https://zoom.us/j/891797799
PASSWORD: 123456Welcome to the Speculative Fiction virtual writing workshop! Have a document ready with 2,000 words (or less) of a project you're working on. We'll read it aloud and share constructive feedback. Instructions for how to have your document ready via Google Drive can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1939kZ5oyloe16nIKX6X5-MK5yBozb5Zeb71kODDemhU/edit?usp=sharing
Alternatively, use screen share so we can follow along as the draft is read aloud from your computer.
If you have questions, please leave a comment.
GENERAL FAQs
What is 'speculative fiction'?
Speculative fiction is a genre term used to describe stories which are futuristic, otherworldly, alternate history, magical, beastly, or otherwise have elements which are not rooted in reality. Because the term itself is so open-ended, we are also very open about the type of drafts we love to critique. If you feel your project is speculative, it probably is! When in doubt, leave a comment or send a message to the host.
Do I have to RSVP?
Please always RSVP if you intend to share your work or move yourself to "Not Going" if you realize you won't be able to make it. You do not need to RSVP if attending but not sharing work, simply add a comment letting us know you'll be there.
I'm on the "Waitlist" what does that mean?
You're still welcome to join us to share feedback on the other work, just be aware we may not have time to read your draft. We will try, though!
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 to support you, which means pointing out the parts that are awesome and providing honest suggestions for improvement. You're welcome to ignore the suggestions or take it into consideration for the next draft. It's just feedback. No pressure.
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'm uncomfortable with someone reading my writing aloud.
It's okay to read your own work aloud, but we will offer if you'd like one of us to do it. Hearing a friend read gives you the rare opportunity to understand how an outsider interacts with your story. Which sentences do they trip on? Is your 'voice' coming through? Reciting your own lines back is great, but consider using us as an opportunity to further support your journey to a fantastic final copy.
I want to attend but I don't have any writing to bring this time.
That's okay! You can still provide feedback. You do not have to RSVP to hang out and offer feedback. See you there!
Is the group on social media?
Oh yeah! Join us on all these fun platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/redsandswriters/
https://www.instagram.com/redsandswriters/
https://twitter.com/redsandswriters8 attendees
Writing Workshop Lottery: Read drafts, critique (Morning)
NEW LOCATION Jarrods, 109 W University Dr 109 W University Dr,, Mesa, AZ, USIN-PERSON EVENT @ Jarrod's New Location: 109 W University Dr. Mesa, AZ
Welcome to our Saturday morning event! We now run a lottery to keep our community diverse, respectful, and motivated. And it works!
HOW DOES THIS SYSTEM WORK?
Due to table space and time, we limit events to 12 participants, so we created a lottery for those who wish to share and/or give feedback. Just sign up, then check back in on the Friday before the event to see if you are in the top 12 who will attend. Please limit your work at 2000 words.
Lottery events are designed with the intention to:
1. Incentivize diversity of authors (We don't play favorites).
2. Incentivize accountability (Houston: We have a flake problem...).
3. Incentivize new people to join while also rewarding dedicated members.ADDITIONAL FAQ:
Does the event cost money?
No! But you MUST buy something from Jarrod's Coffee to support them.I'm on the "Waitlist" what does that mean?
Check back in on the Friday before the event to see the actual list for the next day, then show up the next day, prepared to read or share. Please email mike at "redsandsphx@gmail.com" if you have more questions.Can I really bring any type of writing?
Yes! We love it all: screenplays, poetry, short stories, non-fiction...anything!My writing is ____ genre, is that okay?
Yes! Bring your sci-fi, mystery, western, literary, or any other genre.I'm afraid someone will hate my writing, what should I do?
Our moderator does not tolerate negative, abusive criticism.I'm not good at giving feedback to others, what should I do?
Our moderator will teach you how to give meaningful feedback.Is the group on social media?
Oh yeah! Join us on all these fun platforms:14 attendees![[Tempe Library] All-Genre Writing Workshop: Read drafts, critique](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/4/e/b/highres_528193547.jpeg)
[Tempe Library] All-Genre Writing Workshop: Read drafts, critique
Tempe Public Library, 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ, USIN-PERSON EVENT @ TEMPE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location address: 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282
MEETING ROOM 8Welcome 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 2,000 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.
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. Feedback typically consists of highlighting enjoyable aspects, as well as editing suggestions. After everyone has shared their feedback, the writer may ask clarifying questions if time permits.Do I have to RSVP?
Please only 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. 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!Is Red Sands on social media?
Oh yeah! Join us on all these fun platforms:6 attendees
Past events
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