Red Sands Writers Circle

Welcome, poets!

This is our new Bi-Monthly In-Person Poetry Meeting! We will be meeting the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at Jarrod's Cafe NEW LOCATION at Haus 109 in Downtown Mesa. We're here to share our poetry and support one another through constructive suggestions for future drafts. Our group loves all styles of poetry, including similar genres like flash fiction and spoken word.

In person please bring 8 paper copies of your work so we can add editorial marks and jot down ideas. If your poems are very short, (Haiku, etc.) feel free to bring a couple, but we otherwise try to stay to one poem per person, and please try to limit the total length to less than 2 pages. If you don't have writing to bring in yet, still feel free to join us to read and offer critiques.

FAQ:

I write prose poems, is that okay?

Yes! All styles of poetry are welcome, including similar genres like flash fiction and spoken word.

I'm writing a novel--what about that?

Most likely you'll want to attend one of the other Red Sands events that focuses on novels. However, if your writing style is particularly lyrical we might be the best group to support you! Send a message to the organizer if you're not sure.

Do I have to RSVP?

Please always RSVP if you intend to share your work, or move yourself to "Not Going" as soon as you realize you won't be able to make it.

I'm on the "wait-list" what does that mean?

You're still welcome to join us, this just means we may not have time to read your work at this meeting, though we will try.

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 read a poem and thought "Wow, loved that line -- but this part took me out of the moment" then you've given feedback. It's simply reacting to the work. No pressure.

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. Sometimes it's nice to do both at a meeting, to hear the poet's voice and an outsider's. Which lines 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. See you there!

I want to come but I have to leave early, is that okay?

Of course! Just leave a comment or let the organizer know when you get there.

I want to come but I will be late, is that okay?

No problem! Leave a comment on the RSVP page so we'll know when to expect you.

Is the group on social media?

Oh yeah! Like us and love us on all these fun platforms:

** ZOOM PASSCODE IS: 123456 **

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/891797799

Our preferred sharing method is Google docs. For directions on how to do that, go here:

IN-PERSON EVENT @ TEMPE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Location address: 3500 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282
MEETING ROOM 8

Welcome 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: