Red Sands Writers Circle

Welcome to the Ahwatukee Writers Workshop! After many years as an independent group, we have now joined the Red Sand's Writing Circle.

This July 30th group marks our return from a 2 month summer hiatus.

Due to the closure of our longtime venue Kneaders Bakery, we now are meeting in a new location, Denny's at I-10 and Chandler BLVD. Our group still runs from 6pm-8pm every two Wednesdays.

This group is all about using constructive criticism to support each other in an effort to take our writing projects to the next level.

Our current word count is 3,000 words. We use a Google Drive folder to share and edit our works. You can access this folder by sending your email address to me via a direct message.

If you do prefer bringing paper copies you are more than welcome to! But please make sure to request access to our Google Drive to ensure that you can read and critique what others bring.

Please sign up for each event so we will know who is coming. And please revoke your RSVP if you cant make it.

We hope to see you there!

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:

Red Sands Writers Circle is thrilled to present an exciting in-person collaboration with Mike Oppenheim, a licensed, cross-cultural educator with over a decade of experience teaching adults from over 100 countries.

Let’s Learn is a collaborative philosophy movement like the ones found in the Harlem Renaissance, Vienna Circle, and The Lost Generation in Paris.

Mike will show up with a pre-planned philosophical topic. The group will then discuss what they know and think they know about the issue, so we can learn about each other and improve our worldview.

Conversations feed our imagination and collaboration encourages us to dream.

No topic is off-limit, but there will be no lecturing, bullying, or shame for sharing your open-mind. Be prepared to make friends, form new ideas, and find inspiration for your art and creativity.

BENEFITS:
-Community support
-Make new, meaningful, inspiring friendships
-Discover and embrace your authenticity
-Improve communication skills and social tact
-Support positive mental health
-Get away from phones and other online distractions
-Stretch your emotional and intellectual muscles
-Find inspiration for your art!

Please note: You must purchase of a drink or snack at Jarrod's.