Welcome to The Writing Group! Our meetings are structured to build a broader literary community, while also providing a space for sharing work and providing constructive feedback. We balance the social aspect with a focus on encouraging members to produce more, better work, and giving both the pressure and the pleasure of having an audience to test that work out on. As long as you have something you're really working on, we want you to share it.
Itinerary
We are back at the Sleeping Cat on 7th Avenue this week! When you arrive, just come on in, can't miss us. People will start to arrive around 6 o'clock, and you can come and write, eat, drink, and socialize until 7 when we will start readings.
At 7 o'clock we formally get together as a group to listen to readings from those looking for feedback.
We do not select readers based on order of arrival or a sign-up sheet, so if you have work until late but still want to come and read, you can!
Each reader gets five (5) minutes to read, so please select a section of work which is appropriate for that time limit.
We look for narrative prose (fiction and non-fiction), poetry, scripts (screen or stage), and essay work, so long as it is writing that you're serious about!
We'll then spend another five (5) minutes in discussion. This is time for the listeners to provide feedback on the reading and discussing the craft in general. We welcome constructive criticism, so long as it is done with respect. This is just as important as the reading, and is done as an open conversation not lead by the reader or the host, so no hand raising required!
* We try to get to as many people who want to read as we can, so if there are a lot of attendees we will be very strict on time.
At 9 o'clock we finish readings and start our formal social hour. Meet new friends, connect with old ones, exchange longer works for review, or just let loose.
We require each of our attendees to meet a $15 minimum at the cafe- get a coffee, a piece of pie, a beer, or a glass of wine. Get two! This helps us keep a good relationship with The Sleeping Cat, which is generously allowing us to use the space free of charge!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Sleeping Cat, 160 7th Ave, New York, us
