Focused Writing sessions

Typical agenda for focused writing sessions

By 4:40PM, enter Zoom meeting, check mic/cam, chitchat, prepare to write.
4:45 PM - INTROS: A round-robin to introduce yourself to fellow writers. Share what you are working on, your goals for the session, or anything else you'd like to share. Or say, "PASS." After everyone has spoken, chat until 5PM.
5:00 PM - TIMER STARTS: mic/cam OFF; we write for 1hr
6:00 PM - TIMER ENDS: Congratulations! Final round-robin to share how your writing session went for you. Announcements, then see you next time!

Seats for up to 100 writers. Must JOIN/RSVP via MeetUp for Zoom link

BRING: Pen and paper for writing or a pre-charged laptop. Earbuds or earplugs are recommended to block out conversation, if desired.

Join/RSVP via Meetup.com

Cutters Point Coffee 1340 Marvin Rd Olympia, WA unless otherwise stated

4:30PMish - chitchat, settle in, get coffee, prepare to write.
4:45PM - INTROs: A round-robin to introduce yourself to fellow writers. Share what you are working on, your goals for the session, or anything else you'd like to share. Or say, "PASS." After everyone has spoken, chat until 5PM.
5:00PM - TIMER STARTS: We write for 1hr
6:00PM - TIMER ENDS: Congratulations! If you sat at a different table, time to rejoin fellow writers for final round-robin to share how your writing session went for you, chat, take off, or keep writing. Announcements, then see you next time!

Space for up to 8 writers at our reserved table; other seats available too; all 1st come, 1st serve. OK to sit wherever you prefer.

Must JOIN/RSVP via MeetUp |COST: FREE for members,$5 non-members

BRING: Pen and paper to write or a pre-charged laptop. Earbuds or earplugs to block café music and conversation, if desired.

Join/RSVP via Meetup.com

new: CRITIQUE/FEEDBACK sessions (periodic)

DATES/TIMES VARY. CHECK MEETUP.

_____- enter Zoom, check mic/cam, prepare to begin

_____- INTROS. We'll recap our adapted critical response process and roles, then determine who will read their work and what kind of feedback is sought.

_____ - Writer presents work (or writing issue/dilemma) & moderated session begins. (Repeat for each Writer as time allows)

_____ - Critique/Feedback session ends. Round-robin to give general feedback on pros/cons of session. Writers who presented get final word on how the session went for them and may state their next steps, if any. Closing remarks, announcements, then see you next time!

WHO IS THIS FOR?

1. For writers who seek critical response to their work in progress for encouragement AND improvement, we will use our adapted critical response process where the roles are defined as Writer, Responder, and Facilitator.

2. For writers who seek only positive feedback and encouragement on their written piece, we shall provide only positive feedback and encouragement to that writer.

3. For writers who aren't ready to share their work but who need help with a specific writing issue/dilemma, they can present to the group and request feedback/discussion for possible solutions.

4. For writers who want to support and encourage fellow writers.

GOAL FOR THE WRITER: build courage and self-confidence, state their goal and the kind of feedback they are seeking, choose whether they want to hear personal opinions or "fix-it" solutions or edits from Responders (Yes, No, or Not Now), listen with open mind, improve their work in progress, and/or resolve a writing issue.

GOAL FOR THE RESPONDER(s): listen with open mind, start with positive impressions, only offer the kind of feedback sought by their fellow Writer and do not overstep, reserve judgement, ask neutral questions to understand the writer's goal/intention for their work, obtain permission from Writer first before rendering personal opinions or "fix-it" solutions or edits, be kind/diplomatic/helpful.

GOAL FOR THE FACILITATOR: keep on track, moderate so that everyone understands the roles (WRITER, RESPONDER, FACILITATOR) and understands the goal of the Writer, make sure Writer feels in control of their feedback session and can ask questions of the Responders, help keep questions neutral for the Writer, make sure Responder asks Writer permission before offering personal opinions or fix-its, help make sure the Writer feels supported and encouraged and receives the kind of feedback they are seeking from Responders.

GOAL FOR ALL OF US: provide and receive meaningful feedback with kindness, diplomacy, tact, and most importantly, we want the Writer to leave feeling supported and encouraged and excited to continue their writing. (Hopefully with actionable feedback to help improve a work in progress.)

FOR PAID MEMBERS ONLY. Our agenda may be fluid, depending on how many RSVP, how many Writers are sharing, etc. We'll do our best to rotate. Must be a paid member, beyond the free trial period to participate. Join/RSVP via MeetUp

PLEASE HAVE NEXT TO YOU FOR QUICK REFERENCE: Your printed copy of our 4-page adapted version of Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process and review it again so that you understand the process when a critical response is requested and YOUR ROLE.

If you are one of the Writers seeking critique/feedback on a piece of writing or if you are presenting your writing issue/dilemma, please have it ready. Decide ahead of time what kind of feedback you seek from Responders: critical response, positive encouragement only, or possible solutions to a writing issue/dilemma.