CRITIQUE GROUPS AND NETWORKING
The groups listed are all inclusive and meant for writers at every stage in their career. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the contact person listed. Come join our community of talent!
Williamsburg Groups
Williamsburg Writers Critique Group - 2nd and 4th Thursdays 1 p.m.
The group meets at the home of Elizabeth Brown. Members email their work to all members around three or four days in advance to give others time to review it. The average length is six to ten pages. The other members review and critique the work and come prepared to give oral feedback to the writer. Some bring a hard copy to support their thoughts and others send emails with their remarks. Each writer has a turn getting feedback and critiquing all the others. The average time we meet is two and a half hours. If you don't have any work to submit that week, that is fine. We all have down times. All remarks are meant to be helpful and to support the writers in their quest to improve their art. If you have any questions or you would like to attend, please contact Elizabeth by email ecomptonlee@yahoo.com or phone 804-654-1117.
The Williamsburg Writers Gathering - 3rd Tuesday, 10-noon
This group of writers--published and working to be published-- offers encouragement, support, and shares information in our rapidly changing world of writing. WWG meets the third Tuesday of each month from 10 to noon at the Williamsburg Regional Library in Room B. There is no sign up, membership, or dues. We get together to discuss the Art and Business of writing and are never quite sure what direction our conversation will take us. All are welcome. Contact: Lou Hamilton. louhamwrites@gmail.com
Saturday Poetry Series - Call to confirm next meeting date. Room 127 of the Stryker Building, 209 N. Boundary Street, at 11:00 a.m. Each of our poets presents 10-12 minutes of their poetry. Just across Boundary St. from the free parking garage. Contact: Ed Lull (757) 258-5582, (757) 258-6167 (cell).
Mathews Open Mic
Open Mic at the Mathews Memorial Library - 2nd Sunday 1-3 p.m.
(251 Main Street, Mathews, Va 23109)
Do you enjoy books on tape? Or, love a great short story or an inspiring or humorous poem? If so, come to Open Mic at the Library and hear local writers read their original work. Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be served. The events are free and open to the public. The Library invites all writers in the area to participate in the Open Mic. Arrive on time to sign up to be included on the program. Readers will be limited to one of the following: prose up to 2,500 words; five poems of no more than 50 lines each, or five haiku. No book chapters please, unless they stand alone as independent stories. Mark your calendars and plan to enjoy the works written by the many talented writers living in this community. (804) 725-5747.
Northern Neck
Rappatomac Writers Critique Group
Lancaster Courthouse - 1st Thursday, eat at 11 a.m., share until 2 p.m.
(Lancaster Tavern, Route 3 in Lancaster Courthouse)
Tappahannock - 3rd Thursday, eat at noon, meet 1-3 p.m.
(Java Jacks Cafe, Route 360/17 in Tappahannock)
Do you have stories to share? Would you like to write your memories for your children and grandchildren? Does a spectacular sunset move you to poetry? Come, join the Rappatomac Writers Critique group where you will find enthusiastic support and gentle critiques to help you on your way—along with fun and laughter to make your journey a pleasant one. If you like to write or listen, have a song in your heart or a poem in your soul, join us once or twice a month, at either or both locations.
The Rappatomac Writers—where the science of writing meets the art of persuasion—is part of the Chesapeake Bay Writers Club, a chapter of Virginia Writers Club. The meetings are free, priceless. Contact: Janet Fast, chestyle@hughes.net
Newport News Open Mic Poetry
Open Mic Poetry, Newport News - 2nd Tuesday, 7-9 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to join us at the best coffee house in Newport News, Aroma Coffeehouse and Bakery at 706 Town Center Drive, Suite 104, Newport News.
Remember, the monthly challenge is optional. So air what you'd like to share in this family friendly venue. We love, support, and encourage First Time Readers. Hosted by: Ann Shalaski ashalaski@msn.com