GUEST SHEET
Welcome from all of us at Write-On,
Hoosiers.
We are glad you're here!
We have provided this informational
sheet to help you learn about our group. Please keep it for reference later.
You do not need to take any action. At the start of the meeting, two sheets
will circulate: the Guest Sign-in Form and the Attendance Sheet.
PROCEDURES:- Guest Sign-Up Sheet:
Please fill this out so we can address you by name. Guests may attend
twice. If you decide to become a member, annual dues are $25.00. PLEASE
PRINT YOUR INFORMATION LEGIBLY.
- PAGE FORMAT FOR READINGS: Page allowance: 2 pages
single-spaced (line space 1.0 or 1.5) or four pages double-spaced (line
space 2.0, or 1.15)· Font size: 12 Times New Roman or Arial only.
- When you are invited to read,
please have 10-12 copies ready, with your name clearly on your work. If
you prefer sharing without critique, let us know before reading.
- First-time guests typically read
after their initial visit, so you can observe the meeting process. Feel
free to ask questions at any time.
NOW, LET’S MOVE ON TO HOW OUR MEETINGS
RUN EACH WEEK:- The meeting begins promptly at
6:00 P.M. Please arrive on time to minimize interruptions. If you
are delayed, join us quietly and comfortably.
- After any organization business
(which will be conducted via e-mail when possible), there will be a
round-table discussion on literary, writing, and/or publishing topics as
time allows.
- The secretary will transcribe the
meeting minutes and submit them to the president for posting on our blog.
- The remainder of the meeting is
devoted to reading and critiquing your work.
- Please feel comfortable sharing
your work; everyone understands how it feels to be new. We support each
other as fellow writers.
CRITIQUING:
·
Please offer feedback that is specific, respectful, and intended to help
the writer improve. Focus your comments on aspects such as structure, clarity,
character development, and tone, while remaining constructive throughout.When
critiquing, address the work's creative elements. Identify areas that could be
strengthened and highlight what works well. Emphasize actionable suggestions
whenever possible.
·
Grammar and spelling can be marked on the copy and handed to the writer
later.
·
Oral discussion and critique within the group are encouraged. When
sharing feedback verbally, provide constructive suggestions and be considerate
of the writer’s intentions and goals.
AUTHOR’S WORK:- We cannot tolerate the public
reading of material that is sexually explicit, racially offensive, or that
targets a specific ethnic or religious group for degradation.
- If your work contains material of
a sexually-explicit nature (such as graphic sex scenes, smutty sex talk,
etc.), let the readers know. They may prefer that you submit it to members
who are willing to read it privately and offer personal feedback.
A LITTLE HISTORY:- The organization was founded in
1989 by Sharon Palmeri, when a handful of writers from her Merrillville
Adult Education Creative Writers’ Class began meeting informally at the
Merrillville Branch of Lake County Library.
- Since then, W.O.H. has hosted
workshops and writing contests and has published two annual literary
magazines for all ages.
- W.O.H. suspended its writers’
critique group in 1997 and concentrated on children’s writing.
- In January 2001, the critique
group reorganized (once again with a handful of writers from Palmeri’s
Creative Writing Class) to the group you see here now.
DUES:- Members: $25.00 per year. (proceeds go toward any
speakers, room rental fees, etc.)
- Meeting Dates: 2nd and 4th
Thursdays
Thank you for reading this. Enjoy the meeting and let us know if you have
any questions. Sharon Palmeri, Founder and
Executive Director
