“What is AVL Writers?”
AVL Writers is a weekly critique group and writer’s workshop in Asheville, North Carolina, organized through meetup.com.
This is a free group, but donations are accepted and encouraged. You can donate on the meetup page.
“What is the purpose of AVL Writers?”
The purpose of this group is to encourage you to do three simple things:
- Write,
- Finish what you write, and
- Share what you write with the world.
“What is the style of critique?”
We have no set style, but we are thorough and honest. While the workshop setting is not for every writer, we’ve found our blend of supportive and honest feedback fruitful.
We only insist upon a basic rubric to keep things productive:
- Let the writing speak for itself
- When giving feedback, be specific
- Don’t worry about grammar
- Let the author set the tone for personal disclosure (don’t pry)
- Don’t mistake a character’s thoughts for the author’s (and vice versa)
We’re looking forward to reading your stuff.
“What can I expect at the weekly critique?”
Depending on the number of readers we expect, the group leaders will divide attendees into two or more subgroups before the event starts.
We begin reading at 6 p.m. Each reader will have 20 minutes to present their work and gather feedback. They will decide how much time to spend on reading and how much on feedback.
Reading and critique will wrap up at 8 p.m. as the coffee shop closes.
You can often join us afterwards for an over 21 “after party” at a nearby bar.
“What kind of writing can I bring?”
Most types of writing are welcome, with the big three being fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. We also encourage writers to step outside their comfort zones, write challenging material, and aggressively push the boundaries of their creative output.
Writing can be a great way to deal with trauma. However, before bringing in a piece of writing that is very close to you, try first bringing in something fun. This way, you can get a good feel for the group and the critique vibe before sharing something personal about yourself. This is strongly recommended.
“Do you require trigger warnings?”
We do not require trigger warnings.
“How do you determine who reads?”
To ensure a spot on the reading roster, you must RSVP on the Meetup website or app. We accept walk-ins but prioritize the RSVPs.
“Is it OK if I’m a few minutes late?”
If you are over 10 minutes late, you are welcome to sit and listen and provide feedback, but we won’t be able to guarantee you a reader slot.
“Am I required to read aloud?”
You are not required to read at every meeting, but reading goes hand in hand with the writing, which is a critical part of the process. You need to write something to get value out of this group.
“What if I dislike the critiques I’m given?”
If you are unhappy with a critique you receive, remember that everyone will have different opinions. Take the helpful critiques and ignore the rest.
“Is there a word or page count limit?”
There is no hard limit on words or pages, only a time limit.