The Brainerd Writers Alliance

Brainerd Writers Alliance is a group of published and unpublished writers at every skill level, who write in a variety of genres. We’ve been meeting and evolving for over three decades and welcome visitors to our monthly meetings.

We meet on the 3rd Saturday morning of the month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Brainerd Public Library  (415 So. 5th St.). Visitors are welcome.

We are a membership organization supported by annual membership dues, payable by December 31 of each year.  New members: $20/year. Renewing members pay $15/year.

Members are encouraged to read their work and receive critiques. Members receive discounts on sponsored events.

Updated Meeting AGENDA 

10:00-10:15 a.m.
Sign up at the door for critique or reading. One critique or reading per member, per meeting.

10:15 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Teaching/writing exercise and discussion. Sign up at the end of the meeting to present at the next meeting. 

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Critiques/readings. No more than 5 minutes. 10 minutes allowed for feedback. Bring a minimum of 10 copies of your work to share with the group. Readers only: if there is time, 5 minutes per reader with no discussion.

Writing challenges and kudos can be posted in our members-only Facebook Group. You must be a member to join this group.

 

Good critique is not criticism!

Be constructive, meaning, have the best intentions for helping the writer. This may mean telling hard truths. If hard truths must be told, do so respectfully. If praise is deserved, offer it. Highlight the strong points of a piece—even if they are far outweighed by the negative points. Be genuine in your motivations, and genuine action will follow. https://www.scribophile.com/academy/how-to-write-a-great-critique

More about effective critiques and “workshopping” writer’s work.

Writing prompts.

http://www.practicalcreativewriting.com/creative-writing-exercises/ten-minute-writing-exercises/