Writers’ Group

If you’re unwell or have had a recent exposure, stay home, even if that means cancelling last minute. (If we’re supposed to read your work, we can reschedule you, but call/text Aaron to let him know as early as possible: 281.954.4399.) We have chronically ill people in the group, and they depend on your good judgment.  When in doubt (e.g., you think it’s just allergies), please stay home or, at the very least, wear an N95 mask throughout your visit. (N95 masks will be available.)

Members of the group may share material that has not been announced publicly. While you can feel free to say that they’re doing great things, don’t share specifics about their project, unless they’ve already announced it on socials or personally given you the green light.

We’re sharing work in progress and hope all of our work grows tremendously before we put it out into the world.  Reserve judgment about the quality of the writer or the work they share, especially in what you may say to others, since you’re viewing unpolished drafts.

Recognize that giving feedback and receiving feedback are both vulnerable acts. Give others feedback from a place of support and a desire to help them and their work grow. Receive feedback from others with the assumption that it’s coming from a good place. However valid or valuable your feedback, it’s up to the writer if they incorporate your feedback into their final work or not.

While you can tell others you’re in a writers’ group, don’t provide specifics, as others may feel left out. Do not invite others to join this group.  If you have recommendations, share them with Aaron, and understand that not everyone recommended will be invited to join. This is to keep the group size manageable and to find a good mix of personalities.

Not everyone will be invited to each meeting. Being invited to one meeting does not guarantee future invitations. Don’t take this personally, as our aim is to find a manageable number of people who are well-matched in terms of personality and artistic background. This is not a reflection on your value as an artist or person.

Return printed copies to the writer at the end of the meeting or, if you prefer to not share your written notes, destroy your copy after the meeting. Do not share copies of others’ work outside of the meeting where it’s read without their permission. Do not take photo, video, or audio recordings of any of the group meetings without everyone’s express permission.

If you have a tablet or laptop, bring it to the meeting for anyone who shares their files digitally. If you don’t have access to one, just let Aaron know and he’ll print out copies or have a spare tablet ready for you!

If you have any serious allergies, please let Aaron know in advance, so he can accommodate them wherever possible. Aaron has cats, so those with serious cat allergies may be unable to take part in meetings at his house.

If you feel that rules need to be added, deleted, or modified, share your feedback with Aaron, understanding that he may not make the change you recommend immediately or at all.