Good Evening all,
I apologise for not updating ith our recent meetings, though it seems as though everyone recieves news of our movements via the gmail or facebook page.
In short, our next meeting is tomorrow in Room 1.37 of the Baxter Suite, Tower Building, Dundee University.
The meeting begins at 6:30 .
I hope to see you all there!
Kate for Writers Anonymous
Wednesday 10 November 2010
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Third Meeting
Good Evening to you all!
Our next meeting will be held this Thursday, in the Tower building, Baxter Suite 1.36 at 6:30. Please do come along if you're interested. If you would like any more information on the meetings or submissions process (or would like to be emailed this week's pieces to read) please email Writers Anonymous at thewritersanonymous@gmail.com.
We hope to see you there, be you an old or new face!
Monday 19 July 2010
Writers Anonymous Agenda
1. The outline of the group Writers Anonymous
(1.1) Writers Anonymous
Writers Anonymous has the intention to create a constructive environment for writers to share their work in front of a collection of peers, to receive feedback and to create a forum for the discussion and exchange of creative works. Without a strong focus on tuition, Writers Anonymous hopes to encourage writers to explore their work with the aid of constructive feedback from other writers.
Writers Anonymous will help encourage a community of writers to share their knowledge on publishing and writing competitions. With the hope that further down the line, guest teachers or authors can present unique and independent views on their writing and the writing world.
(1.2) Meeting structure.
Meetings will be held fortnightly, on a Thursday evening, 6.30 to 9, within the University of Dundee.
(1.3) Submission of work
Work should be submitted two weeks early. For example, work to be
discussed the following meeting should preferably be either emailed or handed into Co-Presidents at, or before, the previous class. Participation is not essential. Members can choose to submit and not provide feedback, or vice versa. Eventual participation is to be hoped for, but no member is obligated to supply examples of their work.
See section 3 for more information on the feedback process.
(1.4) Format of work submitted
Writers Anonymous will accept pieces of short prose (with a maximum word limit of 2500), which can be the beginning, middle or end of a piece of work. Poetry, works of non-fiction and screenplays can also be submitted. Members must maintain respect for the word limit, so shape all works submitted to this length, with exceptions to poetry, which is exempt from this rule. One piece of poetry may be submitted per meeting. Writers Anonymous does not accept the submission of essays or other academic pieces of writing.
(1.5) Activities and visiting speakers
Writers Anonymous hopes to invite teachers and lecturers, and other individuals involved within the local writing community to provide information and presentations. These events will be discussed and arranged at group meetings. Members will have the opportunity to shape the meetings of the group to their individual needs, and for example, can request for a teacher to be invited to answer questions if required.
2. Group Maintenance
(2.1)
Any questions or comments concerning Writers Anonymous should be addressed directly to the Co-Presidents, at the Writers Anonymous email (thewritersanonymous@gmail.com). Co-Presidents, along with four other readers (names available on request) will attempt to provide guaranteed feedback for every member of the group. This is to ensure and maintain fairness within the group. Ideally, the group will share this responsibility and provide feedback to most, if not all pieces of work.
(2.3) General Meetings
General meetings can be requested at any point. If a member feels they have an issue to raise about the maintenance or direction of the group, they can contact either Co-Presidents, and a general meeting will be arranged to discuss the issues openly and to seek a suitable resolution.
(2.4) Costs
The University of Dundee provides the classroom space free of charge. The only cost incurred by Writers Anonymous will be for the printing of members work. This can be handled in a number of ways.
a) All members are responsible for printing enough copies of their own work to be distributed within the group.
b) A nominal fee can be paid every fortnight, which will be worked out as and when required, by each member, to contribute toward printing costs.
c) Work could be shared electronically, via email. This saves on printing cost. This is to be discussed at the initial meeting.
(2.5) Student Association affiliation
While Writers Anonymous is not a student association, it could benefit from affiliation with the student union. The funding the Student Union could provide would be beneficial, but is not necessary. This is to be discussed.
3. The feedback process.
(3.1) Anonymous objectivity
Writers Anonymous hopes to provide the opportunity for writers to share their work without embarrassment or fear. Work submitted will be distributed back to the other members of the group anonymously. This way feedback should be shaped more objectively to a specific piece of work, and not past works or towards the character of the writer.
(3.2) Ideal feedback
Ideal feedback may contain any of the following: comments on basic editing matters, thoughts and ideas on the concepts explored within a piece of work, ideas for improvement, remarks on the coherency of a piece of work. Any of the above and many more may be expressed as written feedback upon a piece of work, or within discussion.
(3.3) Anonymity
Anonymity, Writers Anonymous believes, will create a new dynamic towards the discussion and readings of pieces of works. This will be implemented through the removal of names from pieces of work in the distribution process. Writers may or may not state ownership at the time of discussion, or can choose to remain anonymous. It is solely up to the individual.
4. Rules and regulations
(4.1) Mutual respect for authors
Writers Anonymous encourages all types of work and values objective criticism. As such, all writing must be criticised according to its own merit. Similarly, all authors must be treated respectfully, regardless of personal opinion regarding work or character. Offensive or harmful comments or opinions will not be accepted.
(4.2) Regard for facilities
All members of Writers Anonymous are fully responsible for the proper use of facilities and venues. We ask that all locations be treated with utmost regard, as damages are the responsibility of the group as a whole.
(4.3) Result of rule-breaking
If any member of Writers Anonymous persistently disregards the guidelines as stated here, they face expulsion from the group. If a member has any qualms, we ask they direct these at either Co-Presidents (via email or in person), or if they feel the matter is unresolved, at a general meeting. Personal differences must be kept to oneself, as Writers Anonymous is a coherent and equal group wherein each member is reliant on another. Thus, if any person acts in an unfair manner towards another individual, their status as a member is to be revoked.
(4.4) Copyright
All work submitted by an individual is property of the author alone. It is an extreme infringement of rights to declare ownership of work that is not a person’s direct creation. As such, all work will be monitored by Writers Anonymous and names recorded on file to ensure that any duplications, reproductions or derivatives of any specific work will be dealt with accordingly.
5. General information
(5.1) Writers Anonymous is a non-profit, non-affiliated writing group meant only for informal comment and discussion of ones work. This is NOT simply an editing service. Writers Anonymous hope that members will respect this fact.
(5.2) Prospective Opportunities
Writers Anonymous does not guarantee members with anything other than the opportunity to exchange feedback and discuss their work.
(5.3) Censorship
While Writers Anonymous may not wish for the censorship of works, in respect to all members, Writers Anonymous must be involved in the protection of its members. All themes and genres can be submitted, however, if you feel a piece of work submitted is particularly explicit (sex, drugs, violence) get in contact with either Co-Presidents in the first instance so that they can state a warning on the work in question. While censorship may be unnecessary, Writers Anonymous has the best interests of its members at heart. If members have issue with this it can be discussed. No member is to be forced to read anything against his or her will.
These are the rules and regulations of Writers Anonymous and, if any disagreement or objection is felt, this agenda can be discussed and changed towards members needs.
Writers Anonymous Co-Presidents.
10/06/10
-----------------------------------------------------------
I have read and agree with the Writers Anonymous terms and conditions and certify that all work I submit is my own:
Member Name: Date:
Member signature:
Email address:
Contact Number:
(1.1) Writers Anonymous
Writers Anonymous has the intention to create a constructive environment for writers to share their work in front of a collection of peers, to receive feedback and to create a forum for the discussion and exchange of creative works. Without a strong focus on tuition, Writers Anonymous hopes to encourage writers to explore their work with the aid of constructive feedback from other writers.
Writers Anonymous will help encourage a community of writers to share their knowledge on publishing and writing competitions. With the hope that further down the line, guest teachers or authors can present unique and independent views on their writing and the writing world.
(1.2) Meeting structure.
Meetings will be held fortnightly, on a Thursday evening, 6.30 to 9, within the University of Dundee.
(1.3) Submission of work
Work should be submitted two weeks early. For example, work to be
discussed the following meeting should preferably be either emailed or handed into Co-Presidents at, or before, the previous class. Participation is not essential. Members can choose to submit and not provide feedback, or vice versa. Eventual participation is to be hoped for, but no member is obligated to supply examples of their work.
See section 3 for more information on the feedback process.
(1.4) Format of work submitted
Writers Anonymous will accept pieces of short prose (with a maximum word limit of 2500), which can be the beginning, middle or end of a piece of work. Poetry, works of non-fiction and screenplays can also be submitted. Members must maintain respect for the word limit, so shape all works submitted to this length, with exceptions to poetry, which is exempt from this rule. One piece of poetry may be submitted per meeting. Writers Anonymous does not accept the submission of essays or other academic pieces of writing.
(1.5) Activities and visiting speakers
Writers Anonymous hopes to invite teachers and lecturers, and other individuals involved within the local writing community to provide information and presentations. These events will be discussed and arranged at group meetings. Members will have the opportunity to shape the meetings of the group to their individual needs, and for example, can request for a teacher to be invited to answer questions if required.
2. Group Maintenance
(2.1)
Any questions or comments concerning Writers Anonymous should be addressed directly to the Co-Presidents, at the Writers Anonymous email (thewritersanonymous@gmail
(2.3) General Meetings
General meetings can be requested at any point. If a member feels they have an issue to raise about the maintenance or direction of the group, they can contact either Co-Presidents, and a general meeting will be arranged to discuss the issues openly and to seek a suitable resolution.
The University of Dundee provides the classroom space free of charge. The only cost incurred by Writers Anonymous will be for the printing of members work. This can be handled in a number of ways.
a) All members are responsible for printing enough copies of their own work to be distributed within the group.
b) A nominal fee can be paid every fortnight, which will be worked out as and when required, by each member, to contribute toward printing costs.
c) Work could be shared electronically, via email. This saves on printing cost. This is to be discussed at the initial meeting.
(2.5) Student Association affiliation
While Writers Anonymous is not a student association, it could benefit from affiliation with the student union. The funding the Student Union could provide would be beneficial, but is not necessary. This is to be discussed.
3. The feedback process.
(3.1) Anonymous objectivity
Writers Anonymous hopes to provide the opportunity for writers to share their work without embarrassment or fear. Work submitted will be distributed back to the other members of the group anonymously. This way feedback should be shaped more objectively to a specific piece of work, and not past works or towards the character of the writer.
(3.2) Ideal feedback
Ideal feedback may contain any of the following: comments on basic editing matters, thoughts and ideas on the concepts explored within a piece of work, ideas for improvement, remarks on the coherency of a piece of work. Any of the above and many more may be expressed as written feedback upon a piece of work, or within discussion.
(3.3) Anonymity
Anonymity, Writers Anonymous believes, will create a new dynamic towards the discussion and readings of pieces of works. This will be implemented through the removal of names from pieces of work in the distribution process. Writers may or may not state ownership at the time of discussion, or can choose to remain anonymous. It is solely up to the individual.
4. Rules and regulations
(4.1) Mutual respect for authors
Writers Anonymous encourages all types of work and values objective criticism. As such, all writing must be criticised according to its own merit. Similarly, all authors must be treated respectfully, regardless of personal opinion regarding work or character. Offensive or harmful comments or opinions will not be accepted.
(4.2) Regard for facilities
All members of Writers Anonymous are fully responsible for the proper use of facilities and venues. We ask that all locations be treated with utmost regard, as damages are the responsibility of the group as a whole.
(4.3) Result of rule-breaking
If any member of Writers Anonymous persistently disregards the guidelines as stated here, they face expulsion from the group. If a member has any qualms, we ask they direct these at either Co-Presidents (via email or in person), or if they feel the matter is unresolved, at a general meeting. Personal differences must be kept to oneself, as Writers Anonymous is a coherent and equal group wherein each member is reliant on another. Thus, if any person acts in an unfair manner towards another individual, their status as a member is to be revoked.
(4.4) Copyright
All work submitted by an individual is property of the author alone. It is an extreme infringement of rights to declare ownership of work that is not a person’s direct creation. As such, all work will be monitored by Writers Anonymous and names recorded on file to ensure that any duplications, reproductions or derivatives of any specific work will be dealt with accordingly.
5. General information
(5.1) Writers Anonymous is a non-profit, non-affiliated writing group meant only for informal comment and discussion of ones work. This is NOT simply an editing service. Writers Anonymous hope that members will respect this fact.
(5.2) Prospective Opportunities
Writers Anonymous does not guarantee members with anything other than the opportunity to exchange feedback and discuss their work.
(5.3) Censorship
While Writers Anonymous may not wish for the censorship of works, in respect to all members, Writers Anonymous must be involved in the protection of its members. All themes and genres can be submitted, however, if you feel a piece of work submitted is particularly explicit (sex, drugs, violence) get in contact with either Co-Presidents in the first instance so that they can state a warning on the work in question. While censorship may be unnecessary, Writers Anonymous has the best interests of its members at heart. If members have issue with this it can be discussed. No member is to be forced to read anything against his or her will.
These are the rules and regulations of Writers Anonymous and, if any disagreement or objection is felt, this agenda can be discussed and changed towards members needs.
Writers Anonymous Co-Presidents.
10/06/10
--------------------------
I have read and agree with the Writers Anonymous terms and conditions and certify that all work I submit is my own:
Member Name: Date:
Member signature:
Email address:
Contact Number:
Saturday 17 July 2010
Minutes: July 1st 2010
Minutes for the Writers Anonymous meeting held on July 1st 2010, at 6:30 in the Baxter Suite, room 1.36.
Meeting commenced at 6:35
I. CHANGES TO AGENDA
The agenda has been amended concerning poetry submissions and copyright issues. Writers can now submit three poems rather than just one, though again poetry submissions are at the writer’s discretion owing to some genres being considerably longer than others. After the issue was raised at the last meeting a copyright declaration has been added to the agenda which members must sign.
II. DISCUSSION OF SUBMISSIONS AND FEEDBACK PROCESS
i. Due to difficulties printing submissions the decision has now been taken to email pieces and either give feedback using track changes, or if the individual prefers notes can be written by hand and brought to the next meeting.
ii. The feedback process is described, using submissions as examples. Feedback can be given on a Word document either through highlighting a word, clicking Insert in the taskbar and using the New Comment feature to write feedback in comment boxes OR by using track changes. Track changes can be accessed through Tools or, if you are using Windows 2007, through Review. Additionally comments can be added to submissions using coloured text. Annotated submissions are then emailed back to Writers Anonymous who give the writers concerned their feedback.
III. FURTHER ISSUES DISCUSSED
i. The group is reminded send all submissions to the gmail address – thewritersanonymous@gmail.
ii. The group discussed whether it would beneficial to have a writing prompt given each week. Most were in favour of this motion and so a new prompt will be given at each meeting. The current prompt is a man at a bus stop. Taking part in the prompts is optional, writers can continue to submit original work if they would prefer to do so.
iii. The next Writer’s Anonymous meeting will be held on July 15th at 6:30.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00
I. CHANGES TO AGENDA
The agenda has been amended concerning poetry submissions and copyright issues. Writers can now submit three poems rather than just one, though again poetry submissions are at the writer’s discretion owing to some genres being considerably longer than others. After the issue was raised at the last meeting a copyright declaration has been added to the agenda which members must sign.
II. DISCUSSION OF SUBMISSIONS AND FEEDBACK PROCESS
i. Due to difficulties printing submissions the decision has now been taken to email pieces and either give feedback using track changes, or if the individual prefers notes can be written by hand and brought to the next meeting.
ii. The feedback process is described, using submissions as examples. Feedback can be given on a Word document either through highlighting a word, clicking Insert in the taskbar and using the New Comment feature to write feedback in comment boxes OR by using track changes. Track changes can be accessed through Tools or, if you are using Windows 2007, through Review. Additionally comments can be added to submissions using coloured text. Annotated submissions are then emailed back to Writers Anonymous who give the writers concerned their feedback.
III. FURTHER ISSUES DISCUSSED
i. The group is reminded send all submissions to the gmail address – thewritersanonymous@gmail.
ii. The group discussed whether it would beneficial to have a writing prompt given each week. Most were in favour of this motion and so a new prompt will be given at each meeting. The current prompt is a man at a bus stop. Taking part in the prompts is optional, writers can continue to submit original work if they would prefer to do so.
iii. The next Writer’s Anonymous meeting will be held on July 15th at 6:30.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00
Welcome!
Welcome to the blog for Writers Anonymous.
By way of introduction writing exercises will be posted below to serve as inspiration or a creative challenge! A new exercise will be provided at each meeting, though participation in the exercises is optional. Our first, and ambiguous, scenario was a man at a bus stop.
The current writing exercise comes in the form of a video. Watch the clip below and then write about identity.
Just as a reminder, Writers Anonymous accepts submissions in the form of poetry, prose, journalism, memoirs and autobiography, travelogue, criticisms, biography, historiography and excerpts from drama and plays. The word limit for prose 2500 and poetry is limited to three pieces per submission.
On a final note, thank you to all who support Writers Anonymous by attending and participating in the meetings.
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