SLO NightWriters

The real essence of NightWriters blooms in our many workshops (or “critique groups”). In these smaller groups, writers give and receive valuable feedback and support. Some workshops have been vibrant for years; others are brand new.

Format varies from group to group, but members usually take turns reading work aloud and giving feedback on others’ readings.

Visitors are welcome to contact group leaders to learn more about the workshops. And if you don’t see a topic that fits your style, you can consider starting one of your own!

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NightWriter Critique Groups

FICTION/NONFICTION GROUP meets on the first and third Mondays of the month from 9 AM until noon. Members bring original work to each session and read aloud to the group. The group provides constructive suggestions for improving the writing and the structure of the stories. Prose forms of literature– short stories, novels, memoirs, essays, newspaper and magazine articles, travel–are this group’s forte. It welcomes writers who are serious about producing work for publication. Those interested in attending or who need more information should telephone.
Contact Terry Sanville, 541-0492 or Gloria Pautz, 543-2049

HI HOPES was invented to fill a need for a Los Osos/San Luis Obispo group that incorporates writers who generate stories, essays, novels, poetry–you get the picture–writers of any description. Whether or not you wish to publish, we’ll help you with ideas to improve your writing. Led by Sharon Sutliff, we meet on the second and fourth Mondays at 9 AM and usually wrap up in time for lunch. We meet in various locations. We currently have nine members and would welcome more.
Contact Sharon, 544-4034 or Audrey Yanes, 534-1919 and arrange to visit or get more information

NOVEL IDEA meets twice monthly on the second and fourth Wednesdays in San Luis Obispo dealing with book-length works. Currently three members are doing traditional novels, two narrative fiction and one a travel book based on history. Four of the members are published authors. The group has had former members who also are published. We are fully committed to helping one another craft material in the chosen genres with helpful critiques and encouragement. Marketing techniques are part of the on-going exchange.
Contact Barbara Wolcott, 543-5240 or cell 748-9113

SLO PROSE meets the second and fourth Thursdays from 7 to 9 PM to read aloud and share copies of their work with each other. By sharing the actual written work, typos, punctuation and spelling errors are often caught. We sometimes talk about marketing. Most of our members have published a few pieces. The group is currently looking for new members, so come visit and see if this is a good fit for you.
Contact Sylvia Willard, 546-8718

LO PROSE meets in Los Osos on the first and third Wednesdays at 7pm till usually 10pm. Charlie Perryess and Lorie Brallier share hosting responsibilities, running a tight ship so that everyone can read. No cross talk. At the beginning and at our break we socialize. We’re all serious but fun-loving. Presently the writing covers several genres: YA novels; short stories; short stories woven into a novel; fantasy; humorous mystery novel; political satire novel; and personal essays. We write just about everything except poetry. Although we’re at capacity, guests are welcome. It may happen that space could be made for a compatible writer.
Contact Lorie Brallier, 528-8845 or Charlie Perryess, 528-4090

POETS ON THE EDGE meets on the first and third Tuesdays at 9 AM in San Luis Obispo for critiquing and positive support for serious poets of all poetry types. We have all ages and stages of development and both sexes. We are contest winners and have published books. We’re currently full, but phone ahead for a visit.
Contact Evy Cole, 473-0230

SOUTH COUNTY meets on the first and third Saturdays from 9:30 AM to noon in Grover Beach. This group thrives on variety, writing short stories, articles, poetry and novels, all genres from fiction to biography and memoirs. Members exchange work by email at least one week before the meeting in order to receive in-depth critiques aimed at eliminating weaknesses and increasing strengths in everything from plot and character development to grammar and proper manuscript preparation. Writers of all levels from beginner to advanced are welcome meet in a casual and fun atmosphere if they’re serious about fully developing each member’s writing talent, whether for publication or self-satisfaction. Currently full, but visitors are always welcome.
Contact Ginger Lasher, 481-2576

RED INK CRITIQUE GROUP for advanced novel writers only. Currently working on genre novels: thriller, fantasy, sci-fi, suspense. Members exchange work online  to allow members enough time to fully analyze each submission. Each analysis is a line-by-line critique of the work-in-progress that focuses on identifying both major and minor flaws in plot, setting, character development, dialogue, story arc, POV and style, as well as exploring what works and why. A serious, hard-working group of experienced writers, Red Ink’s goal is to develop tight, compelling writing, unique viewpoints and fresh voices that will lead to major publication and successful writing careers. Also meets face-to-face once a month in Los Osos. Group full, but visitors to in-person meetings always welcome.
Contact Susan Tuttle, 458-5234

WHAT IF? WRITING GROUP for all writers. Meets every Wednesday in Grover Beach from 10:30 am to12:30 pm. This is not a traditional NightWriter critique group. Work is not brought for critique, but is produced in the session and analyzed according to the objective of the day’s exercise. Based on writing exercises designed to jump-start the creative process (gleaned from Natalie Goldberg, Elizabeth George, Bernays and Painter, and Bonnie Neubauer), these sessions will take writers through the process of writing fiction from inception of idea to the final resolution. This group is open to all writers who want to learn the process of crafting a well-told story while developing their own voice and style. We will explore beginnings, character, tone, voice, POV, tension, dialogue, resolution and writing mechanics. Meets in the daytime to start, but if enough interest is expressed a nighttime group may be started.                                                                                                                                                     Contacts: Susan Tuttle, 458-5234 or Ginger Lasher, 481-2576 or email Susan at: aim2write@yahoo.com

FRIDAY NIGHT WRITERS GROUP, previously know as the Barnes & Noble Writing Children’s Literature Group, meets at the Johnson Avenue Church of Christ library, 3172 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo, on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. We critique children’s and young adult literature, poetry and any kind of prose.  We also work on letters to agents, editors and publishers. We are a close-knit group and we are not “just” a critique group; we try to mentor from the start of a project until its publication, including promotion.  We are working on “Creating a Buzz” and maintaining it using networking techniques, i.e. blogging, Facebooking, Tell-A-Friend, etc. Note:  We are currently full.  If you wish to get on a “waiting list” or come for a visit contact: debradavishinkle@pacbell.net.