Southern California Writers . . .

[DrRita]

Okay gang, there are several of us who live in the general LA area and I was just wondering if any of you belong to a writer's group or would like to create a writer's group?

I would truly like to get plugged into a regular group where I can connect with other writers.

[Thebigguy]

I'm not from LA but you've got my endorsment go for it, trying to get one started here in SF bay as well! (Not that you need my approval, just lending my support.)

[DrRita]

Thanks bigguy! I pray you have success too.

[wjordan]

I am in the Orange County area, so not too far...I also have a friend who is (very) slowly working his way through his first book.

To clarify though, I am writing only non-fiction at this time. I'm guessing this would be more aimed at fiction?

[DrRita]

I am in the Orange County area, so not too far...I also have a friend who is (very) slowly working his way through his first book.

To clarify though, I am writing only non-fiction at this time. I'm guessing this would be more aimed at fiction?

Nope, I wrote non-fiction for years. That's what I published most. So both are quite fine!

[wjordan]

Well I'd be interested. =) I'm sure my friend would be as well. He and I have met up on occasion to just work at the same time. Just the accountability of sitting in the same room knowing that all we're supposed to be doing is writing!

I do get up to the Valley from time to time. Lets just plan something and add people as we go. I'm not certain of what we would do, but if the purpose is to help and encourage each other in our writing I'm in. =)

[DrRita]

Would you like to meet at a coffee shop to start? I know it's a ways for you to come. I have a friend who lives in Costa Mesa. Maybe she'd be interested in coming along. She is working on a book. If she does, I could drive down that way. Now for the day. July is a really crazy month for me. August would be better, perhaps not the first week but after that. I can't do Saturdays but any other day (or evening) would work fine. Let me contact my friend and then get back to this thread. I love this idea!

[wjordan]

Meeting half way at a coffee shop would be good. Anything along the 5 should be mutually agreeable.

I'll chat with my friend and see what's good for him. I'd have suggested a Saturday, but as long as I know in advance I'd be able to work almost any day/time out.

What do you see as the purpose for a "writer's group". The idea is intriguing but I'd like to have a clear purpose for meeting before we put a date on the calendar. Just meet monthly to update on our progress or get help/feedback? Something else?

[DrRita]

I'm sorry I'm so late in getting back to this topic. Had a very hectic week.

In reply to your question wjordan, I see the purpose as:
Mutual support for each other
Accountability
Critique and feedback
Networking

If there are any other reasons, that would be good.

How about setting something in early September, some time after Labor day? We could meet in Irvine perhaps?

[wjordan]

Irvine would be great. September sounds fine. You've suggested a non-Saturday. Specific days/times that would work? Want to shoot for a lunch thing so you can get down and back without big traffic problems?

First meeting we can define our goals (your list is an excellent start) and each share a current project and how it's going. Any mid day lunch should work for me if it's scheduled far enough in advance. I'll chat with my friend to see when works for him.

Who else in Orange County/LA is interested?!

[DrRita]

Great! I sent an e-mail to my friend and hopefully she will be able to attend also. I will scout around and see it there are others. Lunch would be terrific.

Tuesday -Thursday would work for me. I am attending the AFCW conference and leave on Sept. 17 so that week would be out. But the first two weeks would work fine.

[wjordan]

Okay how about a Wednesday? Monday or Wednesday is best down here, so it seems Wednesday is most ideal. I have 2 people who would like to attend and I'll spread the word as possible and see if I can pick up a 3rd.

Wednesday, September 10th or September 24th.
Should we say from 11:30 to 1:30/2?

In Irvine, the main "area" is the Spectrum, but that's the farthest south. There are lots of choices there, or I can find something that's 5-10 minutes farther north in the Tustin area?

I'd say lets book the 10th at the Spectrum at 11:30. Dave & Buster's is a good place there. You'd think it's noisy because they have games and such, but it's actually really quite. I do business meetings there every now and then.

Since it's us 2 getting it started, we can pick. =) So if that sounds good then it's set.