Quincy Reporter

Quincy Public Library issued the following announcement on Aug. 29.

Quincy Public Library will offer writers new ways to connect and gain support with the Quincy Writer’s Workshop, beginning Saturday, September 14 at 10 am. Sessions will continue in October and November. Writers of original fiction, memoirs, and personal essays are invited to attend the monthly meetings to connect with other writers for encouragement and feedback.

QPL is delighted to host Sarah M. Anderson, award-winning author of over 50 published works at the September 14 meeting.

Anderson will cover topics like critiquing etiquette, vocabulary, and approaching diversity in writing in her presentation “Don’t be a Jerk: Critique for Writing,” Anderson has over 1.2 million copies of her books published in over 21 countries, has presented workshops on writing at the regional and national levels, and is a frequent contest judge.

“Writers at every stage of their journey can benefit from a fresh set of eyes and honest, constructive feedback,” said Anderson. “ I look forward to working with the Quincy Public Library and an exciting group of authors to help writers learn how to give effective critiques, how to take them, and how to apply them to their projects.”

QPL’s Reference Librarian Libby Campbell will facilitate the group. “The goal is for writers to connect and help each other grow,” says Campbell. “Writing can be a lonely process, and having a community of like-minded people for feedback and encouragement is often the push needed to finish a long project, like a novel.”

The October and November meetings will focus on workshop style critiques. Participants can submit up to 5,000 words of original fiction, which will then be distributed to the other participants for review. Memoirs and personal essays will also be accepted for review. Feedback on submissions will be given at group meetings.

Sharing your writing with others, especially for the first time, is an exhilarating experience,” Campbell said. “It can also be nerve-wracking. That’s why this group is structured to provide equal time to positive feedback and constructive criticism. It is just as important for writers to know what is working, as it is for them to know what could use improvement. Above all, we want participants to be encouraged to keep writing.”

Reservations and more information are available by calling Campbell at 217-223-1309, ext. 211.

Original source can be found here.