The Basics2Bylines Writers' Groups are open to all writers who wish to attend.

Our Mission:  To create and foster a beneficial community of writers who wish to share and critique each other's written work and explore the publishing process in an ongoing group format.  Meetings will include discussions on finding potential markets and understanding the submission process, sharing publishing experiences and problems, as well as readings of attendees' current works-in-progress for group input.

Format:  The first part of the meeting will be spent sharing helpful news with the group, such as newly formed magazines, new markets, upcoming writers' workshops or community readings, famous authors coming to town or deadlines for writing contests, etc.  Attendees are encouraged to bring and share any such information with others in the group.  We will occasionally "tour" our surroundings to explore and take note of publishers, book companies and the genres they publish, and previously unfamiliar magazine markets.  We will occasionally offer exercises designed to enhance writing skills.  The remaining time will be devoted to attendees reading their works-in-progress and generating discussion and critical feedback.  Group members are asked to please bring a work-in-progress or written piece to share in the form of typewritten, multiple photocopies so others may follow along during the reading.  For time consideration, please limit yourself to one (short) work or a small sample of a larger work per meeting.  A minimum of ten photocopies is suggested, so others can read along while you read your piece. These photocopies will be returned to their author (sometimes with some great feedback).

Barnes & Noble Policy:  Per the bookstore's request, we are asked that all attendees remember that we are reading in a public place, and therefore must be sensitive to shoppers' sensibilities and those (such as children) who may overhear our readings while they are in the vicinity.  While Barnes & Noble is not asking us to censor the subject matter we write as authors, they (rightly) request that, if in your or our opinion, the material being read aloud may be offensive or disturbing to passersby, to have group members read the piece silently before receiving feedback.  If any discussion of the work may prove problematic, we are asked to couch our language appropriately to avoid offending shoppers.  Thanks for your cooperation on this subject.