East Austin Writing Project: Frequently Asked Questions

Both! Our writing groups follow a two-hour MFA-style workshop format, where participants read and critique early, mid, or final drafts submitted in advance.

While friendly and social, the groups focus on constructive, supportive feedback that helps every writer grow. Some include a brief 15–20 minute generative writing session, but the heart of the workshop is thoughtful critique. Over time, this deep engagement fosters lasting friendships and creative partnerships.

Simply attend an in-person writing group. At the end of each session, the facilitator will invite 1–3 volunteers to submit work for the following month’s meeting.

Once you register for the next month’s workshop, you’ll receive an email with a link to a private Google Drive folder. Each group - Poetry Club, Craft Intensives, Critique I, and Critique II - has its own secure folder, accessible only to registered participants.

If you’ve signed up to be critiqued, upload your piece to the shared folder at least three days before your group meets. All participants should pre-read submissions before the session.

Please email Marissa@eastaustinwrites.org

She will forward your message to the team member who runs your group.

We partner with Alienated Majesty Books, who offer 15% off for our book club members—just mention us! You can also shop at Austin’s many wonderful independent bookstores, order from bookshop.org (which supports indie stores), or borrow from the Austin Public Library.

We’ve grown from one monthly group in 2019 to five writing groups plus a monthly book club, all fueled by community passion. Donations help us:

• Keep events free or affordable

• Pay our facilitators and guest artists

• Invest in better tools for event sign-ups and communication

• Cover operational costs

Our goal is to move from an all-volunteer team to fairly compensating the writers and artists who make these events possible.

Please email marissa@eastaustinwrites.org