Pen & Pier is a society of writers who support each other’s creative efforts. We do that by hosting different kinds of regular events.
In-person
Fridays: This is dedicated time for writers with busy lives to, y’know, write. Settle in and grab a bite while making progress on your creative projects. We also bounce ideas around and sometimes have word sprints.
5pm Friday at the SLO Public Market (main building, upstairs), 3845 S Higuera St. Organized by Joe.
9am Tuesday at Panera, 5110 Cherry Ave, San Jose, CA 95118. Organized by Ute.
Every other Saturday: Parents who write know that balancing life and creative time can get a little one-sided. This isn’t about involving children with your writing; it’s a chance for parents to write together while minding the kiddos in a common space. 10:30am alternating Saturdays at Nova Coffee, 1156 E Grand Ave, Arroyo Grande.
Join us for a weekend of writing with reckless abandon. Learn more.
Online (scheduled)
1st Wednesdays: We gather online to give each other critiques on short works (flash fiction, short stories, chapters, scenes, etc — up to 3,000 words). Submit yours or read one in advance to contribute while improving your critical thinking skills.
8:30pm on the first Wednesday of the month via Discord, organized by Michelle.
2nd Wednesdays: Reading aloud is a great way to practice presenting (say, to a potential publisher) and to critique your own work. Join us online for a low-pressure chance to speak in front of fellow writers who face the same jitters.
8:30pm on the second Wednesday of the month via Discord, organized by Ute.
3rd Wednesdays: Longer critiques gives writers a chance to get feedback on (and give feedback about) stories or writing projects with more than 3,000 words.
8:30pm on the third Wednesday of the month via Discord, organized by Michelle.
Other Wednesdays: Other mid-week meetings are for social time and general writing discussion. No agenda, just casual shop talk.
8:30pm on other Wednesdays of the month via Discord, organized by Katie.
Online (ongoing)
Fridays: Accountability check-ins are a great way to mark your progress … or commiserate with those who didn’t quite reach their goals for the week. Whether you have specific word count or just need a reminder, ask Michelle to join the list for a friendly end-of-the-week check.
Friday evenings via Discord, organized by Michelle.
Mondays: Start the week by responding to a question, challenge, or statement to inspire your creative side.
Online via Discord, organized by Brittany.
In this Q&A with our authors, we get to know each other — and by extension, our works — better. Interviews help us find people who work in similar ways or areas, and to help authors get used to being interviewed.
Bimonthly via Discord and our website, organized by Barbara and Ute.