Welcome! First Draft is an aspiring writer's critique group for prose that meets on the first and third Mondays of every month. Meetings are at the Palestine Public Library, 1101 No. Cedar, Palestine, TX, in the small conference room from 6 to 7:45 p.m.

Critique groups lend helpful suggestions for improvement of work and offer alternatives for writers to accomplish their goals. Commentary is given as a proposal for improvement. We give encouragement and gentle critique with engaging fun and lively exchanges.

Writing is a solitary experience. We need feedback from other writers. Anyone with a desire to share their writing and critiquing skills is a candidate for First Draft. Fiction, nonfiction, or personal experiences like journals, memoirs, and diaries are considered valid resources.

Different writers read each time we meet. We encourage you to attend each meeting for three very good reasons:

1. We need several writers to critique at each meeting.
2. Writers need the benefit of many who will critique.
3. Each time you come, you have the opportunity to cull and learn more about writing. That's the very nature of critique. It's a free unscripted exchange among your supportive and creative peers.

Writers Please Remember:
1. Writers are requested to bring material they've written and read aloud for seven to ten minutes (depending on how many are prepared to read) with five minutes critique.
2. Text should be presented in Times New Roman font set at 12 point.
3. A minimum one inch margin all around.
4. Your lines should be double spaced.
5. Bring copies to pass out to fellow writers.
6. Begin your critique with positive remarks. Sign the copy that's handed out so the writer knows who to ask if she or he needs clarification.