Give us a try!
We are a virtual writer’s critique and support group and we meet from the comfort of our own homes.
If you’ve been considering visiting and need the Zoom codes, visit our Contact page on the Menu bar above and send a request, or visit us on Facebook and use Messenger.
Before joining us, read our “Open Read” rules. Follow this link to get acquainted with how we work. Holding Workshop via Zoom gives our moderator the ability to mute all during the readings, and call on participants for their comments. Don’t worry if the dog barks or the kids cry. Mute is a wonderful thing!
If you don’t have a webcam, don’t let that stop you. Just Join with Audio Only, instead of video.
Come, visit, and see if we are that support and encouragement you have been longing for.
Our Story
Established in 1937
The Minneapolis Writers’ Workshop is an eclectic mix of writers, ranging from beginners to long time professionals, and reflect all ages, genders and backgrounds. Members publish literary fiction, creative non-fiction, young adult and children’s literature, romance, fantasy, hard-boiled crime, horror, memoir, travel, poetry, humor and assorted forms of the unclassifiable.
Because we are fearless and a little nuts, we open our minds to anyone and anything. We’ll bend and stretch ourselves like soft licorice to dig your stuff. Most important, we’ll help you get published. MWW members share their wealth of knowledge in writing query letters, book blurbs, self publishing vs. traditional publishing and so much more.
The Workshop—one of the longest continuously running groups formed with a mission to enhance the art of the written word—was established as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s. Created by President Franklin Roosevelt, the WPA sponsored projects in the arts and employed tens of thousands of actors, musicians, writers and other artists. MWW is one of the longest continuously running groups formed with a mission to enhance the art of the written word.
The Minneapolis Writers Workshop meets via Zoom every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Use the request form on our Contact page to get the codes.
Attend an Open Read Night
First Wednesday of each month
The first Wednesday of every month is Open Read: Non-members are welcome to visit and listen or to visit, listen and provide commentary to the readers. Non-members may also share their screen and read a work in progress for 10 minutes and benefit from constructive feedback. If a webcam is unavailable or one prefers to attend off-camera, he/she may join with audio only.
As one member says, “ We are not your mother, and can almost guarantee you won’t receive a pat on the head for reciting.” Our goal is to help you prepare your work to put in front of a publisher. Expose your work among friends as you go along instead of receiving numerous rejections via email and wondering where you went wrong.
Wordsmith, let us get you polished!
Testimonials
From our members
Recently Published Authors
A sampling of our members’ work
Meeting Format
Our process
If a member has prepared a poem, a short story, play, manuscript or even a song, the member submits the word “Hat” via the Zoom chat. The moderator will sort the names and let the readers know how they line up for the night. Each reader will share his/her screen and give it a go for 13 minutes. Attendees will provide comments orally (for up to three minutes) or typed in the Zoom chat.
The reader is not allowed rebuttals except at the discretion of the moderator. Six to nine people can recite their work on a given evening. If there are too many names “in the Hat,” those who were unable to read will have first option the following week.
