ABOUT THE GROUP by Jon Gibbs

   Who are we?  We’re writers, just like you.  Founded by Lew Preschel (Manalapan) and 
   Art Frank (Colts Neck) in 2006, the Monmouth Creative Writing Group welcomes writers
   from all walks of life.  Whether you’re a complete novice, or a seasoned professional, this is
   the place to meet like-minded people. 

 
   What do we write?  Short stories, novels, articles, screenplays, poems…you name it, our
    members write it.

    What happens at our meetings?  
    COLTS NECK (Details supplied by Art Frank)
    PLEASE NOTE: COLTS NECK is a seperate organization from the one at Manalapan. 
    COLTS NECK is not an open public forum. It is a membership organization, and while
    free, members apply for admission by submitting a bio to the moderator, Art Frank
   cariagehouse@earthlink.net for review. Colts Neck Novelists is heavily slanted toward
   serious writers of main stream and genre fiction, generally novels and novellas, but also 
   includes full length non-fiction authors. Colts Neck works on craftsmanship, editing and
   professional development issues. 
 
    When are the Colts Neck meetings? On the first Tuesday of the month, at Colts Neck
    library (1 Winthrop Drive, Colts Neck, NJ 07722), at 7:00pm.
 
     How can I join Colts Neck? 
     You can e-mail a bio, or you may attend as a visitor with a current member, or you may
      attend as an observer of you would like to look first. Directions can be obtained by
      e-mailing Art Frank: cariagehouse@earthlink.net .
      
    MANALAPAN meetings are run by Lew Preschel. Members read out* up to 1,500
    words from a short story or current WiP. The rest of the group then gives verbal (and some 
    written) constructive criticism feedback. 
 
    When are Manalapan meetings?  On the third Thursday of each month, at
    Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan (125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan,
    NJ 07726 – opposite Target), at 7:00pm.

    How can I join Manalapan?  All you have to do is turn up.  You can participate as little,
    or as much, as you like – just remember the golden rule of critiquing: Critique the writing
    NOT the writer, and remember you're there to give helpful feedback.

    IF YOU WANT UP TO 1500 WORDS OF YOUR OWN WORK REVIEWED* at
    one of our Manalapan meetings, remember to bring enough copies (at least a 
    dozen), along with a brief description of the piece, to help the group understand your target
    audience/publication. Use standard ms format ie: A good-sized font (like Times New 
    Roman 12 pt), double-spaced with 1" all-around margins, so people can more easily make
    notes on the pages. 
    Please note: there's usually a waiting list.  Priority is given to those who've attended at
    least one of our meetings before.  Also, if you want your work read out by another
    member, you'll be expected to read for someone else, which is only fair.

    *A WORD ABOUT CONTENT
    We're open to writers of any ages and genre. That said, if your work contains
    explicit content which might cause embarrassment or discomfort to other group 
    members, you should make that clear before your work is reviewed, so folks know
    what to expect. Also, be prepared to have your reading pushed back to the latter
    part of the meeting.