Be Loud San Antonio
BY Jonathan Fletcher
Where to Write, Critique, and Read in the River City
By Jonathan Fletcher
Ever wanted to try your hand at creative writing but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you already write but are looking for a place to share your work and get feedback? Maybe you have pieces you’ve already polished and would like to read/perform them at a public venue but don’t know of any? Well, you’re in luck. In the City of San Antonio, creative writing groups, critique groups, and venues in which one can read/perform their original work abound. Though some advertise more widely than others, each and every one of them has something to offer each and every writer, regardless of stage, education, or background. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Critique Groups
- Gemini Ink Open Writers Workshop
A monthly in-person gathering for beginners and seasoned writers, as well as anyone in between, Gemini Ink’s Open Writers Workshop is free and open to the public. Bring your poetry, your prose, any genre (poetry limited to one poem per write, prose limited to four pages, doubled spaced, 12-point font). This group meets online and in person the last Monday of every month, 6:30-8:30 pm at 1111 Navarro Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205-1218 (Contact Mandy Lynn Lara, Public Classes Coordinator, to get on the email list for the Zoom option). For additional information, please visit https://www.geminiink.org or call 210.734.9673.
Hear what Robert Allen, leader of the workshop and poet extraordinaire has to say:
“Since May of 2006, the first time I walked through Gemini Ink’s doors, this organization has been an important source of constructive feedback for my writing, a primary source of contact with and instruction by published authors from around the country, and also the provider of an opportunity for me to give back something of myself to the writing community by volunteering. I have learned that writing can be fun, it can be therapeutic, and it can be life-enriching, but more importantly I have learned that writing is serious business. Simply put, writers can change the world, and Gemini Ink has helped me to be a better writer.”
As a longtime member, I can say with authority that this group is unique in that there is a disproportionate percentage of poetry and that the pieces read are often discussed in the context of craft.
- San Antonio Writers’ Guild Weekly Critiques
- A weekly in-person group for beginning and experienced writers, as well as anyone in between, the San Antonio Writers’ Guild Wednesday critique is free for everyone 18+ to attend, but in order to have your work read, you do need to be a member ($35 per year, membership available at https://sanantoniowritersguild.org/membership). This group meets every Wednesday at the Denny’s off 281 and Bitters (13635 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78232-4329) from 7-9 pm (6-7 for dinner). Bring your poetry, your memoir, your novel, your children’s book, etc. (Poetry generally reserved to one poem per write, prose generally reserved to 10 pages, doubled spaced, 12-point font.) Any genre is welcome. A reading list based on prior attendance determines the order in which the writers are read. A literary constant since 2013, a unique opportunity for local writers. Don’t take my word for it, though; take the word of Dan Timoskevich, published author and fearless leader of the Guild’s weekly Wednesday critique:
“For me, being part of a critique group keeps me accountable. It motivates me to finish works and refine them to the best of my ability. It’s hard to come out of the meeting without energized to write. We’ve got a committed group of writers, and we enjoy spending time with each other.”
Take the word of Irene Maldonado, veteran writer and published author:
“Imagine having a dozen writers read and critique your novel, dissecting it, ten pages at a time. SAWG has been for years. It’s value in incalculable.”
Though I’ve had mostly positive experiences with all the writing groups listed herein, I can confidently say that this is my favorite. It’s also one of the most diverse groups I’ve so far come across. I’ve come to not only consider my fellow members invaluable assets to the critique but personal friends with whom I also and often socialize outside of the group.
- Every Saturday, the San Antonio Writers’ Guild meets virtually from 2:30-4:30 pm. What differentiates this group from other critiques is that the writers submit their work ahead of time; that way, time can be allotted exclusively to discussion as opposed to both reading and discussion. Questions? Reach out to Don Richter at SAWGSatCritique1@yahoo.com. More information also available at https://www.meetup.com/e12a590c-c9aa-4174-8310-2950608805f9.
Though I’ve never attended this group, I’ve heard good things about it. From what I understand, it is a little bit smaller, but that can also have its advantages, namely, more time for discussion of each piece.
- San Antonio Authors League Weekly Critique
A weekly remote gathering for any writer 18+, the San Antonio Authors League weekly critique is free and open to the public. It meets online every Saturday from 2-4 pm (https://www.meetup.com/https-1drv-ms-i-s-at2_ffe4obmnge8m11znkbn_4ecgkg). Bring your poetry or prose, any genre. In order to attend, you will either need to sign up for a free Meetup account or contact the organizer, Matt Ahanni, at whoshang@sanantoniowriters.website. (As a veteran of this group, I can say with authority that you’ll get meaty feedback.)
- Tobin Writers Circle
A weekly-in person group, the Tobin Writers Circle, which offers not only a critique but a discussion of craft, meets the second Saturday of every month from 1-5 pm at the Tobin Library (4134 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209-2414).
(As someone who has attended this group in the past, I can say that it’s unique among its literary peers in its incorporation of craft talk into critique.)
- Potranco Writers Group
A weekly in-person critique for writers of all genres, the Potranco Writers Group meets at the Potranco Library (8765 State Highway 151, San Antonio, Texas 78245-3833) from 3-6 pm the second and fourth Saturday every month (non-writers also welcome to attend). (Though I’ve never attended this group, I’ve heard good things about it.)
- Alamo City Writers Group
A bimonthly in-person critique for writers of all genres, the Alamo City Writers Group meets at Forest Hills Library (5245 Ingram Road, San Antonio, Texas 78228) every second and fourth Sunday from 2-4:30 pm ($2 attendance fee required for each meeting.) Questions? Contact Simon at countnomis@aol.com.
(As a regular, I can say with authority that the feedback given is constructive and substantial.
SA Writing & Literary Review
A weekly in-person critique for writers of all genres to socialize, eat good food, and share their work, the SA Writing & Literary Review meets the second Wednesday of every month from 6:45-8:45 pm at the Panera Bread at 11075 West Interstate 10, San Antonio, Texas 78230-1034). Questions? More details available at https://www.meetup.com/sa-writing-literary-review-meetup (free Meetup registration required). Also, the order in which the writers read is determined by the order in which they show up, so come early, come hungry, come ready to read and critique!
(As someone who attended this group for a long time, I can say that it is a good group run by a sweet guy and that the feedback is mostly constructive and quite substantial.)
- The Edge
- A gathering of writers of all stages and genres, the Edge meets the third Friday from 3:30-5:30 pm at Forest Hills Library (5245 Ingram Road, San Antonio, Texas 78228). Sadly, no food, but good camaraderie and a bit of craft discussion.
(As a veteran member of the group, I can say that the feedback is constructive, the group small, which allows for more time allotted per person.)
Generative Writing Groups
- Every Tuesday, Shut Up & Write! also meets from 3-5:30 at Coffee + Culture Baker (13489 Blanco Road, San Antonio, Texas 78216-2132).
(Having attended both days, I can confidently say that they offer good writing time, tasty food, and literary camaraderie.)
- The Persistent Quill
A weekly remote gathering for writers of all genres to meet up and encourage each other through their respective literary pursuits, The Persistent Quill holds meetings every Monday from 8-10 pm (CST). Unlike the San Antonio Writers’ Guild, this group does have a preference for fellow Texans/San Antonio residents. Questions? Check out their webpage at https://www.meetup.com/the-persistent-quill/?eventOrigin=event_home_page (free Meetup registration required).
(Though I’ve only attended this group once, I’ve heard good things about it, and there seems to be a supportive/creative core.)
Venues in Which to Read/Perform Your Work
- The Mouth Dakota Poetry Project
A group of poets, spoken word artists, and other creatives, The Mouth Dakota Poetry Project, run by current Poet Laureate of San Antonio Eddie Vega, meets the first and third Sundays at the Dakota East Side Ice House (433 South Hackberry Street, San Antonio, Texas 78203) from 5-7 pm. Questions? Please check out the Mouth Dakota Poetry Project at https://www.facebook.com/MouthDakotaPoetryProject. A local hot spot, a unique literary opportunity. Don’t take my word for it, though; take the word of Eddie Vega, Taco Poet, poet extraordinaire:
“My experience with the MDPP has been amazing. I’ve seen plenty of people come through to share, debuted books of local artists, and have had traveling poets come through, introducing them to our community such as KB Brookins and Joaquin Zihuatanejo.”
Come hungry and eager for readings/performances that will wow and inspire. (As someone who has attended various open mics at the Dakota, I can say with authority that it is a fun, supportive, and energizing environment. Good food, too!)
- The Blah Blah Blah Poetry Spot
A weekly open mic for poets of all stages and background, the Blah Blah Blah Poetry meets every Wednesday from 8-11 pm at Jandro’s Garden Patio (2623 North Saint Mary’s Street, San Antonio, Texas 78212-3741). Here’s what Rooster Martinez, organizer, Palo Alto professor, and poet extraordinaire, had to say about the group:
“Being a founder, curator, and showrunner of the Blah Blah Blah Poetry Spot influence my work tremendously. Every week, I hear a brilliant poet (or more), or I hear a brilliant line, something that pushes me back writing and challenging myself. I feel it’s important to stay present in poetry and the literary scene around you because it acts like an accountability measure or loyalty test to the arts.”
Questions? Check out the Write Art Out, Inc. social media pages: https://www.facebook.com/writeartout (Facebook)/https://www.instagram.com/writeartout (Instagram). Come hungry and eager for readings/performances that will wow and inspire.
(Though I have not yet attended the Blah Blah Blah Poetry Spot, it’s on my list of must-see literary events this year.)
- Deeper Roots
A weekly open mic for poets/performance artists of all stages and backgrounds, Deeper Roots meets at the Bakery Lorraine Pearl (306 Pearl Parkway, Ste. #110, San Antonio, Texas 78215-1287) the second Tuesday of every month at 6 pm (sign-up starts at 5:30). Come hungry and eager for a literary treat! Here’s what TerryLee Armstrong, a member of the group and poet extraordinaire, had to say about his experiences there: “The Deeper Roots poetry readings have been very productive in variety and personality, especially in allowing authors to show and sell their own publications. I am awed by the presence and presentations of so many local talents.”(Though I haven’t yet attended Deeper Roots, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to visit and read with them. I can’t wait!)
- Last Writes
A monthly open mic for poets/performance artists of all stages and backgrounds Last Writes meets the last Thursday of every month at 8:13 pm at the Cottage Irish Pub (3810 Broadway Street, San Antonio, Texas 78209). A fun and hip environment, a unique literary opportunity. Don’t take my word for it, though; take the word of the organizer, Palo Alto professor, and poet extraordinaire Gerardo Robledo:
“Last Writes has been great! We’ve had really good turnouts at each event, standing room only at times. There’s been great support from the surrounding community, other local writers, and even some faculty and students from Trinity and UIW. A lot of those students are using the open mic portion to read new works, too.”
(Though I haven’t yet made it to Last Writes, I plan to attend the next open mic, as it’s been on my must-see list since this past fall. In the not-too-distant future, I hope to attend as a featured feature.)
In Memoriam
- Sun Poet’s Society
Though no longer active, the Sun Poets Society, South Texas’s longest running weekly open mic, ran from 1995-2022. Many of the members are still around, writing, and reading/performing, including Rod Carlos Rodriguez (aka Rod Stryker), the leader of the group, a lecturer at UTSA, and the author of five collections of poetry. Here’s what he had to say about Sun Poet’s Society:
“After hosting the Sun Poet’s Society for 27 years, I’ve been extremely privileged to witness and experience poets from all walks of life, from around the world. The Sun Poets have made me a better write, a better poet. One of the reasons I decided to not only complete my bachelor’s in creative writing, I also decided to pursue and complete my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, thanks to the poets who crossed the Sun Poet’s Society stage. The Sun Poets were a force of nature and will continue to influence my life until I turn in my soon.”
Find more about him at https://www.facebook.com/RodCarlosRodriguezPoet and to learn more about the group and its contributions to the literary community of San Antonio and beyond, check out their official webpage at https://www.facebook.com/SunPoetsSocietyOfficialPage. (Though I only attended the Sun Poet’s Society open mic a couple of times, I can attest to the welcome environment and the palpable camaraderie among the group}
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AMAZING ARTICLE! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
We want to read more by Jonathan Fletcher!
You forgot to include Voces Cosmicas. We’ve been promoting poetry in San Antonio for over a decade. Thought I’d bring it to your attention.
Hi Fernando, I’m so sorry; I completely forgot! Anyway, yes, I will add Voces Cósmicas to a future article, maybe even a spotlight on the group. Thank you for bringing this unintentional oversight to my attention!
Thank you for including the Sun Poet’s Society in your article. I really appreciate it. As writers, we always notice the misspellings only AFTER it has been published (silly me). The corrected sentences should be “The Sun Poets have made me a better writer, a better poet.” AND “The Sun Poets were a force of nature and will continue to influence my life until I turn in my spoon.”