Updated for 2026.

SCWG General Meeting Rules:

1. Authors have up to 10 minutes to read and 5 minutes to receive critique. The host or someone they designate will run a timer and will alert the group when the limits have been reached.

2. If the reading time has been reached, it is up to the discretion of the host whether to allow the reader to finish their excerpt. The more readers there are on the list, the closer each reader will need to keep to the 10/5 minute limits in order to be fair to everyone.

3. The host has final say regarding time limits, reading order, and critique order, and we ask everyone in attendance to respect that.

4. We do not censor content. For more information on how to handle content you do not wish to interact with, see the following sections.

Meeting Times and Location:

We meet every Tuesday night (6-8pm) and Saturday afternoon (12-2pm) at Tommy Rocker's Mojave Beach Bar on Dean Martin Drive. There is currently no regular charge for the use of this space, which helps us keep our group membership fee free. In exchange, we encourage all attendees to order a meal during the meeting if they are able, but it is not required.

Since Tommy Rocker's is a bar/restaurant, alcohol is also available for purchase to our 21+ members. However, over-intoxication is counter-productive to the operations of a working critique group and will not be tolerated during our meetings. If a member becomes disruptive due to excessive drinking, they will be asked to leave the meeting. Depending on the nature and frequencies of disruptions, a longer suspension may be imposed. In short—please drink responsibility.

Guidelines for Readers:

1. 1. 1. Most readers can cover between 1200-1500 words during the 10-minute reading period. If you bring significantly longer pieces, you may be cut off before you reach the end.

      2. Bring copies of your reading so listeners can follow along and make notes. We do our best to capture attendance numbers, but we recommend bringing no less than 10 copies.

      3. When possible, we suggest formatting your pages with 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with line and page numbers to make critique easier. If you don’t know how to do this formatting, please reach out and we will help.

      4. If your reading contains content that may be offensive or triggering to someone, please say so before you read. Examples include things like graphic sex or violence, harm to children, or racial slurs.

      5. If you are asked a question during your critique, we recommend keeping your answers short in order to maximize the feedback you receive.

      6. We strongly recommend that you don’t try to defend your work during your critique period as it will prevent you from receiving as much feedback as possible from the listeners. You are welcome to engage in discussions and ask/answer questions after the meeting.

Guidelines for Listeners:

1. When you receive a copy of someone’s work, remember to write your name at the top of the handout so the author can contact you with follow-up questions.

2. If you do not want to hear a reading, please feel free to leave and rejoin us when you are ready. If at any point during a reading you decide you don’t want to continue listening, do not feel rude or awkward about leaving the room.

3. We observe a policy of “no blood on the floor.” Feedback should be constructive and focused on the craft of writing. If the reading list is full, please be concise and limit your feedback to only what may need more explanation than what you’ve written on your copy

4. For the sake of time, refrain from asking questions of the reader unless it is essential to your understanding of the piece, and please try to keep it to yes/no questions.

5. Do not engage in extensive crosstalk, interruption, and debate during the critique period. Larger issues of craft and content not directly related to the piece being critiqued should be held until after the meeting.

6. Insults and derogatory remarks aimed at either the author, the mediator, a previous commenter, or anyone else in the group is not allowed at any point during the meeting.

Disciplinary Policy:

As a volunteer group primarily serving adults, we encourage members to resolve disputes between themselves whenever possible. The board will not litigate personal grievances between group members unless it has a direct effect on group/meeting operations.

Violations of the rules as written can be raised to the group leader via email. If it is determined that a violation has occurred and remedy is necessary, we will follow a “three strikes” policy:

1. First offense: Written warning outlining the nature of the complaint and how the individual can correct their behavior/make amends. Complaints came be kept anonymous upon request.

2. Second offense: 2-week suspension from group meetings and events

3. Third offense: Expulsion lasting no less than one year depending on the violation

Most rules infringements will follow this cadence, however in cases of extreme cases (i.e. physical/verbal assault or a pattern of consistent or widespread harassment), we reserve the right to escalate beyond the “three strikes” policy.

Strikes will reset after six months.

Cost:

Sin City Writers Group is free to attend, but we do have operating costs. If you’d like to contribute, every host will provide an opportunity to contribute via donation jar or links to online payment portals (if available). If you attend a meeting where food or drink is available for purchase, we ask that you show your consideration by purchasing a meal.

Updates to the Rules:

The rules in this document are subject to change over time and without prior notice. The most current version of the rules will always be available on our website, and members are encouraged to review this page annually to keep up to date.