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• Local writers critique their peers at weekly writer’s workshop

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Red Herring

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Time: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Red Herring’s Fireside Room (1209 W. Oregon St., Urbana)
Cost: Free
For more information call 356-3893

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Red Herring Coffeehouse »
Address: 1209 W. Oregon Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 367-2340
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If you are looking for a venue in which to share your writing, or if you simply want to turn an ear toward local talent, the Red Herring Fiction Workshop provides an opportunity to critique — and to be critiqued. The workshop, which is free and open to the public, accepts a variety of genres including creative non-fiction, film scripts, screen plays, short stories and novels.

Held Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Red Herring’s Fireside Room, meetings are an opportunity for authors to read their works in progress with a group discussion after.

“We only have two rules,” said coordinator Elaine Palencia. “One is you can only read up to 20 double-spaced pages at a time, and the other rule is we do not censor content.”

Since its foundation in 1980, the Fiction Workshop is still going strong. Palencia, who became involved in the organization a few years after it started, said, “People go away for years and when they come back, they know we’ll be back Tuesday nights.”

The group focuses on sharing knowledge of the publishing industry and submitting works for publication. Members have had books and other forms of work published in literary journals such The Antioch Review, Downstate Story and Appalachian Journal.

“The goal in general is to help members produce their best work and to find outlets for that work,” said Palencia.

Other outlets in which the Fiction Workshop authors have shared their work include public readings at CU’s Boneyard Arts Festival and the Blind Pig.

Palencia said that while the workshop focuses on providing constructive criticism, the group is also honest.

“I know that in the past we’ve had a reputation for being really tough,” she said. “I think we’re fair.” As an author who began publishing in the ‘80s, Palencia said she is aware of the workshop audience she is writing for.

“I always know that I’m going to have an audience that wants to hear my best work and that will keep me honest.”

Palencia said the Fiction Workshop is used to a variety of styles. Authors of all levels and ability are encouraged to participate in the workshop. “It’s really about the pure experience of creating.”