READINGS REVEAL. On Tuesday, July 22, writers of all experience levels and genres will gather at 2 Roots Art and Wine Gallery (216 S Barstow St.) in downtown Eau Claire for The Rough Draft Reading Series, hosted by the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild.

Local authors and writers are invited to share their in-progress creative work through The Rough Draft Reading Series, an open-mic event hosted by the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild (CVWG).

At 6:30pm on Tuesday, July 22, writers of all experience levels and genres will gather together at 2 Roots Art and Wine Gallery (216 S Barstow St.) in downtown Eau Claire. This recurring event — held every few months — invites participants to read up to five minutes of their unpublished work in front of a supportive audience.

Katie Venit, an advisory board member of CVWG, and frequent host of the reading series, said the Guild supports writers through the various stages of the writing process. Whether it be a retreat, workshop, or community event, the organization offers opportunities for folks to write and refine their pieces over time.

“We writers have a tendency to be turtles, and it can be helpful to have an event where a bunch of turtles get together and come out of our shells a little bit.”

KATIE VENIT

CVWG BOARD MEMBER, EVENT ORGANIZER

“We wanted a chance for people to share what they're working on before it's ready for publication, as a way to build community and get confidence in their pieces,” Venit said. “Open mics are always so fun; it's fun to cheer on your friends.”

Not only do open mic readings offer something unique to attendees, they offer a chance to connect with new members of CVWG — and the wider community — and foster encouragement in a live setting.

Events like the series are also important from a social and networking stance; writers can be a bit shy. Venit playfully noted, “We writers have a tendency to be turtles, and it can be helpful to have an event where a bunch of turtles get together and come out of our shells a little bit.”

Venit, an author of picture books and middle grade graphic novels, has found personal benefits to feedback from the public. For works yet to find a home, but eager to be heard, The Rough Draft Reading Series offers an ideal setting for Venit to share her creations with an audience.

“There are some (pieces) that want to have bigger lives,” Venit said. “These pieces are too extroverted for me to keep to myself. They take on a life of their own, and have to be shared somehow.”

"I love the glow of accomplishment (attendees) have when they get through their piece and everyone is clapping for them. I hope each of them continue writing and leave the night filled with purpose."

KATIE VENIT

on sharing written work in front of an audience

Venit will continue to host the series as CVWG schedules future events, and noted an increase of local writers wanting to participate. Many of the guests who have attended The Rough Draft Writing Series may not participate regularly at other CVWG events.

This has created a positive challenge: limiting the number of readers due to time and capacity constraints. Venit said attendees who arrive early to the event venue are more likely to secure a spot to read.

Previous participating writers range in age, from college students reading for the first time, to retirees who, after years of having a book inside them, finally have time to focus on creative writing.

“I love the glow of accomplishment they have when they get through their piece and everyone is clapping for them," Venit said. “I hope each of them continue writing and leave the night filled with purpose.”

The Rough Draft Reading Series will resume on July 22 at 2 Roots Art and Wine Gallery (216 S Barstow St., Eau Claire). For updates and announcements from the Chippewa Valley Writers Guild, visit their website online or social media platforms (@chippewa_valley_writers_guild).