Literate[/url] Beans is a family for writers, readers, and anyone else interested in the literary arts to discuss their passion and work with others of a similar mindset. This can be their own productions, influences upon them, literature that has stood out in their lives, and other such ideas. The main objective is to encourage a healthy, casual group in which people can discuss ideas, influences and current projects with one another, creating a fun community in which people can share ideas and wisdom, with the occasional bouts of japery and silliness. In this group, you may post links to your work in the Writer's Nook (or any of its subsections) in order to get feedback from fellow family members, with a more critical eye than you might get otherwise if you so desire. Furthermore, there will be a myriad of events available to members and non-members alike of the Literate Beans family, listed below: I. Cafe Sessions II. Prose of the Season/Poetic ars Nova Season III. Book Club The goal of this family is not only to bring together individuals with a similar passion for literature and writing, but also to establish greater activity in the sections about it, stimulate thoughtful, rounded discussion and critique and promote literary activities on the site. [/url]What are Cafe Sessions? Cafe Sessions are, in basic terms, a round table discussion of one particular facet of Writing or Literature. Topics will range from creating interesting characters and settings, to using imagery and "tools of the trade", and from analyzing texts and the importance of critical reading to spotting, identifying and using tropes. These discussions will, hopefully, be a fun and engaging way to get to know other writers, exchange opinions about literature and writing, and also improve our knowledge of literary theory and skill as writers in general. The important part about these sessions is that they are an open floor to discuss opinions and insights about writing and reading, where differences are encouraged and accepted. Topics will, at first, be chosen by us, but as we progress people will be able to suggest new topics they want to discuss with the group, skills they want to hone, or general interests. Discussions will last 15 days before a new one is started, however that does not mean that discussion cannot continue once a new discussion begins, and in fact we'd like to encourage those who enjoy and want to continue discussion to do so. The end goal is to develop a better understanding of literature and creative writing through discussion, like a tutorial and with the end result being a resource which can be used to help people struggling with that particular theme. Why should you join? Literate Beans is a collection of people who have a keen interest in the literary arts, and therefore, those who become members will be able to interact more closely with people of a similar mindset, in addition to discussing ideas thoughtfull and in great depth. The Cafe Sessions will not only open a wide range of literary discussion, but they'll also be a good way to earn post count with legitimate and thought-provoking discussion In addition, members who are part of the family are able to ask for feedback for recent work, in effect advertising in the thread. The idea here is that you will be able to ask for a deeper level of criticism for your work from the group, if you're looking for it. In addition to this, you will be able to have a say on when activities such as PotS, PanS and the Book Club will take place. This is to ensure that we have a base of people who actually want to take part in the contest, instead of what has been happening more recently when there has been little to no participation. Using this system, we can put control in the hands of the people who want to be part of the contests, and they can control when they want it. Those who are part of the family can also suggest improvements and adjustments to the way that things are run in the Literature and Nook sections. This could include, but not be limited to, suggestions for contests, changes to policy in that area etc. Not being a part of the family doesn't prevent this sort of feedback, but it will be an ideal forum in which to discuss how these changes could affect the more active participants in the sections. We'll also be adding many more benefits in the future for everyone in the family to enjoy, so you have nothing to lose by joining if you're an active member who loves literature and/or writing!
