3rd Quarter Potluck Recap

Image: Social Media Post with lined, torn paper background. Each corner has a different botanical element displayed atop the paper. There is a photo in the center of a countertop with assorted foodstuffs on it. The words above the photo read "Sockmonkey 3rd Quarter Potluck" and the ones below the photo read "Update on the blog". The PCSockmonkey Writers Est 2009 Polly Esther and Pierson Logo is centered at the bottom.

Image: White library countertop above cabinet doors and drawers. Assorted bags of chips, foodstuffs, and utensils are spread out from left to right.

Hi Sockmonkeys!

Well, once again, though we had a relatively small group, we still had more than enough food. It is always such a pleasant surprise to see what people bring with them. 

Image: Open crockpot of soup, along with small bowls, utensils and lemon wedges behind a printout of the soup recipe and ingredients list.

Jen Edwards once again brought a delicious soup for us all to try. I actually tried it twice. Once without the lemon, which was so good, and once with it. It was also very good with the lemon and I was amazed how much the lemon changed the flavor profile. I believe I have a photo or a copy of the recipe, so I will try to add that to the blog soon in case any of you might want to try it for yourselves.

Image: Library conference room with three white tables in an upside down U shape in the center. Five event attendees sit at the tables, with the one empty spot being that of the photographer. Polly Esther and Pierson are perched on a brown cabinet in the background.

This potluck had our regulars, plus one, and it was good to see everyone again, especially after it not working out for previous gatherings. We chatted about food, recipes, books, things people have been writing and/or submitting, music, and a few other things. It was fun to learn about a Tacoma tradition called Monkeyshines, where people try to find custom-made glass floats with a yearly theme. (If you'd like more information on this, here is a page with information from the Port of Tacoma about its participation in the event.) The book discussion prompted one of our attendees to volunteer to post on this blog about things he's reading, since many at the event seemed quite interested in learning more and being able to discuss them further. Keep an eye out for these upcoming posts if you're looking for something new to read!

Once again, I realize that timing doesn't always work for everyone, but I do hope to see more Sockmonkeys at future potlucks. After chatting with those at this event and finding that they enjoy the chance to get together for the November Pie Day and Mug Exchange and the December Blind Book Exchange, even when winter schedules start to get busy, I let them know that I will get information out to everyone about those events as soon as I'm able to schedule them. Please look for that information in the future and join us if you're able.

Talk to you again soon!

Announcing the 3rd Quarter of 2026 Potluck and Write-in!

 Image: A beige background with horizontal torn paper strips mirrored at the top and bottom: light brown then dark brown. In the center is a darker beige partial sheet of lined notebook paper with ripped tabs that reads "Sockmonkey Writers 3rd Quarter Potluck & Write In Saturday, July 25th, 2026 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. See blog post for details. writinginpierce.blogspot.com" in different sized dark brown fonts. The PCSockmonkey Writers Est 2009 Polly Esther and Pierson logo is in the lower right hand corner.

It's that time again, Sockmonkeys!

Time to get together to share snacks, to catch up and to spend some time working in a group setting on whatever project you're working on, that is.

As a reminder, in case you didn't see my previous posts, since we're no longer getting a large influx of new folks because of the now defunct NaNo site, and because it often seemed difficult for some to access, there are no longer any food or attendance sign up Google forms. Bringing a dish to share is not required; you're welcome to just come with your own beverage to sip while you work on your projects with other Sockmonkey writers in the same room. (If you haven't seen the 1st Quarter Potluck recap post, you can find that linked here, or the 2nd Quarter Potluck recap post, you can find that linked here. They will show you that even with a small group of people we often have more than enough food to share.)

****NOTE: If you do bring something homemade, please be sure to bring the recipe or an ingredients/allergen list so other attendees will know if it fits any potential dietary restrictions.****

Here are the event details:

What: Sockmonkey Writer 3rd Quarter Potluck and Write-In

Where: South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup, WA

Date: Saturday, July 25th, 2026

Time 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

I do hope you're able to join us, even if only for part of the event.

June Write Time Canceled

 Image: Lined spiral notebook graphic in the center of a beige background. June 2026 is centered at the top over the swimming Dinoshark confetti graphic uses by Write Time. Text below that reads: Write Time At Electric Coffee Cafe above a red box with white text in it that reads CANCELED. Text at the bottom reads See you in July!

Hi Sockmonkeys!

Very quick note to let you know that Write Time is canceled this Sunday, June 21st, so that those who do are able to celebrate Father's Day. If you're on any of our socials, you've probably seen this already, but I wanted to post it here for those who see the blog first.

They'll be back at it in July!

Announcing the 2nd Quarter 2026 Potluck and Write-In!

 

Image: A beige background with horizontal torn paper strips mirrored at the top and bottom: light brown then dark brown. In the center is a darker beige partial sheet of lined notebook paper with ripped tabs that reads "Sockmonkey Writers 2nd Quarter Potluck & Write In Saturday, April 11th, 2026 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. See blog post for details. writinginpierce.blogspot.com" in different sized dark brown fonts. The PCSockmonkey Writers Est 2009 Polly Esther and Pierson logo is in the lower right hand corner.

Hello again, Sockmonkeys!

I know, I've had a number of catch up posts recently, so you've heard from me a lot, haven't you? In any case, even though the first quarter potluck was in March, since April was a "Camp" month and many were used to participating in some form or another it's time again to get together to share snacks, to catch up and to spend some time working in a group setting on whatever project you're working on.

As a reminder, in case you didn't see my previous post, since we're no longer getting a large influx of new folks because of the now defunct NaNo site, and because it often seemed difficult for some to access for one reason or another, there are no longer any food or attendance sign up Google forms. Bringing a dish to share is not required, you're welcome to just come with your own beverage to sip while you work on your projects with other Sockmonkey writers in the same room. (If you haven't seen the 1st Quarter Potluck recap post, you can find that linked here. It will show you that even with a small group of people we often have more than enough food to share.)

****NOTE: If you do bring something homemade, please be sure to bring the recipe or an ingredients/allergen list so other attendees will know if it fits any potential dietary restrictions.****

Here are the event details:

What: Sockmonkey Writer 2nd Quarter Potluck and Write In

Where: Graham Pierce County Library, 224th St., Graham, WA

Date: Saturday, April 11th, 2026

Time 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Thanks to Jen for helping get this room reserved for us when so many rooms get booked before I often have a chance to do so!

I do hope you're able to join us.

Announcing the 1st Quarter 2026 Potluck and Write In!

 

Image: A beige background with horizontal torn paper strips mirrored at the top and bottom: light brown then dark brown. In the center is a darker beige partial sheet of lined notebook paper with ripped tabs that reads "Sockmonkey Writers 1st Quarter Potluck & Write In Saturday, March 7th, 2026 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. See blog post for details. writinginpierce.blogspot.com" in different sized dark brown fonts. The PCSockmonkey Writers Est 2009 Polly Esther and Pierson logo is in the lower right hand corner.

Hello Sockmonkeys!

How are you all doing? It's been a few months, so it's time again to get together to share snacks, to catch up and to spend some time working in a group setting on whatever project you're working on.

Since we're no longer getting a large influx of new folks because of the now defunct NaNo site, and because it often seemed difficult for some to access for one reason or another, there are no longer any food or attendance sign up Google forms. Bringing a dish to share is not required, you're welcome to just come with your own beverage to sip while you work on your projects with other Sockmonkey writers in the same room. 

****NOTE: If you do bring something homemade, please be sure to bring the recipe or an ingredients/allergen list so other attendees will know if it fits any potential dietary restrictions.****

Here are the event details:

What: Sockmonkey Writer 1st Quarter Potluck and Write In

Where: Sumner Pierce County Library, Fryar Ave., Sumner, WA

Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2026

Time 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

I know this is a bit different from our usual time frame, but so many of the rooms were already booked!

Here's hoping you're able to join us for some or all of this quarterly event, but even if you aren't, I do hope that your writing and/or other creative endeavors are going well and that you're staying healthy.

2025 Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange Recap

Image: Polly Esther on the left with four smaller holiday Sockmonkeys next to her and Pierson the Sock dog on the right next to a plastic tote with notebooks in it. A roll of blue tickets sits on the table in front of them and a gray backpack sits on the table behind them.

Hello Sockmonkeys!

December was so busy around here and January has had some interesting schedule changes as well, so I'm just getting to this update post. Sorry about that!

Our yearly December Potluck tradition was attended by a small but lively group of writers. We had a good time chatting and catching up in between enjoying plates of the delicious food that was provided by those in attendance. There is a recipe at the end of this post for any who might like to try it!

Image: A table with a green striped Sockmonkey bucket in the upper right corner with wrapped books, including one in a paper bag, surrounding it.

As is our tradition, about halfway through the event, everyone listened for their ticket number to be called for their turn to choose one of the wrapped books based solely on the description written on it. There were a few extra, so some people were drawn a second time and went home with two books. Once everyone had their books, we all opened them and began sharing what we'd gotten with the group. This also led to some interesting discussions about the books themselves and how they found their way onto the exchange table. I do hope everyone is enjoying their selections!

Image: A page of lined steno paper with a handwritten recipe on it.

Everyone enjoyed Jen's minestrone and she very graciously agreed to share the recipe with any who wanted it. (The pasta was kept separate, so if one were gluten free or low carb, I suppose you could do the same if needed.)

Here is a typed version of the recipe, for ease of reference:

Minestrone - Jen (jexx30)

2 ribs celery, diced

1 med onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

--- Saute in olive oil 5 mins

Garlic, minced

1 diced zucchini

1 tsp paprika

1 Tbsp Italian herbs

---Add to pan and saute until fragrant

3 C(ups) chicken stock - Deglaze pan

1 can tomato sauce

1 can beans w/juice

1 bay leaf

1 parmesan rind

Whack it in a crock pot for a while

Add cooked ditalini if you like.

Thank you for bringing this to the potluck and for sharing the recipe with everyone. (I actually need to make some soon!)

Now that this is all caught up, I'll quickly let you know that our 1st Quarter Social and Potluck has been scheduled for Saturday, March 7th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More details to come in a separate post soon!

Announcing the 2025 Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange!

 

Image: A white tile background with assorted illustrations around the edge. Starting in the upper left corner: A brown gift tag with a white snowflake on it; A green curly-cue; A light beige card with a tree on it that looks like it's taped in the upper right corner; The left half of a scribble star; 3/4 of a mug of cocoa with marshmallows on top; a smaller scribbled star; The PCSockmonkey Writers logo with Polly Esther and Pierson; A larger scribbled star; Words in green "Sat Dec 6th 1 - 3 PM"; A smaller scribbled star; A present wrapped in green starry paper with a white ribbon and a brown gift tag; A smaller scribbled star. Brown capital letters in the center, from top to bottom, read: "Winter Potluck & Blind Book Exchange"

Hello Sockmonkeys!

We've reached the end of November already, so, whether you've been working on a November Novel or any other writing or editing projects (or even if you haven't), I hope you'll join us for our Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange.

What: Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange

When: Saturday, December 6th, 1 - 3 p.m.

Where: Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library

You are welcome to attend even if you're not able to bring food to share, so please join us. If you plan to attend, please RSVP using this Google form. If you plan to bring something to share (even if you're not sure exactly what), please sign up on this Google form - it just lists general categories of food.

Not sure what a Blind Book Exchange is? You may have seen them in libraries or bookstores as "Blind Date with a Book": The book is wrapped and there is a note or tag on the outside with a sentence or less as a hint to what the book is about. This post from just prior to our event last year has links to some of our other social media posts if you're still not sure how this works and would like some ideas. In our case it can be a new or gently used book, and you're not checking it out or buying it, but you do get to keep it when the event is over.

Also, if you have it and would like to, please wear your funny or festive holiday attire!

Masks are welcome, but not required. For the health of all, please do not attend if you or anyone in your immediate household is ill or has been recently exposed to a cold or other contagious illness.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out using the contact form on the blog or via email to the PCSockmonkeywriters (at) gmail.com email.

I hope to see you then!

2025 Midway Pie Day and Mug Exchange Recap

Image: A photo of 2 pies, 2 bottles of soda and other assorted snacks on a table next to the wall with some bags on the floor beneath it.

Hello Sockmonkeys!

I have a few different things to post about, but I thought I'd get this one up first so it doesn't get buried.

Image: One Sockmonkey writer at a table with her laptop, a cupboard in the background in front of the windows with Polly Esther, Pierson and other Sockmonkeys on top of it.

Many thanks to xwordslingerx for getting to the library before I did. And thank you to the librarians at the University Place library for unlocking the door to the room for her so she could set up while I was still on the freeway.

Image: Two tables with one Sockmonkey writer a piece at them. The table on the left has an open laptop facing the camera and the table in the distance holds the wrapped mugs for the Mug Exchange.

We had a small but fun group at this Midway event - and far more food than we could eat (as evidenced by the photo of the table at the top of this post). It was great to see them again, to catch up, and to hear a bit about each other's current projects. 

Image: A wooden cupboard in front of some windows. On top of the cupboard sit the mugs from the Mug Exchange, our mascots Polly Esther and Pierson, and the Sockmonkey bucket of Sockmonkeys.

There wasn't any need for the usual tickets to decide whose turn it was to pick a mug, but that was okay. It was still fun watching the mugs be opened, looked at and talked about. And, as is tradition, they were posed with our mascots for their posting online. In the photo above, from left-to-right are: a curvy red and white striped mug; Polly Esther; a black mug that reads "You Octopi my Heart"; Pierson the Sock dog; A green Christmas Tree shaped mug; and the Sockmonkey bucket of Sockmonkeys. I hope the others enjoy using their mugs - I know I'll enjoy using mine!

I know there were various writing and library events going on elsewhere, which is why a few Sockmonkeys (and maybe more...) who usually attend weren't able to make it. Here's hoping that's not the case for our Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange. As stated at the end of the last post, it will be given its own post, but, in order for people to have time to mark it on their calendar, just remember that it is scheduled on Saturday, December 6th from 1 - 3 p.m. 

Hope to see some of you then!

2025 Midway Pie Day and Mug Exchange Potluck is Coming Soon!

 

Image: A beige background with a two touching branches with fall leaves on them across the top, three falling leaves along the outside edge and a fall themed holiday tableau along the bottom with green and yellow leaves in the back and an orange pumpkin in the middle with mushrooms, apples and black hats with buckles on them on either side. The PCSockmonkey Writers logo with Polly Esther and Pierson is in the right hand corner on top of the hat on that side. Different fonts in brown or orange in the center read: Midway Pie Day Potluck and mug exchange. Sat. Nov 15, 2025 1 - 3 p.m. See the post on our blog to sign up and for more details: writinginpierce.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there!

Hello Sockmonkeys!

Very sorry we ended up having to cancel the 4th quarter potluck. We ended up not only without power, but also with such limited cell service I could barely get texts out to ask for help posting to let everyone know we couldn't get together. Thank you so much to Jen (@Jexx) for posting here on the blog and in as many places as possible to let people know about the change.

Here's hoping the weather cooperates more for the Midway Pie Day and Mug Exchange! 

New to the region and/or group and not sure what that means? Well, it's a fun event that was started to help celebrate reaching the middle of November novel writing and, even though the event that prompted it is no longer going on, it's a fun tradition we're trying to continue. If you'd like to see a bit more about it, feel free to click here to see other posts with photos and descriptions from past events.

You are not required to bring a mug, there are usually a few extra, but it is fun if you can. You are also not required to bring food. This is just meant to be a fun event for our community.

Date: Saturday, November 15th, 2025

Time: 1 - 3 p.m.

Place: University Place Pierce County Library Meeting Room

To give us an idea of how many to expect at the event, please at least RSVP on this Google form if you plan to attend.

To sign up to bring a dish, pie, snack or drink to share, please sign up on this Google form.

For those who are ill or otherwise unable to attend, if you'd like to attend virtually, the event will be video streamed into a dedicated channel in our Regional Discord server. Masks are welcome and encouraged but not required.

Numbers for the mug exchange are drawn about halfway through the event, so even if you arrive a little after the start of the event you'll still be able to participate.

I hope you'll be able to join us for some or all of the event.

P.S. I did also mention this in the last event post, but I'll post another reminder before the official post is up: Our Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange is also already on the calendar. It is set for Saturday, December 6th from 1 - 3 p.m. Location and signups can be found on our Google calendar on that date if you'd like to sign up in advance of the blog post going up.

Sockmonkey 4th Quarter Potluck and Mini Preptober Invite 2025

Image: Dark blue sky background with a few yellow stars in the middle and lighter blue clouds at the bottom. PC Sockmonkey Writer 4th Quarter Potluck! is at the top. Text at the bottom in black reads: Sign up form links and more info can be found on our blog. Image in the center looks like a torn out sheet of lined paper with the PCSockmonkey Writers logo in the bottom center and the words "Whether you're writing, editing, plotting or letting a story sit for a bit, please join us so we can connect." above it in black. Upper left corner of the paper a yellow box with the words We're trying something new and this is our fourth in 2025! Right corner of the paper has a red paper clip. Lower left corner has an open book and lower right corner has a two tone ballpoint pen.

Hello again, Sockmonkeys!

I know the last one was only a month ago, but, due to the other special events we like to hold as a group at the end of each year, October is the only month for this. It also works as a mini Preptober, for any who plan to start a new novel or project this November. There was only one library room available for the time frames we usually aim for, so I signed up and it is reserved for the event. I hope you'll stop in and say hello if your schedule allows.

Whether you're able to bring food or a drink to share or not, please RSVP on this Google form to let us know you plan to attend and use this potluck form to let us know the general food item(s) you're thinking of bringing if you're able to do so. (If you have any problems accessing or responding to the forms, please e-mail or message me and let me know and I'll try to get that fixed ASAP.)

 

You're welcome to join us whether you're able to attend the entire time or not, so I hope you'll join us!

 

Event Details:

 

What: 4th Quarter Sockmonkey Writer Potluck and Mini Preptober Get Together

Where: Sumner Pierce County Library Meeting Room

When: Sunday, October 26th, 2025

Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. 

If you have any questions, feel free to put them in the RSVP form or send an email to PCSockmonkeywriters(at)gmail.com and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible.

 

3rd Quarter Potluck Update plus Future Event Announcements

Image: An off-white background with assorted fall leaves and plant matter scattered on it. A blurred leaf shape is in the middled with the words "Sockmonkey Writers 3rd Quarter Potluck Update" on it in white. There is a yellow rectangle in the upper right corner that reads "Plus upcoming event dates!" in black. The PCSockmonkey Writers Est 2009 logo with Polly Esther and Pierson is in the lower left-hand corner.

Hello Sockmonkeys!

It's hard to believe it's October already. How is it October?

In any case, there are more event posts and other things in the works, but first, time to do a quick update on our most recent potluck event.

Image: A white wall, with a white board on it that has Sockmonkey Quarterly Potluck Autumn 2025 written on it, behind a table of food that is close to the right corner of the room. Closer to the camera on the left side of the photo is one of the Sockmonkey writers who was in attendance wearing a purple shirt and holding Polly Esther and Pierson in her arms.

We had a small group at this gathering, probably due to both other events elsewhere in the region as well as the late notice to the group, but we had plenty of good food and drinks. The librarians at the Graham library were very helpful and we even had a surprise visit from a library patron who chatted with us from the doorway when he heard part of our conversation. Everyone seemed to have a good time and it felt like the two hours was over far too quickly.

Image: Polly Esther on the left and Pierson on the right with a Sockmonkey bucket full of mini Sockmonkeys in disarray in it between the two of them sitting on a wooden stand with the words "Thank You" in white visible beneath them.

Our mascots enjoyed themselves during their jaunt to the library, as can be seen in the above photos. While they haven't been able to see quite as many Sockmonkey writers as they would have liked, they understand that these quarterly potlucks are a new thing to the group and it may take time for Sockmonkey writers to add them to their calendars and join us.

That said, while the full details for each event will be coming out in separate posts, in order to give everyone a bit more notice about what's happening now that I could finally reserve a room for the final event, here are the dates and times for the last three events of 2025:

• Sockmonkey 4th Quarter and Preptober Potluck - Sunday, Oct 26th, 2025 2 - 4 p.m.
• Midway Pie Day Potluck and Mug Exchange - Saturday, Nov 15th, 2025 1 - 3 p.m.
• Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange - Saturday, Dec 6th, 2025 1 - 3 p.m.

I hope you'll mark your calendars and plan to attend at least one, if not more, of our ending events for this year.

Looking forward to see you soon!

Sockmonkey Hosted In Person Writing Group Looking for Input and More Local Writers

 

Image: An orange/beige background with a circle frame in the center that has a small spray of different colored leaves on the upper left and lower right portions of the circle. The PCSockmonkey Writers Est 2009 logo with Polly Esther and Pierson is in the lower left corner. Brown all caps text in the center of the circle reads: Sockmonkey Hosted Writing Group In The Proctor Area Looking For Input.

Hello there, Sockmonkeys!

I hope you're all doing well. This post will be a quick one, but if you live in or near the Proctor area of Tacoma and you'd like to get together with some other local writers at a cafe, please read on.

One of our members posted the following announcement in our Sockmonkey Discord looking for suggestions:

Image: Screenshot of white text on a black background that reads: Hey folks! My writing group is gearing up for some extra writing meetups in November. We have our usual 'shut up and write' style meetings every Thursday at 5pm at Knapp's Restaurant in Tacoma (in the Proctor neighborhood), but we want to host a few extras, maybe on weekend mornings. Anyone have a suggestion for a day or time when you'd like to attend an in-person meetup?

So far, I have seen no replies to this question, so I reached out to the author and asked if I could share it with the rest of the group at large. The reply was yes; thus, this post.

To make it simpler for interested parties to reply, and easier to collate responses over a variety of potential social sites where people could leave comments, I have created a one-question Google form you can look at and select options on, if you think you'd be attending something in that area this November. Based on her post, and past experience hosting November events, I limited the choices to Saturday and Sunday mornings. You are free to click on as many as might work with your schedule. I will close the form the last week of the month (or sooner, if asked to) so that the organizer can use the information to plan events and I can get them on the calendar. If you don't live in or near Proctor or are not interested in attending in-person meetups in that area, please disregard this post and ignore the form.

I am not collecting emails, so I will not be contacting you directly with updates. Keep an eye on the blog and the Google Calendar for more details.

Here is the link to that form if you're hoping to attend and want to let the organizer know which days/times might work best for you: Proctor Writing Meetup Google Form .

If you have specific questions not answered by this post, please contact the organizer via our Sockmonkey Discord.

(Belated) 2024 Winter Potluck and Book Exchange Wrap-up

Image: Brown table with green Sockmonkey bucket in the center surrounded by smaller Sockmonkeys with Polly Esther and Pierson on the right. Behind the bucket are wrapped book exchange books.

Hello Sockmonkeys!

I only just realized, as I was uploading photos from my phone for a post about our most recent potluck, that this never got posted. Unfortunately, I was having technical difficulties getting the blogging platform to orient my photos correctly, which was frustrating, and the post sat in drafts just waiting for its polish and release. That time is now.

Image: Two Sockmonkey writers at the book table trying to select their 2nd book.

We had a small but fun group at our final event of 2024, but we ended up having more books donated than there were people in attendance, so, everyone got to pick an extra book. Everyone enjoyed looking at the clues and trying to figure out what kind of book it might be. I wonder if anyone has read one or both of the books they picked?

Image: Two attendees decked out in their silly winter holiday wear. The one on the left in a shark themed sweater and leggings with snowmen, snowflakes and other winter designs, who is holding Polly Esther and Pierson. The one on the right is wearing a brown reindeer/Rudolph onesie.

One thing that often makes this seasonal potluck so fun is the wearing of silly winter holiday clothing. The variety changes each year; some clothing items have been more subdued but still quite funny. Above is a photo of the two attendees who had fun dressing up for the event.

Image: Six of our attendees at the end of the event standing next to one another, each holding up one or both of the books they chose at the event. Polly Esther and Pierson are also being held by the attendee standing second from the left.

There was a lot of good food and much fun conversation at this potluck and book exchange - including discussions about several books. It was so good to see these writers again and get updates on writing and life, even for only a few hours. 

Plans are in the works for the next Winter Potluck and Book Exchange, although I don't have specifics yet, because I am not allowed to reserve a meeting room this early. I am hoping to hold it on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, but more specifics and the exact date will be posted as soon as I'm able to make that reservation. I hope that announcing it earlier makes it easier for more Sockmonkeys to attend - especially since it isn't about the end of the November Novel challenge anymore, it's just about getting together in community, sharing some food, some company and exchanging books with other Sockmonkey writers.

I hope you're all doing well!

September 2025 Quarterly Potluck and Write-In Announcement

 

Image: Dark blue sky background with a few yellow stars in the middle and lighter blue clouds at the bottom. PC Sockmonkey Writer Third Quarter Potluck! is at the top. Text at the bottom in black reads: Sign up form links and more info can be found on our blog. Image in the center looks like a torn out sheet of lined paper with the PCSockmonkey Writers logo in the bottom center and the words "Whether you're writing, editing, plotting or letting a story sit for a bit, please join us so we can connect." above it in black. Upper left corner of the paper a yellow box with the words We're trying something new and this is our third in 2025! Right corner of the paper has a red paper clip. Lower left corner has an open book and lower right corner has a two tone ballpoint pen.

Hello again, Sockmonkeys!

It's been a few months since the last one, and we're almost at the end of the quarter, but that's okay. The library room is reserved and I hope you'll stop in and say hello if your schedule allows.

Whether you're able to bring food or a drink to share, please RSVP on this Google form to let us know you plan to attend and use this potluck form to let us know the general food item(s) you're thinking of bringing if you're able to do so. (If you have any problems accessing or responding to the forms, please e-mail or message me and let me know and I'll try to get that fixed ASAP.)

 

You're welcome to join us whether you're able to attend the entire time or not, so I hope you'll join us!

 

Event Details:

 

What: 3rd Quarter Sockmonkey Writer Potluck and Get Together

Where: Graham Pierce County Library Meeting Room

When: Saturday, September 27th, 2025

Time: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 

If you have any questions, feel free to put them in the RSVP form or send an email to PCSockmonkeywriters(at)gmail.com and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible.

April 2025 Quarterly Potluck and Write In Announcement

Image: Dark blue sky background with a few yellow stars in the middle and lighter blue clouds at the bottom. PC Sockmonkey Writer Second Quarter Potluck! is at the top. Text at the bottom in black reads: Sign up form links and more info can be found on our blog. Image in the center looks like a torn out sheet of lined paper with the PCSockmonkey Writers logo in the bottom center and the words "Whether you're writing, editing, plotting or letting a story sit for a bit, please join us so we can connect." above it in black. Upper left corner of the paper a yellow box with the words We're trying something new and this is our second in 2025! Right corner of the paper has a red paper clip. Lower left corner has an open book and lower right corner has a two tone ballpoint pen.

Hello again, Sockmonkeys!

I know, this is a bit soon after the last one, but that's how timing worked out getting a room for the first one and I wanted to hold this one near the end of a traditional "camp" month when more tend to join in, so it's only a month later. The library room is reserved and I hope you'll stop in and say hello if your schedule allows.

Whether you're able to bring food or a drink to share, please RSVP on this Google form to let us know you plan to attend and use this potluck form to let us know the general food item(s) you're thinking of bringing if you're able to do so. (If you have any problems accessing or responding to the forms, please e-mail or message me and let me know and I'll try to get that fixed ASAP.)

 

You're welcome to join us whether you're able to attend the entire time or not, so I hope you'll join us!

 

Event Details:

 

What: 2nd Quarter Sockmonkey Writer Potluck and Get Together

Where: Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library Large Meeting Room

When: Sunday, April 27th, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

If you have any questions, feel free to put them in the RSVP form or send an email to PCSockmonkeywriters(at)gmail.com and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible.

2024 RebelWriMo Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange

 

2024 Green Red and Gold Winter Potluck Social Media Graphic

Well, after my posts about week 4, it's now time to give you all the details about our Winter Potluck and Blind Book Exchange (formerly the TGIO).

Many Sockmonkeys are already familiar with this end of November writing madness gathering, but, in case you aren't or just need a refresher, here are the details for this year:

What: 2024 Winter Potluck & Blind Book Exchange

Where: Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library

Date: Sunday, December 1st, 2024

Time: 2 - 4 p.m.

We usually make this a potluck because it's fun to eat while we chat about our November writing and what we hope to do next or just to catch up with other Sockmonkey writers. You are welcome to come even if you aren't able to bring a dish to share - please just sign up on this form to let us know you're coming. And if you're bringing something for the potluck, please RSVP here (or just leave a comment on it saying you'll pick something up on your way to the event if you're not sure what you might bring).

In case you're not sure what a Blind Book Exchange is, basically, you bring a new or gently used book that you've wrapped and to which you've attached a short, non-spoiler type blurb or hint about the book for other Sockmonkey writers to use as they decide which book to choose. This is a fun way to get something to read to refill the creative well after spending so much time writing (or editing, etc.) and everyone enjoys seeing the books that other Sockmonkey writers get. (A favorite blurb from last year, which was very short, was "DIY Gone Wrong". The book inside? Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.) The whole thing is a variation on the way libraries and book stores often do this and call it a "Blind Date with a Book".

If you'd like to see some examples of past Book Exchanges, here are links to posts with photos of them on our Regional Instagram:

December 2019

 December 2022 

 December 2023 

Also, just for fun, (and only if you already have it) please wear your favorite funny or ugly holiday attire (shirt, sweater, etc.).

Please do not attend if you or anyone in your immediate household is ill or has recently been exposed to illness, in order to keep from spreading it to other Sockmonkey writers.

The event will be broadcast on a video channel in our Discord for those who are ill or otherwise cannot attend, so they can see and hear what's happening and can participate via text chat if they'd like to do so.

I hope to see you there - virtually or in person!

Image: A dark green background with the neck and shoulders of four different red holiday sweaters, one in each corner, framing a small gingerbread cookie above a Red and Green gingerbread man holiday sweater on the left next to large words in alternating yellow and red that read: 2024 Winter Potluck & Blind Book Exchange". A yellow oval next to the word Winter and above the word Potluck contains small white text that reads: Sunday, December 1st. A rounded red rectangle under the word Exchange has white text that reads: Wear your ugly or funny holiday attire! White text in the center at the bottom reads: See the Google Calendar or the blog for more details and to sign up!

Quick Info about the Monday Night Tacoma Coffee Shop Write-In

Social Media Reminder about Monday Coffee Shop Write In

Hello everyone!

We have a Sockmonkey Writer who has generously offered to host a weekly Monday Coffee Shop Write In during the month of November.

Things to keep in mind: 

•  This location can only seat 10 - 12 people maximum, including the host***
• Seating is a mix of wooden chairs and padded bench seats
• Outlets may or may not be accessible from some seating areas
• It is drafty and can be loud, since it is a Starbucks
• The host will have a rainbow scarf and a laptop (and may have a sign as well)
• Please DO NOT attend if you have any symptoms of illness or have been exposed to someone who has, in order to keep from potentially spreading it to others
• Masks are appreciated but not required
• The host would like to ask that attendees be up to date on their Covid vaccinations, but this will not be checked

***If you're in our Discord, feel free to send a quick "Is there still room" or similar message in the #write-ins-happening-right-now channel before you head to the location so the host or another attendee can let you know the answer so you don't waste gas or time traveling there if seating is full.

Also, if you'd like to make sure there is a write in at a time and in a place that's convenient for you, feel free to schedule it and send a note in the Discord, via our Facebook group or to me at the PCSockmonkeywriters@gmail.com email. I will pass along the information and place it on the Google calendar.

Image: Blurred white background with a white table and chair top in the foreground. An open laptop with a brown journal and a black pen on top of it sits on the table next to a white mug in a wooden coaster. A text box in the center with a brown heart at the top reads: Reminder Sockmonkey Writer Hosted In Person Tacoma Coffee Shop Write In Today 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Limited Seating. The PCSockmonkeyWriters Polly Esther and Pierson Logo is in the lower lefthand corner.