Cold Reads, Warm Feedback
Cold Reads, Warm Feedback is a free monthly event where writers can get concrete and supportive feedback on works in progress. The works can be short stories, academic papers, chapters of theses or dissertations, business documents, dating profiles... You name it! We're a group of humans led by a human writing instructor and coach (me!) to read human work. In other words, we provide community and support for the writing process.
How Cold Reads, Warm Feedback Works
- Join the Zoom meeting, typically on the first Monday of the month, 7 pm CT
- RSVP if you like, but it is NOT required.
- Check dates - Dates may change to avoid scheduling conflicts, e.g., holidays.
- Decide if you would like to share some writing - There's no obligation.
- Share your screen if you would like to review your writing.
- Receive "words-on-the-page" feedback from Millie as she reads the writing.
- Hear reactions from observers that are limited to answering 4 questions.
- Move on to the next person and the next...as time allows in the 1.5 hour session.
This is for you if you want to…
- know what's clear and unclear to readers.
- know what it's like to work with me.
- get feedback that goes beyond what's "good" and "bad"
You’ll walk away with…
- a direction for the next draft.
- confidence in your writing and revising.
- renewed enthusiasm for your project.
Examples of Reviewed Work
Dissertation Chapter
Short Story
Course Paper
A Play
"Contemporary African American concert dance as a complex discourse on historical experience"
The experiences of a woman in her marriage and moving through different times in her life
Denis Johnson's The Civil War in Hell - "sorrow and disdain for the state of affairs in Liberia"
Brainstorming for a play that links Marlowe and Faust and determining next steps
"The presenters were brave to seek feedback in a more public, but safe, environment. And they truly seemed to take to heart the positive feedback they received. We all seem to be embarrassed by our writing, or have a lack [of] confidence in it. The [Cold Reads, Warm Feedback session] definitely encouraged confidence boosting."
Elisheva Seehawer
Graduate Student
What Writers Are Saying
"Millie, tonight’s session [of Cold Reads, Warm Feedback] was enjoyable and thought provoking."
Bonnie Lovitt
Philanthropy & Advocacy,
Community Violence Prevention
"I had a wonderful time attending your first ever ‘Cold Reads, Warm Feedback!’ The whole event was splendid!
As one of those who shared his writing, I found others’ inputs very enriching and awe-inspiring! ...
I’d like to say that you ... did a masterful job and I always obtain so much out of your instruction and expertise! ;-)
Clarence Blakley
Executive
Dates for 2026
Monday, September 14th
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CT
Monday, October 12th
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CT
Monday, November 2nd
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CT
Monday, December 7th
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CT
Logistics & Rules
- Drafts may be sent in advance to millie@writetodo.com or simply shared during the Zoom meeting. You’re welcome to share the link with anyone who may be interested. An RSVP is helpful but not required.
- Note: I will not be reading the papers before the session. (That's why it's a "cold read.")
- Because many people may want to share their writing, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to comment on all of the papers. I'll do my best with the time we have (one hour to one hour and a half).
- There's no need to be perfect. Share any draft at whatever stage. We will not be talking about "good or bad writing." The goal is to help you get to the next draft.
- Please do not share a draft that contains confidential information. I cannot guarantee confidentiality. Feel free to redact details.
- I will prioritize the work of attendees whose writing has not yet been featured. (However, I would be happy to review more of your writing if there's time. Please feel free to ask!)
- We will maintain a safe and supportive environment. (That's the "warm feedback" part.) Observers who wish to provide feedback will do so by answering 4 specific questions, provided during the sessions. There will be no "correcting."