Writing Groups

Joining a peer group of writers is an ideal way to keep your work going, get feedback and positive support. It’s invaluable and we really recommend it.

 

Directories

Here are some websites that collate other writing groups, but it’s worth searching on Facebook or Google as well since these directories aren’t comprehensive or always kept up to date:

• Writing Circles in the UK
• Writers Online
• Society of Authors
• Poetry Society – Stanza Groups

 

Organisations With Writing Groups

Online

• Apples & Snakes – Poets Built It
• Commonword – Novelist Group for global majority writers
• New Writing North – The Writers’ Space
• Poetry School – CAMPUS

Face-to-Face

• Brighton: New Writing South – Write Process
• Manchester: Commonword – Identity Writers Group

For Members/Course Participants

These forums and writing groups require paid memberships or taking part in a paid course. Most if not all have bursary rates/free places.

• Jericho Writers – Townhouse
• Mslexia – Salon
• Retreat West Community
• The Literary Consultancy – Being A Writer
• Writers & Artists Community
• Writers HQ Forum

 

Setting Up Your Own Writing Group

You can also set up your own writing group with writers you know, in your area or have otherwise connected with. If you’re taking part in a Creative Future workshop, you can ask if other participants would like to continue as a writing group afterward, particularly with all the free tools available to do so. The best way to do this is to:

• Ask if people would like to share their e-mail addresses at the last session (on a sheet of paper or in the Zoom chat)
• Use Doodle to pick the best date/time
• Use a free Zoom account to hold meetings up to 40 minutes, or with a break between two
• If meeting in person, it’s usually possible to find a quiet space at your local library, a café, pub or similar

 

So get out there and find your writing buddies!