I run a small, friendly and encouraging group weekly, in the Autumn and Spring terms each year, in mid Surrey. It is designed to be enjoyable for writers of any ability, including complete beginners. There is some writing on the spot but normally no 'homework'.
I run a small six-weekly group in mid-Surrey for people with on-going writing projects such as novels. If you are interested, email Chris to find out more. (Meeting monthly in person with some on ‘hybrid’ Zoom. We may have one space.)
Here is the concept:
The idea is that we meet every 4 - 6 weeks at a mutually convenient time – which is normally on a week-night evening, 8-10pm. We used to book these 2 ahead but are now trying to book several at a time and pay for those up front. Most meet at my house but, since Covid, 2 have moved out of the area and another needs to be at home so we have a ‘hybrid’ Zoom, with those attending in person paying less and having a cuppa provided, while the ‘remotes’ contribute towards my Zoom sub and so pay a little extra. My husband sorted the technology so it all works surprisingly well.
Before we meet everyone takes an extract from their work not exceeding 1500 words and (first time only) writes a half page synopsis stating scope, purpose, intended readership etc People email this to each of the others in the group, plus myself, at least a week before we meet. It's a case of 'no excuses barring death!' or the whole thing wouldn't work – people learn from criticising one another's work constructively as well as receiving crits. Plus deadlines are what people say they need to motivate them to actually write something.
When we meet everyone gets an equal tranche of time (eg 12 mins if the max 8 are there) and we all criticise, encourage, suggest markets etc. It seems to work well. Individuals are usually writing very different things which makes for an interesting evening. Group members tend to become very supportive of one another (some even meet to write together between sessions and there are occasional, optional, meals out too.) The support pays off when people hit the inevitable 'my book is complete rubbish and I'm throwing it in the bin' moment/s
Email Chris if you are interested or would like to book
but first see the Workshop News page for more details, including cost, dates etc )
Meets at my house in mid-Surrey, 7.45--9.45pm.
Chris Leonard Writing