Our group has been running successfully for more than 20 years. Whilst we do not advise on writing skills, we all share one common enthusiasm - we like to be creative and write. Meetings are held in members' houses. We read out our pieces of work, followed by a discussion on topics that the writing might have raised. We decide democratically what the next month's topic will be. To give an idea of the range of topics, some recent subjects have included: 'Bad Blood', 'The Fortress', 'The Haircut' and 'While the World Sleeps'..
The work produced can be factual or fictional, prose or poetry, and each month we are amazed at the variety of the pieces produced.
We also do what we call "on the spot" writing exercises, which are usually a lot of fun. Alternatively, there's a "continuing story": everyone writes the first section of a story before passing it on to another member who writes the second section. It is passed on again for the third and final section to be written by someone who will then read out the "completed" story or maybe add final touches for the next meeting..
Sometimes we choose something a bit different, such as a piece of writing suggested by a picture, or a piece in the style of a well-known writer. This might feel intimidating, but in the past the chosen writer's style has been recognised by at least one or two members of the group.
We are not a group offering criticism on work which is intended for publication but we simply enjoy writing for the pleasure it gives to ourselves and the other members of the group. If this appeals to you, please get in touch.