Writers Groups

A quick note to tout the importance and benefits of writers groups.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining a virtual Shut Up and Write session for the first time. These are sessions whereby writers turn up, sit and write together for a set amount of time, and can chat afterwards if they want. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m more productive if I think people will judge me if they see me slacking off on my screen. This is a way to focus, set aside time for your writing goals, and have some sense of community — because, let’s face it, writing is a lonely task.

The session was run by my friend Candace Little (give her a follow on Instagram). Candace is a writer, a kiwi, a mum based in Australia – she’s a friend and I’ve known her for years!. The session is 11pm on a Sunday for me, so I’m a bit shattered today, but, y’know what? I got some writing done (well, marking student work, but it all counts!)

Here’s where to sign up for Candace’s free virtual writing sessions

On Sunday mornings (9am-11am), I join a free virtual writing group. The group was set up by attendees at the London Screenwriters Festival. Anyone can join. The group is predominantly from the UK, but there are some international writers. We chat about various things, including getting ahead in the industry, networking, and productivity tips, but one can also share work with the group for feedback. As it is on Zoom, there are also breakout rooms – so you can log on, write for a bit, then re-join the chat when ready. There’s a Whatsapp group for communication, and we even met up in person for a Christmas lunch last month!

I’m not sure if/how to promote the group, so if it’s something you’re interested in, message me and I can provide details.

Finally there are the script development workshops that I run with Action On The Side. I gave a fortnightly in-person script development workshop that I run at the Curzon Soho (in the bar or café area), on Wednesday evenings. I also have a virtual script development session once a month.

We used to run the sessions that people turn up with (printed) scripts, we read each others’ scripts, write our feedback using a pro forma I developed, then give each other feedback. Currently there is more of a focus on workshopping structure, dialogue, character, logline — it’s a bespoke workshop, so it depends what people bring to the session.

I’ve also got a Wix group for writers. I’m sharing writing resources and posting reminders of upcoming workshops. Ideally each person who regularly attends the workshops will join the group and join the discussion. A safe space to share loglines and scripts for feedback, and build a sense of community. It’s early days, but I’m working on it.

Here’s where one can request to join.

and

Here’s where to find out about the AOTS Script Development Workshops and where to register