We're the All Good Bookshop writing group - we've been around for 10 years now. We offer writing feedback and discussion, whatever your level. Never been before? That's fine. Can only come once in a while? That's fine. Want to come regularly? That's fine.
While we're predominantly narrative-based, any type of writing is welcome. Fiction, non-fiction, screenplays, novels, short-stories... bring it along and see if it fits.
The cost is £5 to join us. Half of this goes to the bookshop and the other half goes towards snacks/drinks for everyone. Pay when you get there. (If you're having any financial problems, feel free to have a discreet chat with Chris about it).
HOW IT WORKS
First, we do introductions, which cover:
1 - Who you are
2 - What kind of thing you write
3 - What you're working on
4 - What you've done in the last two weeks.
Then we find out who has stuff to read out (1,000 - 2,000 words), and who has questions/discussion points. If you'd prefer to do written hand-outs, you can as well.
We then run through as many people as we can fit in, so they can read out or run through a discussion point.
The group is run by Chris Brosnahan, an experienced writer and a long-running facilitator of writing groups.
HOUSE RULES
1 - No egos. Everyone's stuff is up for criticism/feedback.
2 - Be constructive. We're not a review group - we're trying to help each other improve.
3. No pressure. You can turn up and just observe if you want - you're not under pressure to read out or feed back.
4 - We do our best to be a safe space. You don't know the backgrounds of everyone in the room. If you're going to read something that might be problematic or emotionally difficult, talk about it first - and if you're unsure, ask.
5 - We do our best to be a safe space. For particularly graphic scenes, please discuss in advance. A reminder that listening to erotica is, in itself, a sex act, and needs the enthusiastic consent of everyone involved.
6 - Content warnings apply. This doesn't just mean things like sex or violence. It also includes things like abuse, long-term illness, death - think of things that someone may find difficult if they're dealing with at the moment. We do our best to be a safe space.
7 - If you're struggling with anything being read, you can take a break without any justification or questions.
8 - Banned question: "Is this based on your own life?" - it doesn't add anything and can make discussion awkward. Please don't ask it.
9 - Let other people talk. You'll get your chance to feedback or ask questions, but it can be all too easy to talk over people. You also don't need to respond to every piece of feedback.
10 - Keep it respectful. Keep it friendly.
Any problems? Get in touch and ask.
