Any fiction writers around?

Stella · January 2012

Hi, all I'm reasonably new to SG (coming from Stokey). I'm an author and editor and would love to do some workshops (writing/editing) for beginners and those who have aleady written a novel. I'd love to have a few volunteers who give me feedback on the workshops. I would also love to start a writers' group where everything revolves around writing. Not so much into poetry, I'm afrraid, but anything other writing related, I'd be happy to discuss. Perhaps we could meet in a pub regularly or at people's flats, taking changes. ****UPDATE**** I've handed the group over into the wonderful hands of Vetski and Idoru, please get in touch with them if you're interested. Edited to add: of course any non-fiction writers are welcome, too. I'm working on a cook-book which is non-fiction.

vetski · January 2012

I proofread and edit (mostly academic work) but would be interested in a local creative writing workshop - I've never been to one, as the thought of other people reading/criticising what I've written does rather terrify me! I've got half a novel and some children's stories, and I like writing silly poems, Pam Ayres-style, though I suspect without the talent... So if you do set something up, please let me know.

Stella · January 2012

Hi, vetski Yes I will certainly do so. I know a few people on twitter who said they were interested being a guinea pig for the workshops, so I'll look into it. Might do it a bit more central for the workshops, but we can meet anyway and do a one-on-one session, if you like. I mostly work with first-time authors helping them to find their voice, bring the POV in order and help to enhance the storyline, so don't worry, I can be gentle. haha. I'm well known for my machete skills. I think for many it takes a lot to show their writings to others, but without critique, there's no improvement :-)

vetski · January 2012

@Stella, indeed - my OH is so well-skilled at the machete approach that his PhD students call him 'The Pencil of Doom'! He doesn't get to read what I write... It would be good to meet you - perhaps you'd like to come and talk to the WI one day?

Stella · January 2012

I'd love to. A lot of people are rather scared to show their writing to others. I remember sending my friend (she's a copy writer) my first 20 pages of the first novel and boy did she rip that apart. But she only confirmed what I knew already: it was utterly boring.

harpistic · January 2012

I used to go to a writer's group back when I lived in SE London, I really enjoyed it (although they were mostly into writing science-fiction). My schedule is a bit haphazard, but if you want to set up a group, I'd love to come when I can!

boxrunner · January 2012

I used to write a lot (essays, novels, short stories), and between work and kids have not written much since doing an MA in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths back in 2003-2005. I've been thinking and trying to return to writing and would really appreciate some sort of regular writing groups with discussion, feedback and criticism. If you start-up something like this, count me in.

Stella · January 2012

Ah, now the site's open again. Funny, I've never been sent to bed by a website. Felt like a naughty little girl. Hey, we're four people now, I think that should be fine for a start, what do you guys think? As everyone has busy lives, we could try to meet when it suits best for everyone and discuss further on that get together. So you name your day and time and I'll try to adjust as I'm rather flexible.

ADGS · January 2012

You guys seem to have a group now, but since I always like to plug the Big Green Bookshop, might as well still mention that they run a writers' group. In Wood Green, but only about half an hour's walk from SG.

Mirandola · January 2012

It is an awesome bookshop.

Stella · January 2012

Thanks for the recommendation, ADGS. Had a look at their website. Sounds like they are a rather active 'hands-on' book shop. Pro-active. I like that. As to the writers' group: I'd love to have 'my own'; I'm stubborn, you see? It always has a nice feel to it, to launch something yourself, but there's no rule against joining both. :-)

boxrunner · January 2012

With the rest of the family away for a few days next week, I could manage the evening of Sunday 29th?

norn iron · January 2012

I'd love to be part of this! I've got a novel which I'm second-drafting - not that it's been seen by anyone yet. And I think you should have 'your own' group anyway, Stella - we should be a Stroud Green group. Can't do Wed. morning (until the end of Feb), Thursday evening, and every other Wed. evening is also blocked. Any other time - great!

Stella · January 2012

I so agree, norn. We will be the Stroud Green writers! Yes! Sunday, the 29th is okay for me. I'm a bit tight up this next week as I'm currently preparing my next book for publishing, but I think I would be able to work around it. Anyone else available next Sunday? vetsky, harpistic, norn iron?

Mirandola · January 2012

I think I've said this before, but the space above the North Library is available to rent and very striking.

Stella · January 2012

Would be perfect for my workshops. Thanks, Mirandola.

harpistic · January 2012

Actually, Sundays are best for me too, and it'd be a lovely way to end the week! My writing activities are mostly limited to editing and reviews these days, so I'd love the "excuse" to branch out more! I've noticed (from here) that the Stapleton and Old Dairy are popular for groups, eg the knitting group, but apart from those, I wouldn't know where to suggest.

Stella · January 2012

I love The Old Dairy. Went there for the first time on Friday and quite love the ambiente. We'll have to see how it is Sunday evening. Fridays gets quite crowded and loud.

harpistic · January 2012

I think if we met around 5ish or 6ish it'd be pretty quiet - not that I've ever been there on a Sunday, ahem. Heh, I wonder if that's an excuse to pop in this evening.... !

Stella · January 2012

If you do, give me a shout. :-) Thought exactly the same.

harpistic · January 2012

*laughs* Sounds good to me! I've got a review to write, but apart from that....

Stella · January 2012

I've sent you a message. Tell me when and I'll be there.

harpistic · January 2012

Just read it, about to reply

Stella · January 2012

Okay harpistic and I agreed on 6.30pm at the Stapleton Tavern tonight. Just for testing the waters. Everyone who's interested in writing and in the mood for a relaxed drink, pop by and say hello.

harpistic · January 2012

We'll probably move onto the Old Dairy (and beyond?!) at some point, so if anyone wants to join us and isn't sure where we are, drop me a message. I realise how stalker-friendly that sounds... !!!

Stella · January 2012

We'll probably end up with hundreds of people following us around SG. And I only wanted to set up a writers' group....

harpistic · January 2012

And that DEFINITELY wouldn't be representative of what these pubs are normally like on Sunday nights - oops! * changes contact email for sg.org *

Stella · January 2012

Well, if it's too many singles, we quickly turn that into a speed-dating event. I'm flexible, you see?

harpistic · January 2012

And if we charged even a fiver per head we'd be making a bloody fortune!!

Anu · January 2012

Hi all, I've just seen this thread now so missed the first session - hope it was good. I'm new to this site and fairly new to writing but have some stuff I'd like to share on a not-too-regular basis (work, being pregnant, life, other valid excuses for making very slow progress)...I'd be delighted if you could send me a message when you're next planning to meet.

Stella · January 2012

Oh blimey, I have a sneaky feeling this evening might become interesting.

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Any fiction writers around?

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