Fiction Writing London

Open Readings (In Person) - In partnership with the Barbican (Limited Spaces)

Hi all, This is open reading will be held at the Barbican in London. I'll provide exact meeting location to attendees and how to get there near the time of the event. Whilst this will still be in the Barbican - This will not be in the usual location as it's being renovated. I will share the new location to all attendees near the time of the event. *** Join us in a friendly atmosphere for a chance to read out your written work - from your short stories to part of your novel, or any fictional/non-fictional work you would like to share. Each reading will be followed by constructive feedback and thoughts from fellow attendees. * This session is an excellent opportunity to gauge feedback on your work and learn where you can improve. * Each reading will have a time limit of up to 10 minutes max in length. (There will be a subtle alarm sound at the end of 10 mins to help keep the session moving forward in good time). * Please note there isn't any option to share you writing on a screen for others to read - as there is with the online meetings. * For the attendees who wish to read their work, please just attend and volunteer at the time. We will try and accommodate as many readings as possible. If you wish, please also feel free to just come along to listen and provide constructive feedback. *** Agenda: (10:30 am to 12:30 pm) 1. Session start: 10.30 am. 2. Short Introduction and summary of proceedings. 3. The first writer to give their reading. 4. Further readings. 5. Close and thanks. *** This session is being held in partnership with the Barbican who also share the event on their Eventbrite page. ***

Blaze (In Person MeetUp)

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW VENUE & TIME CHANGE! The meeting will probably last about 2 hours including drinks breaks (the venue closes at 9pm). Please look out for any great second hand versions, there are a load of great covers out there - do post them on here and/or bring them along to the meeting! We will be meeting in the big Pret opposite the Royal Court of Justice (217 Strand). Please do not bring in your own food or drink from outside as they'll kick us out! The second session on Thursday will be on Zoom so if you are not able to attend in person in London then please RSVP to the second session. Book Blurb follows: A fellow named Richard Bachman wrote Blaze in 1973 on an Olivetti typewriter, then turned the machine over to Stephen King, who used it to write Carrie. Bachman died in 1985 ("cancer of the pseudonym"), but in late 2006 King found the original typescript of Blaze among his papers at the University of Maine's Fogler Library ("How did this get here?!"), and decided that with a little revision it ought to be published. Blaze is the story of Clayton Blaisdell, Jr. --of the crimes committed against him and the crimes he commits, including his last, the kidnapping of a baby heir worth millions. Blaze has been a slow thinker since childhood, when his father threw him down the stairs--and then threw him down again. After escaping an abusive institution for boys when he was a teenager, Blaze hooks up with George, a seasoned criminal who thinks he has all the answers. But then George is killed, and Blaze, though haunted by his partner, is on his own.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon 2 Hours' Writing + Social in Camberwell

The Writers Corner

Join our group for under-represented writers who want more time to write, feedback on their work, and tips on developing their craft. \*\* Please come to the Reading Room on the 2nd floor at The Wellcome Collection and look out for the Writer's Corner sign \*\* The Writers' Corner is a peer support community for under-represented writers, with bi-monthly meet-ups both online and in-person. Join us if you want more time and space to write, get feedback on your work or to develop your craft. We welcome all writers who tend to get overlooked by the publishing industry, or struggle to afford the costs of other writing courses and groups. We'll let you self define, but we particularly welcome writers of colour, those from the LGBTQ+ community, disabled writers, unpaid carers, low income writers and anyone who self-defines as a woman. While we have done our best to pick venues that are accessible to all, if you have any specific accesss requirements please send us a message so we can discuss how we can meet your needs. That includes anyone feeling anxious about attending a group for the first time (very happy for you to come a bit early, before everyone else, if that helps). The session will work as follows: 1\. Introductions 2\. Warm up exercise 3\. Writing time \(work on your own project or get a prompt\) 4\. Feedback 5\. Set writing goals for the next month

The Writers Corner

Join our group for under-represented writers who want more time to write, feedback on their work, and tips on developing their craft. \*\* Please come to the Reading Room on the 2nd floor at The Wellcome Collection and look out for the Writer's Corner sign \*\* The Writers' Corner is a peer support community for under-represented writers, with bi-monthly meet-ups both online and in-person. Join us if you want more time and space to write, get feedback on your work or to develop your craft. We welcome all writers who tend to get overlooked by the publishing industry, or struggle to afford the costs of other writing courses and groups. We'll let you self define, but we particularly welcome writers of colour, those from the LGBTQ+ community, disabled writers, unpaid carers, low income writers and anyone who self-defines as a woman. While we have done our best to pick venues that are accessible to all, if you have any specific accesss requirements please send us a message so we can discuss how we can meet your needs. That includes anyone feeling anxious about attending a group for the first time (very happy for you to come a bit early, before everyone else, if that helps). The session will work as follows: 1\. Introductions 2\. Warm up exercise 3\. Writing time \(work on your own project or get a prompt\) 4\. Feedback 5\. Set writing goals for the next month

Comedy Writing! A Midweek Writing Workshop... Once Upon a Pub!

YOU CAN ALSO BOOK YOUR SPOT DIRECTLY WITH US HERE: https://www.writeandpint.com/events/comedy-comic-writing-once-upon-a-pub .... Hi there! Whether you're a natural wit or someone whose best jokes arrive three hours too late, come and join us for an evening of comedy and comic writing, where we'll explore the many ways of putting a smile on the page, from the gently amusing to the downright absurd. 😂 The session will be hosted by Stu, a teacher, writer, and lover of everything from the classics through to contemporary literary fiction and comedy. ✍️ If you're already writing something, great! And if you're approaching the page for the very first time, that's great, too! 🌱 Whoever you are, we'd love you to come and join us. When you arrive, please feel free to buy yourself a drink at the bar, then come and join us in the upstairs function room and say hello to some new, friendly faces before we begin. 🍺 \*\*\*No experience of creative writing is necessary. \*\*\*No experience of comedy is necessary, and you certainly don't need to be funny! \*\*\*No pressure to read your work in front of the group. All you need is a pen and pad, or your laptop, as we'll be using guided prompts, freewriting, open discussion, and a few fun games to get the laughter flowing. 🎲 Together, we'll create our own comic characters, discover how to bring a little wit and lightness to nonfiction writing, and give ourselves full permission to indulge our silly sides. And if you're worried you're not a funny person, don't be: fake it til you make it! 🤡 You're welcome to use this session to work on something you're already writing, but if you're just starting out, this will also be the perfect opportunity to bring your own quirks, observations, and everyday absurdities to the page and see what makes you giggle. 🎭 We've been hosting writing workshops, social events, retreats, and courses for 10+ years now and we strive to make our events inclusive, friendly, informative, and highly creative. 🎉 If you have any questions whatsoever, you're very welcome to text 07891948039 and we'll answer as soon as possible! 📱 Otherwise, please RSVP, book the date in your diary: Monday, 9th November, 7–9:30pm at the Sutton Arms near the Barbican, and join us for what promises to be a fun, playful, and side-splitting evening. Seriously, you'd be joking not to come! 😄 Cheers! Write & a Pint

Write in Chinese (Weekly) | Chat + Writing practise

**Weekly** Start your Saturday mornings with a productive 30-minute live online session writing in Chinese! This is a 30-minute online writing session every Saturday 9am GMT. We'll be using Discord! I am a British Born-Chinese brought up in the UK looking to connect with others also trying to re-learn their mother tongue. Join us if you are looking for some accountability! First 3 minutes: Chatting in Chinese, discussing what the writing topic is about. 25 minutes: Writing (in silence). This can be on your notebook, or a website I'll be using ([https://app.iniji.co.uk](https://app.iniji.co.uk/)) which you can sign up to (free) pre-session. Last 2 minutes: A recount of the writing session, what went well, any feedback (in Chinese).

Thursday **British Library** Writing Group + Pub

A Sci Fi/Fantasy Feedback Session

Join us at Craft Beer Co. Brixton for our structured Sci-Fi & Fantasy Feedback Session. A supportive, focused space where writers can share their work and receive constructive, thoughtful critique. These sessions are designed not only to help authors refine their writing but also to strengthen our community. Giving feedback is as valuable as receiving it: by learning to critique effectively, we sharpen our own editorial instincts and deepen our understanding of craft. Whether you’re submitting work or attending as a reader, this is a collaborative, growth-focused environment. **FOR THOSE SUBMITTING WORK** **We select up to 4 submitted pieces for feedback each month. In order to submit please RSVP and send your submission to** **scififantasyauthors@gmail.com no later than the Friday prior to the session** to give organisers time to review submissions and arrange critique groups in advance. *Priority for submission slots is given to those who have attended a previous session.* To ensure quality and fairness, submission guidelines are as follows: * **A short introduction (2–3 paragraphs max.) explaining:** * The context and status of the piece (early draft? polished?) * What kind of feedback you’re looking for * **A novel chapter or short story of up to 4,000 words** * Strict word-count cut-off * Novel chapters do not necessarily need be the first chapter - just whatever you feel like would be most informative to receive critique! **FOR THOSE PROVIDING FEEDBACK** * Please RSVP and read the “How to Give Feedback” document that will be shared prior to attending. * You will be split into small groups and assigned one of the submitted pieces to provide feedback on. * Make sure to bring a device suitable for reading. A QR code to gain access to the pieces selected for feedback will be provided on the day. * There is no expectation to read anything in advance. All reading takes place during the session itself. We begin with dedicated silent reading time, ensuring that everyone engages with the piece equally and no one feels pressure to prepare outside the session. Just show up ready to read, think, and contribute. **SCHEDULE** Attendees will be placed into small critique groups of 4-5 people, each with an experienced facilitator to guide discussion and manage time. **6:30–6:45pm** – Arrival, drinks & group seating **6:45–7:30pm** – Silent reading & note-taking **7:30–8:00pm** – Structured feedback delivery **8:00–8:30pm** – Open roundtable discussion & author questions Each participant will have up to 5 minutes to share feedback during the structured critique section. Authors listen without interruption, with space for clarifying questions later in the roundtable. Whether you’re looking to polish a chapter, test an opening, or strengthen your editorial instincts, these sessions are an opportunity to grow together. RSVP early, as places are limited to ensure productive group sizes. If you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP.

Writing Group (LIVE at the All Good Bookshop)

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.

Fiction Feedback Workshop

Writers, learn more about writing fiction well through our constructive feedback, comradery and lively discussion. You'll be amazed at what you can learn by listening, and sharing your own words once you feel ready. No pressure. In our regular feedback workshops, we have three writers sharing a sample of their writing for immediate feedback, advice and encouragement. Critique is led and moderated by your host Lisa Goll. Listening to the writing of others and the feedback their piece receives on the night is how we learn. We've been running these sessions since 2010 and there's a reason they fill up so fast! Usually, our workshops are limited to a group of 15 writers in total. Three reading; the rest listening, commenting and giving feedback. For people reading, pieces must be **3,500 words or less** as you'll have about 45mins for reading and discussion on your excerpt from around the table. Most people bring 3,500 words from their novel or a short story of all genres and styles. If you'd like to read, please **post a comment below**. ***You must have booked your place before making a request to read.*** If you are reading, **please bring enough printed copies (at least 10)** of your pages so members can make additional feedback/editing notes for you during the reading. All copies will be returned to you after the feedback has concluded. New members are always welcome in these groups. Most people come along to a few sessions before offering feedback, commenting or requesting to read but it's up to you. If you want to read right away, great, but if you want to come along and see how we roll first, that makes sense too. Again, you'll be surprised by how much you can learn from others by listening to the pieces and their feedback. After the workshop, most of us head to the bar for a social drink or two and extended conversation about the highs and woes of writing. **TICKETS:** £15.00 and please follow the steps to pay via PayPal when you RSVP. Ticket price pays for workshop fees, planning, hosting and organising which involve time and effort. A community of 4,500+ writers takes time to manage. PLEASE NOTE: Refunds or credits will only be provided if the workshop is cancelled by us. We cannot offer refunds or credit for another session if you decide not to attend on the day. **Please change your RSVP if you no longer plan to attend.** We often have people on the waiting list and we'd hate for others to miss out. Location: **The Sutton Arms EC1,** 6 Carthusian St, Barbican, London EC1M 6EB. Closest stations are Barbican, Farringdon and Moorgate. Use the official Meetup app to update your RSVPs, check what's on and last-minute notifications about our events as they happen to your phone. [Download it now](https://www.meetup.com/apps/). These workshops are hosted by me - Lisa Goll, Boss Lady at London Writers' Cafe - I'm a publishing professional with more than twenty years of working within the publishing industry. Added to that, I've been leading LWC workshops for writers since 2010 too. See more about [me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagoll/) or Insta me @LisasShare @LondonWritersCafe Question? Post a comment below.

Camden Writing Group - 2h in-person