OUAN602 - Writing Groups: Writer's Guild / Writer's Circle

After speaking with Annabeth about my interest in refining the story writing area of my practice and see where it goes as it is something I am really enjoying she encouraged me to look into writer's guilds and other writing groups that I can join and be part of. This was something that has obvious benefits but I had never considered or even knew existed until it was mentioned to me. The two organisations that I'm currently looking into are 'The Leeds Writer's Circle' and 'The Writer's Guild of GB' both provide good benefits for the writer's that join them and offer a community setting that is designed to encourage and promote the craft of writing.

The smaller of the two, The Leeds Writer's Circle has regular events that are intended to allow writer's to meet and talk whilst discussing their work and gather feedback and critique in the process. From their website: 'Whatever you write, whether fiction, non-fiction, horror, romance, children’s fiction, humour, thrillers, or poetry – or if you just enjoy listening to other people read their work – everyone is welcome.' The group meets on Monday's and every two weeks they have a manuscript evening where members are invited to read their work to the group, and receive constructive feedback from people who are writers themselves. There is also special groups who meet on a regular basis outside of the regular manuscript evenings.

This sounds like a great thing to be a part of both socially and for the benefits of gathering feedback from other writers despite not being very experienced myself. This is something I intend to pursue despite the somewhat daunting aspect of being part of something I have very vague knowledge or experience with.