What we’re about
This is a group for anyone interested in writing and meeting other writers in the Caversham and wider Berkshire area. For our online meetings, we also welcome members globally.
We were founded in 2018 by Canadian author Crystal Bourque with an ethos that we still maintain today: "If you write, you're a writer."
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We've always been free to join and free to attend. To help keep it that way, please consider Buying Me A Coffee, all donations go towards the running of the group.
All skill levels are welcome - published or unpublished, aspiring authors or enthusiastic hobbyists. We have members that write in all genres, so whether you write fiction or non-fiction, poetry or prose, fantasy or reality, you will fit right in.
We currently hold meetings in 4 different formats:
> Writing Meetings. In which we'll either work on (or start) any writing project of our own choosing, or we'll set a theme or prompt for all to use as a starting point.
> Feedback Meetings. In which we'll provide feedback on excerpts of members work, either submitted in advance or read out to the group on the night. Feedback should be constructive, encouraging, and tailored to the author's directed instruction.
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> Author Events. In which published authors come along to talk to the group. We have a Q & A with them about their writing process and path to publication.
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> Writes & Bites. In which we meet for a social evening, usually at a local restaurant. No writing involved in these events, they are an opportunity to get to know each other better and, of course, to discuss all things writing.
> We also have occasional one off special events, such as literary festival talks, book signings, launch parties.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Ask the Author! Meet Julie Mae CohenFourbears Books, Reading
The million-copy bestselling author Julie Mae Cohen is coming to talk to us at Fourbears!
Julie's new book Eat Slay Love is out on 24th October 2024 - join us for a conversation about that and much more.
As well as writing novels that have been translated into seventeen languages, selling over a million copies worldwide, Julie also teaches creative writing workshops – for the University of Reading, The Guardian, Literature Wales, and Writers’ Workshop, among others.
She also runs her own fiction consultancy and mentoring business, with many of her clients going on to publication. Some have become international bestsellers.
So we'll have lots to cover and Julie assures me she's happy to talk about anything writing-related: "about craft, the publishing industry, process, money (!!), the writer’s life, writers’ block, and of course my books. Even the dreaded pantsing vs plotting. Just throw ‘em at me."
Agenda:
- I will interview Julie about all of the above (but feel free to ask anything that I don't follow up on.)
- Then it's your turn! You can put to Julie any questions that I've forgotten to ask.
- And if you ask nicely, Julie will sign any books you buy from Alex on the night!
- Writes & Bites Xmas Special - an in person social event!Persian Palace, Caversham
This is our regular social event for members to meet and chat over a meal at a local Caversham/Reading restaurant.
For our Xmas special we're returning to an old favourite in Caversham - Persian Palace.
We'll typically talk about all things writing, so feel free to raise any questions you might have about your own, or each other's, writing projects.
There is no agenda for this meeting - no laptops, pens or paper required. It is just a chance for us to get to know each other a little better, to meet new members, or to get reacquainted with those we haven't seen in a while.
Members are responsible for their own food and drink.
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