Writers on the Heath are a friendly community group of individual writers looking to inspire and support each other in finding our voices, improving our technique and reaching the audience we want.
Our Meeting Format
The approach we usually take is:
- We select a theme in advance (most often a couple of prompt words) and we invite each attendee to bring (upto) 200 words to the meeting, then give everyone (who wants to) a minute to read their text to the group and invite constructive comment.
- You can read some of those pieces (usually titled after the prompt words) here on the site.
- If anyone wants to read out a longer excerpt of 400-500 words in 4-5 minutes
they are asked to please contact the organiser in advance for scheduling!
- We then usually do some simple writing exercises in line with any challenges that we might be facing as writers.
- A more recent innovation is for someone to prepare and speak about a favourite author and their work for about 10 minutes or so. So far Jenny spke about Neil Gaiman, Robert about Tove Jansson, and after ourt cancelled meeting in March Gary read an appreciation of SJ Perelman.
- The organiser welcomes any suggestions for tips and briefings that can be used in subsequent meetings.
As far as possible within the group, we are looking to work as creatively as we can together.
Our Rules
As we become a larger, more public group, we will be looking to continue trusting each other with our ideas.
Even so, it is probably time for us to put in place a few rules of conduct:
- We all respect the integrity and originality of each other’s work.
- We draw inspiration from each other’s other creativity, but will never directly copy any text or ideas from any members of the group.
- We accept that we all have different backgrounds and lifestyles, which we will respect.
- We may differ in our opinions, but will always explain any differences in a spirit of respect and co-operation.
- Our comments will be limited to constructive support for our creative endeavours and we will refrain from making any personal comments to which someone might respond negatively.
Any other suggestions are always welcome … we are free-thinking, free-spirited writers after all.
Contact: organiser@writersontheheath.com