Writers Support Group | Every SECOND Thursday
Writing alone can be – well, lonely. After years teaching writers I’ve come to see that tips and techniques aren’t half as valuable as just being part of a group of other writers.
In a group, you have a place to share what you’re dealing with, find solutions, and hold each other accountable in a supportive spirit.
The Writers Support Group meets TWICE each month, on the same day.
Second Thursday of the month
12.30pm UK (60 mins)
6pm UK (60 mins)
(Come to either or both.)
The Zoom link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7115311619
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Writers Support Group – monthly dates
Looking ahead, here are some dates for you:
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9 Apr 2026 |
| 14 May 2026 | 11 Jun 2026 | 9 Jul 2026 |
| 13 Aug 2026 | 10 Sep 2026 | 8 Oct 2026 |
| 12 Nov 2026 | 10 Dec 2026 |
1 Note. The fourth Thursday doesn’t work with Xmas. That’s why we have moved this to the SECOND Thursday of the month.
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What Happens In The Zoom Calls?
The format can vary, to meet specific needs, but essentially it goes like this:
1. Somebody reads the group rules.
They’re listed below.
2. Individuals check in briefly, reporting on the month that’s passed.
3. Three x 10 minute sessions, for individuals to use as they wish.
Some may just want to talk, to get an idea out of their head. Others may want feedback. I once used my 10 mins to question one of the others, an expert on a topic I needed help with. Depending on the size of the overall group, we may do some of these 10-min slots in breakout rooms.
4. Finally, in breakout rooms, we share what we have planned for month to come.
And we post those resolutions in the chat, to hold ourselves accountable.
As you see, the focus is very much on getting things done, but the calls are also a good place simply to share how you feel.
What Are The Group Rules?
1. Be committed, with clarity of purpose (whatever it is).
2. Come prepared.
3. Give encouragement and support.
4. There is no hierarchy of achievement. We’re all just trying to do what we set out to do.
5. Don’t share elsewhere who you see or what you hear.
You might be surprised how much value comes from reading these aloud at the beginning of the Zoom.
Answers to some of your questions
Will other writers’ interests overlap with mine?
Most people are broadly interested in memoir and non-fiction. Some are writing fiction. My view of non-fiction is that it works best when it uses all the elements of fiction. Additionally, we often find ourselves talking about how to share work: website? newsletter, pamphlet, “proper publishing”…?
How long will this run for?
I started the Writers Support Group as a trial, for three months. Turned out to be useful and enjoyable so I decided to continue.
Will people bring questions?
Questions are welcome.
Will it motivate and stimulate?
If not, I want nothing to do with it.
How big is the group?
Started with just nine people. I always planned to open it gradually to others. I don’t want a vast crowd of people I don’t know at all.
How much will it cost?
For 18 months this group has only been open to supporters of my Special Projects. Now (January 2026) I’m opening it up more generally, for a while anyway, to see what that’s like.
Do participants submit written work?
No. I prefer to work in the moment with someone talking about their writing, and working out solutions. That being said, I strongly encourage participants to share work between yourselves (if you wish).