Hi, vetski

Yes I will certainly do so. I know a few people on twitter who said they were interested being a guinea pig for the workshops, so I'll look into it. Might do it a bit more central for the workshops, but we can meet anyway and do a one-on-one session, if you like. I mostly work with first-time authors helping them to find their voice, bring the POV in order and help to enhance the storyline, so don't worry, I can be gentle. haha. I'm well known for my machete skills. I think for many it takes a lot to show their writings to others, but without critique, there's no improvement :-)

I'd love to.

A lot of people are rather scared to show their writing to others. I remember sending my friend (she's a copy writer) my first 20 pages of the first novel and boy did she rip that apart. But she only confirmed what I knew already: it was utterly boring.

I used to write a lot (essays, novels, short stories), and between work and kids have not written much since doing an MA in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths back in 2003-2005.  I've been thinking and trying to return to writing and would really appreciate some sort of regular writing groups with discussion, feedback and criticism.

If you start-up something like this, count me in.

You guys seem to have a group now, but since I always like to plug the Big Green Bookshop, might as well still mention that they run a writers' group. In Wood Green, but only about half an hour's walk from SG.

Thanks for the recommendation, ADGS. Had a look at their website. Sounds like they are a rather active 'hands-on' book shop. Pro-active. I like that.

As to the writers' group: I'd love to have 'my own'; I'm stubborn, you see? It always has a nice feel to it, to launch something yourself, but there's no rule against joining both. :-)

I'd love to be part of this! I've got a novel which I'm second-drafting - not that it's been seen by anyone yet.
And I think you should have 'your own' group anyway, Stella - we should be a Stroud Green group.
Can't do Wed. morning (until the end of Feb), Thursday evening, and every other Wed. evening is also blocked. Any other time - great!

I think I've said this before, but the space above the North Library is available to rent and very striking. 

Actually, Sundays are best for me too, and it'd be a lovely way to end the week! My writing activities are mostly limited to editing and reviews these days, so I'd love the "excuse" to branch out more!

I've noticed (from here) that the Stapleton and Old Dairy are popular for groups, eg the knitting group, but apart from those, I wouldn't know where to suggest.

I think if we met around 5ish or 6ish it'd be pretty quiet - not that I've ever been there on a Sunday, ahem. Heh, I wonder if that's an excuse to pop in this evening.... !

laughs Sounds good to me! I've got a review to write, but apart from that.... :)

Just read it, about to reply :)

We'll probably move onto the Old Dairy (and beyond?!) at some point, so if anyone wants to join us and isn't sure where we are, drop me a message.

I realise how stalker-friendly that sounds... !!!

And that DEFINITELY wouldn't be representative of what these pubs are normally like on Sunday nights - oops!

* changes contact email for sg.org *

And if we charged even a fiver per head we'd be making a bloody fortune!! ;)

Oh blimey, I have a sneaky feeling this evening might become interesting.

Assuming even one drink at the Stapleton and one drink at the Old Dairy, I'm guessing we won't be wrapping up till some time after 7.30pm...... (if I ever get this wretched review finished!)

Totally - see initial post (edited)!

Tried the Stapleton - very noisy, and didn't spot anyone who seemed likely to be @Stella or @harpistic. So came home. If either of you pick this on a smartphone, post back - with a full physical description! - and I'll come and find you.

Just picked up these messages, so I hope that the 'testing the water' experiment went well?  How many waters did you test?  I've been a fan of the Stapleton since we moved here a couple of years ago, and would be happy to meet there if it's not too loud.

Let us know how it goes, and what time to meet on the 29th. 6:30 or 7 would be fine.

Ahhaa yes I got seriously confused by earlier messages - for whatever reason I thought you had organised to meet tonight, but I guess the talk was about the 29th...hope the testing session tonight was good though. I'd still be interested in joining in some shape or form, and would probably  be free next Sunday.

G'nite all.

Huh? I didn't persuade anyone. You clicked the one-clicky thingy before I knew! Doh. :-) I would never persuade anyone to buy my books. Just saying.

But we had good fun and The Old Diary or Stapleton won't be an option for busy football days. Too loud, too crowded and that's not what we need.

I think there's room for at least two workshops and a writers' group. Next on the 29th to see if the Sugar Lounge works for us.

Norn. looks like it's going to be the Sugar Lounge. We asked specifically if that's okay and they said yes. The time will be announced next week. I'll pop in an asked them again for confirmation. If all goes pear-shaped, I'll host the next one at my place.

Well, I'm proud of them and usually never stop talking about writing or my books :-)

If you hate them let me know and why. Of course also when you love them. haha.

I'll keep you posted, Idoru.:-)

In theory, yes! :)