Fiction Writing

We're really excited to be organising a brilliant free event with three incredible authors, Katherine Faulkner, Emily Freud and Mel Pennant. Following up from last's year International Women's Day event we have a female led panel where, Katherine Faulkner, Emily Freud and Mel Pennant will delve into the art of crime writing — from building tension and crafting unforgettable characters to reflecting social currents in fiction that keeps us turning pages late into the night. Hear how they approach plot twists, moral ambiguity and the genre’s endless capacity to surprise. Tickets Available from the Alternative Book Fair website but there will be space for walk-ins.

#### WEDNESDAY **8/April 6.30pm** ## The Art of Crime Writing #### *with **Katherine Faulkner**, **Emily Freud** and **Mel Pennant*** #### What makes a crime story irresistible? How do writers balance motive, mystery and meaning? Following up from last's year International Women's Day event we have a female led panel where, Katherine Faulkner, Emily Freud and Mel Pennant will delve into the art of crime writing — from building tension and crafting unforgettable characters to reflecting social currents in fiction that keeps us turning pages late into the night. Hear how they approach plot twists, moral ambiguity and the genre’s endless capacity to surprise. This event is funded by the Arts Council and is free to attend

Get your kids book written! This is an un-hosted meetup for anyone who wants to come and write for a couple of hours in the company of other kids writers. It's a great way to move your project forward in a lovely arty atmosphere. The only rules are to say hello to other writers and leave them to work until 8:30 when you are free to have a chat. If you're by yourself, don't worry. You'll get two hours of writing closer to your goal. Enjoy and Write Write Write!

We're the All Good Bookshop writing group - we've been around for 10 years now. We offer writing feedback and discussion, whatever your level. Never been before? That's fine. Can only come once in a while? That's fine. Want to come regularly? That's fine. While we're predominantly narrative-based, any type of writing is welcome. Fiction, non-fiction, screenplays, novels, short-stories... bring it along and see if it fits. The cost is £5 to join us. Half of this goes to the bookshop and the other half goes towards snacks/drinks for everyone. Pay when you get there. (If you're having any financial problems, feel free to have a discreet chat with Chris about it). HOW IT WORKS First, we do introductions, which cover: 1 - Who you are 2 - What kind of thing you write 3 - What you're working on 4 - What you've done in the last two weeks. Then we find out who has stuff to read out (1,000 - 2,000 words), and who has questions/discussion points. If you'd prefer to do written hand-outs, you can as well. We then run through as many people as we can fit in, so they can read out or run through a discussion point. The group is run by Chris Brosnahan, an experienced writer and a long-running facilitator of writing groups. HOUSE RULES 1 - No egos. Everyone's stuff is up for criticism/feedback. 2 - Be constructive. We're not a review group - we're trying to help each other improve. 3\. No pressure\. You can turn up and just observe if you want \- you're not under pressure to read out or feed back\. 4 - We do our best to be a safe space. You don't know the backgrounds of everyone in the room. If you're going to read something that might be problematic or emotionally difficult, talk about it first - and if you're unsure, ask. 5 - We do our best to be a safe space. For particularly graphic scenes, please discuss in advance. A reminder that listening to erotica is, in itself, a sex act, and needs the enthusiastic consent of everyone involved. 6 - Content warnings apply. This doesn't just mean things like sex or violence. It also includes things like abuse, long-term illness, death - think of things that someone may find difficult if they're dealing with at the moment. We do our best to be a safe space. 7 - If you're struggling with anything being read, you can take a break without any justification or questions. 8 - Banned question: "Is this based on your own life?" - it doesn't add anything and can make discussion awkward. Please don't ask it. 9 - Let other people talk. You'll get your chance to feedback or ask questions, but it can be all too easy to talk over people. You also don't need to respond to every piece of feedback. 10 - Keep it respectful. Keep it friendly. Any problems? Get in touch and ask.

**UPDATE FOR FEB-APRIL 2026:** For February - end of April 2026 the host of this event will be away. It will still be happening every week, but will be a self-running group. If you are a regular - please welcome any newcomers and be prepared to set the 1 hour timer. If you are a newcomer, the group is usually easy to find (the table/s with notebooks and laptops), and the bar staff know where we are if you can't spot us first time. Happy writing! **\~** Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 18:00 on Wednesday afternoons/evenings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 18:00 - Quick introductions 18:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 19:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 19:30. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you at the Peckham Pelican! What Should I Bring? Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. **Other Important Details:** \- If you arrive and can't figure out who we are \(usually the table with a lot of laptops and notebooks\)\, feel free to ask the bar staff who will point you in the right direction\. \- Many of our participants found the event through other means\, so please don't be put off by a low attendance number on MeetUp\! \- The Pelican has some\, but not many\, charging points\, so make sure laptops are charged and perhaps bring a notebook just in case\. \- The WiFi is also very poor \(non\-existent\)\, but most have found that to be a good thing\. Make sure to download or turn on 'offline mode' if working on a computer\. \- Please thank our hosts by purchasing something \(The pizzas are fantastic\, and we write during happy hour \- two for one on cocktails\!\)

Meet from 6pm, to start writing at 6.30, for 1 hour. We will be sitting on the side facing the river (turn right when you enter), by the big windows overlooking the bridge. The venue has free wifi and serves drinks (but not food). There are a few plug sockets but they're limited so come fully charged. There are a number of station within 10 minutes walk: Mansion House, Blackfriars, St. Pauls, Bank, Cannon St. *** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/)

**We will be at The Mitre pub in central Greenwich.** This meetup is free and casual. We just sit around for a few hours and write together. Bring a laptop, or use a pen and paper or clay tablet and stylus if that's what works for you. The structure of the session is roughly: 2pm: chat 2:20–3:25: writing time 3:25: chat/coffee break 3:40–4:45 writing time 4:45: chat But our Saturdays are very casual, so feel free to drop in and out. **This is usually in the meeting room at the Mitre. If you arrive a bit later, you may need to ask the bar staff to show you through to the room.**

**Write together with other writers. If you write more surrounded by others, I hope you'll join these brand new sessions.** **\*NEW FOR 2026\*** Starting up regular Saturday sessions where we writers will gather to write in the same space. There will be plenty of time for you to push forward your own individual projects, but I can provide a writing prompt, short exercise or challenge to anyone who needs them. You can book a spot for a guest with your ticket if you want to bring a writing friend with you. They don't have to be a member of our group. Timing: From **12:30** grab a drink, a table and set up **12:35** individual writing time (I'll stop your table to say hi\*) *\*if you'd like a prompt or writing exercise, please ask when you arrive.* **13:15** take a break (stretch, look out window, tea, wine etc) **14:00** end of writing time **14:00** we'll gather at the same table to say hello, compare notes and how we got on with our projects in the session **14:30** end of session but you don't have to stop if you're mid-flow. If you want to stay on and keep writing, please do so. I'm hosting this in the main upstairs area of the pub so you can come and go as you please. You can come to write for a short time or the whole thing. I will be going to each writer individually at their table to chat about their project and if they want a prompt, challenge or exercise from me to write in the session. I've allowed two hours for the session but you can easily stay on longer if you wish. Timing is 12:30pm to 2:30pm and we'll gather in the last 30mins to say hello so we do meet each other during the session. I will be there for 12pm when the pub opens to grab us the horseshoe of tables (pictured above) so most of us can be sitting in the same vicinity together. That said, it's a spacious pub so if you want to spread out and choose your own spot, feel free. Manners suggest that you'll buy a drink and perhaps a snack or two from the pub as a part of using their table. Please don't bring your own drinks from elsewhere (water bottles included) as the pub will never let us back in. See their menu on the website for more info. Location: The Square Pig, 30-32 Procter St, London WC1V 6NX. Closest tube is Holborn. Timing: Doors open 12pm for a 12:30pm start and finish the main session by 2:30pm. Cost: £10 for hosting, venue arrangement, writing task prep etc. Please follow the steps to pay via PayPal when you RSVP. Refunds or credits will only be offered if the meetup is cancelled by admin. If you change your mind after booking, please change to RSVP to 'not going' as we often have people waiting. Download the Meetup app (check the app store) to manage your RSVPs on the go and be notified about new workshops. Questions or concerns? Please post a comment below and I'll respond. I'm looking forward to it already!

**SATURDAY** **11/April 3.30pm** Headline Panel *Roxy Dunn and Gonzalo Garcia in conversation with Chloë Ashby* Two hugely exciting literary voices take centre stage in this year’s headliner conversation. Roxy Dunn burst onto the fiction scene with her debut novel *As Young as This*, which was widely celebrated as one of The Independent, Harper’s Bazaar, Stylist, Cosmopolitan and Sunday Times Style’s Best Books of 2024 — a wry, emotionally fluent exploration of love, expectation and the stories we tell ourselves about life and relationships. Her second novel, *Wants and Needs*, continues her beguiling mix of humour and insight, arriving in early 2026. Joining her is Chilean-born novelist Gonzalo C. Garcia, whose debut novel *We Are The End* introduced readers to his distinctive blend of wit and depth and earned critical attention in the UK independent publishing scene. His much anticipated new novel *Telenovela*, set in Santiago toward the end of Pinochet’s dictatorship, arrives in late 2025 and expands his richly human storytelling into bold historical and political territory. In this headliner session, the conversation will be facilitated by *Wet Paint* and *Second Self* author Chloë Ashby. Dunn and Garcia will reflect on how their identities, backgrounds and artistic journeys have shaped their work; how they navigate expectation and evolution from one book to the next; and offer insight and encouragement for emerging writers and indie publishers charting their own creative paths. This event is funded by the Arts Council and is free to attend

We will be at the Alternative Book Fair on Thursday 9th April to see the brilliant Natasha Brown speak on Creative Marketing for Books. Tickets are free and bookable from the Alternative Book Fair website, but there will be walk-in availability too. We'll then be going to the The Lamb pub next door for a social. Everyone is welcome! Here's what Natasha will be speaking on: In this special session for the Alternative Book Fair, Booker Prize-longlisted and Granta Best of British Young Novelists author Natasha Brown speaks about the creative marketing strategies behind her novel Universality. Moving beyond traditional publicity, Natasha developed a suite of unconventional, in-world promotional materials — including a fictional magazine, an investigation board, and bespoke social media and podcast assets — all created on a shoestring budget and without the use of AI! ####

**SATURDAY** **11/April ALL DAY** The Indie Press Fair Meet some of the UK’s most inspirational independent publishers, with a day of stalls and events from the publishers of the world’s most innovative fiction and non-fiction. Stall holders include Galley Beggar, Rough Trade, Fly on the Wall, Weatherglass Books, Renard Press, Indie Novella, Heloise Press, Jacaranda Books, Scratch Books, Scorpius Books, Istros Books, Jantar Books, époque press, Goat Star Books & Prototype Publishing. Throughout the day there will be opportunities for readers and writers to meet leading and award winning independent publishers, experience their books, meet authors, and ask questions about the world of publishing. Meet the lead publishers and hear what went into making award winning works of fiction. Also at 2pm join the Publishing Panel, with Galley Beggar, Scratch Books and Rough Trade. This event is funded by the Arts Council and is free to attend

Curious about the All Good Bookshop Writing Group? We're doing a drop-in taster session as part of the 6th Bookshop Anniversary celebrations! We'll be chatting about writing, reading out work and doing feedback, and sharing tips and advice - whether you're a seasoned pro or an absolute beginner. There'll be a bar as well, so this is the perfect way to drop in and chat with writers about writing!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 22 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!