This week Zoe and Lily had a chat about the monthly writers’ workshops they facilitate from November to June, and how they came about. They talked about how they met in a writer’s group many years ago, and if it hadn’t been for that writing group, and the fact they liked each other’s work, they would not have set London Lit Lab and be talking to you today. They also spoke about how they both learned to read critically in this group, and they have been using those skills in their teaching over the past (nearly) 10 years that London Lit Lab has been in operation.
Here’s a little more on the Writers’ Workshops. There are still some places on
Thursday evening slot. The workshops happen over Zoom.Are you reaching the stage with your writing project where you need some constructive feedback? Would you like some help getting your manuscript finished and taking the next steps towards publication?
Getting through the final stretch on your manuscript can be tough on your own, whether you’ve had support during a previous course or not. This is a common difficulty for creative writers coming out of MA courses, but it affects all lone writers. These sessions will help you keep up your writing momentum, with the aim of finishing your book and being ready to find it a home.
If you want regular feedback, support, and a group of writers with whom to discuss good writing every month, these sessions are for you. You will learn as much from critiquing the work of others as you will from receiving supportive feedback on your own work in progress. Whether you are writing short stories, memoir or a novel, including genre or YA fiction, you are welcome to join one of these groups.
Course outline
Eight monthly workshop sessions to discuss work-in-progress
Three opportunities to receive feedback on your work (up to 5,000 words per submission)
Optional one-to-one support or critical feedback, at an extra cost
An online writing community, lasting beyond the end of the course
The workshop group of up to ten writers meets for monthly sessions on Zoom over eight months. Members take turns to share work-in-progress ahead of each session, which is then critiqued as a group, with constructive feedback and discussion on any problems or issues raised. Zoom sessions can be recorded if all members agree. Each member will submit their work for workshopping at least three times over the course, up to 5,000 words per submission. Providing feedback to others on their work is a great way of honing your critical and editing skills, which you can apply to your own writing.
Group members will also have the option of receiving one-to-one support or critical feedback, at an extra cost.
Course dates
The Thursday evening sessions will take place via Zoom, 7-9pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month, November 2024 – June 2025. Cost £295
Please get in touch if you want to pay in instalments.
And for those of you on Substack…
Alongside our weekly Substack posts, we offer online spaces for writers to get inspired, connect with one another, and crucially, write!
Short Story Club with Zoe Gilbert, our co-Director at London Lit Lab. A 1-hour online session (via Zoom) once a month to talk about, and pick apart, a published short story. Gain inspiration for your own writing, from themes to writing techniques, and become more confident in taking apart a piece of prose to see how all the parts fit together. Reading like a writer makes you a better writer! Tuesdays, 6-7pm.
Accountability Club with Ennis Welbourne, our Assistant Editor. A 2-hour online session (via Zoom) twice a month to write in the company of others and discuss our projects. Dissolve your writing blocks and improve your writing practice by taking part in these regular writing sessions. A community space to reflect and gain support from your peers! Fridays, 11-1pm. You can find out more session details here.
And from October,
will be offering an Memoir Club, like Zoe’s, but focused around short-form memoir, creative nonfiction and personal essays. It will be a monthly meet up. Timing to be confirmed. Watch this space!A paid subscription to access both our online Clubs is £6 a month, sign up below!
Share this post