Write as often as possible, not with the idea at once of getting into print, but as if you were learning an instrument. -J B Priestley

The North London Writers Group is dedicated to the craft of prose fiction writing. We offer a frank, rigorous, and yet friendly and supportive environment in which writers can grow, both by having their own work critiqued, and by critiquing the work of other members. Many of us are professional writers in other disciplines (e.g., journalism); each of us seeks to produce work that will be published.  Past members have included Sarah Waters (Fingersmith, Tipping the Velvet), and Charles Palliser (The Quincunx, The Sensationalist). Current member Yojana Sharma is the author of The Buffalo Thief.

The group meets once a month in the home of one of the members (we rotate locations) usually on the first Monday of the month. In order to allow time for thorough analysis, the material to be discussed is circulated and read in advance. Meetings begin at 8:00 p.m. and last from two to three hours, depending on how much work is being reviewed. We like to give writers the attention they deserve, therefore group size is limited to 12.

We welcome new members who are serious about their goals, actively writing, and whose output is at or near a professional level. You can expect to have your work read carefully, and discussed honestly; you should be able to accept criticism. Likewise, you will be expected to devote the same effort toward critiquing the work of others. Graduates from MA writing programs, and journalists working on a novel, are welcome.

If you're interested in joining (and we hope that you are) you will be asked to submit a writing sample. Based on this sample we may then ask you to visit one of our meetings on a trial basis. Don't get the wrong idea; we're a friendly bunch, but we are looking for serious writers, and we've found this process to be the most fair.

Contact: Alfred at northlondonwriters.