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Local Writing Groups
We often get asked about writing groups that are in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Below is a list of groups you can join.
Starting in 2024, together with BCP Libraries, we are forming Writers' Havens - informal groups hosted by volunteers who write - to create friendly groups of like-minded writers at a library convenient to you. Please be kind and supportive to your hosts.
Watch the free seminar "What Makes an Successful Writing Group" here!
Writing Groups in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Dorset Please contact the organiser in advance of the group
Online writing group.
8:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of every month
Hosted by Fiona Gowenlock
Contact Fiona to register your interest and receive the online link
Christchurch library
10:30am on the 1st Thursday of every month
Hosted by Ann Stokell
Contact Ann for more information
Parkstone library
10am on the 2nd Friday of every month
Hosted by Nigel Harding
Contact the library for more information
Bournemouth library
Writing for Wellbeing
1pm on the 3rd Thursday
Hosted by Chris Blackburn
Contact Chris for more information
Charminster library
10am on the 1st Monday of every month
Hosted by Louisa Flynn
Contact Louisa for more information
Branksome library
5pm on the 2nd Tuesday of every month
Hosted by Hannah Hulbert
Contact Hannah for more information
Boscombe library
Poetry & Spoken Word
5pm, second Tuesday of every month
Hosted by Myriam San Marco
Please c ontact Myriam in advance
Westbourne library
2pm on the first Thursday of every month
Hosted by Anara
Contact Anara for more information
Poetry for Teenagers
5pm on the 1st Friday of every month
Hosted by Aditi Chotra
Contact Aditi for more information
Sturminster Newton library
2.15pm to 5pm on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
Contact Tracey for more information. Small fee applies.
Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
2pm to 4pm on the first Tuesday of the month at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre. Free. Email for more information.
The Old School House, Boscombe
6pm to 8pm every Tuesday at The Old School House, Boscombe. Free.
Run by The Outsiders Project, for people sidelined from society, whose voices have not been held. Email for more information.
Children's Writing - online
Children's creative writing sessions via Zoom for home-educated children. Various days throughout the week. £3/£4. Check Chasing Driftwood's website for details or email Chantelle.
Children's Writing - Lighthouse Poole
Creative writing sessions at Lighthouse Poole for teenagers (11 to 18, split into two age categories). Every Saturday morning in term time. Free.
See website for details.
Bournemouth Writers' Circle
Held at Kinson Community Centre.
7-9pm on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
First session is free. £5 thereafter.
Email Shirley for more info.
Speakeasy Wimborne
3rd Tuesday of each month
7.15 for 7.30pm
Wimborne Royal British Legion
West Borough, Wimborne Minster, near The Tivoli. Contact Anna for details.
Want to add your writing group? Email us the details.
The Bournemouth Writing Festival is in no way responsible for the running of these groups or if they are running. This is simply a notice board informing you of local writing groups that were emailed to us. Please contact the organiser before you go to the groups.
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Wessex School Poetry Slam
Join us for inspiration, motivation, or simply a good night out.
Regular news and insight from our many poets, writers, educators and facilitators
Connecting Writers and Writing
ArtfulScribe is a not-for-profit writer development agency based in Southampton. We support emerging and continuing writers in Hampshire, Dorset, and the Solent region to create new work and develop skills through writing workshops, live events and career-development opportunities. We work with all ages and levels of ability, from primary years through to life's later stages. Our work includes collaboration with schools, businesses and organisations, embedding writing into everyday activities through residencies, creative programmes and individual events that celebrate both spoken and written word.
Latest news
17 June 2024
New Forest Writer in Residence
Immediate Release Issued June 2024 Countryside Education Trust, Beaulieu, appoints its first Writer...
Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest news on events, workshops and upcoming projects
Facilitators
Our workshop leaders have years of experience to share and include award-winning authors, writers with international reputations, poets whose work features in leading magazines and performance poetry professionals. We also support writers to gain workshop experience through shadowing roles so please get in touch if you'd like to know more.
Our projects
Paid Artist Days
Writers In Residence, Showcase Guests and Workshop Facilitators
Individual Engagement Sessions
Including Schools, Young Writers, Libraries and Creative Writing Groups
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Media Coverage Including Print, Internet, Television and Radio
Make a donation
Support our ArtfulScribe community
As a not-for-profit organisation, ArtfulScribe serves a wide community of writers, working with people from early years through to life's later stages, including those living with poverty, challenging mental health conditions, or facing other barriers affecting their quality of life. We aim to foster and nurture a love of literature in those we serve, some of whom may be encountering the empowering gift of creative writing for the first time. And it is such a gift, to so many people, regardless of gender or social, economic, racial, or cultural differences.
If you are able to support our work, and help others access this life-enriching activity, we'd really appreciate your support. If you are able and willing to help us help others, we would really appreciate any donations you can afford. Thank you.
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Creative writing workshops events in Bournemouth, United Kingdom
South East Therapeutic Childcare Conference 2024
Tue, Sep 24, 9:00 AM
Darwin Conference Suite
From £141.56
Channels & Choices
Antenatal breastfeeding workshop
Thursday at 6:30 PM GMT+1
Comedy Sketch Writing Workshop
Sat, Jul 13, 12:00 PM
Tom Brown's
Scarecrows & Scribbles Creative Writing Workshop
Sat, Aug 24, 2:00 PM
Brading Roman Villa
OSC: Creative Show & Tell hosted by Caroline Beale Johnson
Wed, Jul 24, 6:00 PM
The Old School House Boscombe
OSC: Additional Incomes for Creatives with To Be Adorned
Wed, Jul 17, 6:00 PM
GHT Creative Writing Group
Sat, Jul 27, 2:00 PM
God's House Tower
SO:Write Women (In Person Group) Summer Term
Sat, Jul 27, 11:15 AM
John Hansard Gallery
Creative Textile Workshop - Circles stitch sampler
Sat, Nov 9, 10:00 AM
Spark a Story - Magical Storytelling Workshop for Children
Sun, Jul 14, 12:00 PM + 36 more
Rock & Rose Rituals & Conkers Earth School
Bind and Begin your Mini Art Journal
Sat, Aug 10, 11:00 AM
Fisherton Mill - Gallery | Cafe | Studios
Confident Kids: Bullet Journaling Workshop
Tue, Aug 6, 2:00 PM + 1 more
BellaCrafts Winchester
Creative Textiles workshop - coil pots
Sat, Dec 7, 10:00 AM
Writing Retreat - Find the Light to Write
Fri, Nov 15, 4:00 PM
Kingcombe Centre
SEN Autism ADHD Creative Club
Fri, Jul 26, 2:00 PM
Sonder Coffee
Beginners Calligraphy Workshop at Mapperton
Sunday at 10:30 AM
Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands
Macrame Rainbow Workshop
Sat, Aug 3, 10:30 AM
Be Creative Jewellery Workshops
Make Your Own Journal
Saturday at 11:00 AM
Macrame Plant Pot Hanger Workshop
Saturday at 10:30 AM
Macrame Lantern Workshop
Sat, Oct 19, 10:30 AM
Macrame Christmas Wreath Workshop
Sat, Nov 16, 10:30 AM
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Full Day Mixed Media Portrait Workshop
Sun, Aug 25, 10:00 AM
107/109 Belle Vue Rd
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- Chakradance with Finola
Creative Writing, Poetry & Book Group
- Feminine Rising Women’s Circle
The Cedar Tree Creative Writing
The cedar tree writers.
This is a friendly, encouraging group that meet once a month. We have a ‘cuppa’ and chat.. sometimes even a biscuit or two and sit back to listen and read out works we have prepared from a choice of prompts, given at each meeting.
There are no set rules to the piece, we have short stories, fiction, non fiction, poetry… these can take anything from a minute to 15 minutes or so to read. Sometimes we may read from work previously written…sometimes we may just come to listen to the delights in store!
Please contact us for the next meeting to let us know your coming, and get the prompts! Unless of course you would just like to come along and listen to begin with!
Writing Workshops/mini retreat!
Your workshop will begin with connection to your writing through visualisations and inspirational objects and themes. Simple, fun writing exercises will get the words moving from your head onto the page , with an opportunity to share and discuss, if you choose.
The Cedar Tree has a wonderfully creative ambience, leave self doubt at the door. Step into your creative self and find your essence. These workshops can be beautiful introduction to your writing, or perhaps a refreshing look at how you write…or just a lovely way to spend time meeting with friends, making friends and having a pleasurable morning.
Weave Your Magic
Poetry Reflections
Do you love poetry, are you intrigued by poetry, has a particularly poem touched your life? We would love for you to join us on our monthly meet ups to engage with poetry of all sorts! The intention is not to be a serious critique group! We come together share a poem, listen ..comment.. if we feel the urge to express out thoughts! We have always have a wide range of poets anything from Larkin to Benjamin Zephaniah to Heaney and more! A glorious way to spend an afternoon!
This is a friendly group of book lovers, looking to be inspired and uplifted by the books chosen in this group. We are aiming for books that have meaning, make us contemplate, take us on a journey where the words resonate and maybe change or enlighten the way we see things. These may be true stories, fictional or words of wisdom. Although the original plan was to read, be happy and light hearted, on reflection, sometimes life is just not like that and shadows and tears have their teachings. We keep connected via Facebook and try to meet every 4-6 weeks depending on the book!
Author Events
To be updated… please see Facebook for up and coming events.
Contact Fin 07780952395 for information on any of the above.
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Sessions at Wimborne Community Centre
More information on the sessions within our Centre in the heart of Wimborne:
Wimborne Writing Group
Times: 9am – 12.30pm (Monthly)
Contact: Sarah Steele Tel: 01202 841808 Email: [email protected]
Further Info:
My creative writing classes are for anyone who would like to write fiction, poetry, drama, or life-writing. The classes are probably more suitable for people who have some experience of writing creatively, or have studied English to at least A-level standard, and want to improve their skills. We use a workshop format. Bring your writing and get feedback from us all.
We meet on Wednesdays once a month at Wimborne Community Centre. In addition, we meet online and informally in Wimborne.
![creative writing groups dorset](https://www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-negative-space-34072.jpg)
![creative writing groups dorset](https://chasingdriftwoodwritinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-chasing-driftwood-writing-group-logo-text.png)
Chasing Driftwood Writing Group was set up by author Chantelle Atkins in 2015. Having always struggled to find a writing group that fit in with work and childcare, Chantelle decided to set up her own. After joining The National Association For Writers In Education, Chantelle, a mum of four and former childminder, branched out into delivering creative writing workshops for children in the school holidays, after school writing clubs, writing clubs for home-educated children and writing clubs via Zoom!
![creative writing groups dorset](https://chasingdriftwoodwritinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/art-supplies-brushes-rulers-scissors-159644.jpeg?w=656)
In 2017 Chasing Driftwood became a Community Interest Company and in 2019 took on equal partner and Director author Sim Alec Sansford. Together, Chantelle and Sim run writing groups for children and adults, provide editing and proofreading services for authors and provide online courses via Teachable. In 2021 a new subscription service was launched for adult and children.
Our Workshops
![creative writing groups dorset](https://chasingdriftwoodwritinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/44585370_1938777446159369_5036211447936319488_n.jpg?w=960)
Our children’s workshops offer a warm and friendly atmosphere, with individual and group work as well as competitions and on-going support.. All aspects of creative writing are covered, from creating memorable characters, writing realistic dialogue, plotting a story, narration, pace and genre. The focus will be on fun and imagination and children are encouraged to leave the rules at the door and let their imaginations run wild. These workshops are perfect for children who enjoy any kind of writing, and are great for children who need a helping hand in getting their ideas out of their head and onto paper.
![creative writing groups dorset](https://chasingdriftwoodwritinggroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/17155207_1285894288114358_8937784884211914935_n.jpg?w=640)
We also run writing workshops for adults on various topic such as the pros and cons of self-publishing, building your author platform, and characterisation.
Children’s Creative Writing Clubs
Chantelle runs two after-school creative writing clubs. One at Christchurch Junior School and another at Bransgore C of E Primary. We also run a number of writing clubs for home-educated children and a number of clubs via Zoom. For more details please visit the After-School Club page or feel free to message for more information. If you are a writer who is interested in working with children and running after-school clubs, please do get in touch!
Get in Touch
Chantelle Atkins
Email; [email protected]
Phone; 07766-833252
Send Us a Message
Copyright Your Company Name 2019 – All rights reserved
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Chasing Driftwood Writing Group
![creative writing groups dorset](https://cadarts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/chasing-driftwood-logo.png)
Group Contact
Chantelle Atkins
07766 833252
www.chasingdriftwoodwritinggroup.org
Social Media
Description.
Chasing Driftwood Writing Group is a community interest company run by writer Chantelle Atkins. Having always struggled to find a writing group that fit with work and childcare, Chantelle decided to set up her own. It runs writing based events, projects and clubs across the Christchurch area and currently has eight writing groups.
![creative writing groups dorset](https://cadarts.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/chasing-driftwood-pic.png)
Additional Information
Home Educated Children’s Groups
Mondays, 10.30am–12pm Ages 11+, Zoom Group
Mondays, 12.30pm–2pm Ages 8-11, Zoom Group
Tuesdays, 10am–11am Ages 11+, Zoom Group
Wednesdays,10am–11am Ages 8-11, Zoom Group
Children’s After School Clubs
Mondays, 3.05pm–4.10pm Christchurch Junior School
Tuesdays, 3.30pm-4.20pm Bransgore Primary School
Wednesdays, 3.05pm-4.10pm Christchurch Junior School
Wednesdays, 4.30-5.30pm Ages 8+, Zoom group (starts late June)
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- POPPY FIELDS
- THE GIRL AND THE SHOES
- THINGS WE BROKE DURING LOCKDOWN
- WOMEN OF WORDS, DORSET
- CARGO Resources
- CARGO Gallery
- Valise Noire
- Michele O'Brien
- Hazel Evans
- Alice Flynn
When Women Are the Storytellers, What Narratives are Told?
A multi-form new writing project facilitated by valise noire, working with women who have experienced domestic abuse to create new work inspired by the heritage of women of dorset's past and female experiences..
![creative writing groups dorset creative writing groups dorset](https://format.creatorcdn.com/1cbb3da5-5650-423b-b6ba-04edad538d0a/0/0/0/0,0,2738,1825,570,380/0-0-0/c764c94a-cad5-4cda-bb93-91b74ccb5609/1/2/SilverandBlackMouthCoveredM.jpg?fjkss=exp=2035391473~hmac=97668a498b30e680e3620b4e4e14e0d9692d37b993dcfe1824ec566c3bf1eb0a)
About Women of Words, Dorset
In 2021 Valise Noire Storytelling Theatre received £10,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their new project, ‘Women of Words, Dorset’ which amplifies women’s voices past and present.
The project has multiple strands:
· A creative writing group for local women who have experienced male violence against women. These sessions included research into the women of Dorset’s past.
· An illustrated exhibition of the group’s writing and heritage information.
· A family-friendly feminist performance, based on the Women of Words writing, performed as commissioned work for BEAF 2021 (Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe Festival).
· An artistic and informative video, documenting the project and its processes, sharing both the heritage of inspiring women from the past and also the powerful poetry and prose of the women writers of today.
· Community sessions – sharing heritage, creative writing and the Women of Words writing group’s work – in schools and with elders.
Empowering Women’s Voices – Sharing Female Narratives
Valise Noire worked in partnership with arts organisations including Bournemouth Emerging Arts Festival (BEAF), The Russell Cotes Museum, Dorset History Centre, charitable housing association BCHA and a local school for the project, the reach of which has been made possible by the National Lottery players.
‘Women of Words, Dorset’ has been a project of celebration and empowerment, valuing Dorset women and their unique voices and experiences. By working with women in refuge, and knowing the powerful benefits of community, reflection, engagement and the arts, we are excited for these women’s voices and words to be shared and by the legacy that continues from the past, through these women now, and onwards into the future.
![creative writing groups dorset creative writing groups dorset](https://format.creatorcdn.com/1cbb3da5-5650-423b-b6ba-04edad538d0a/0/0/0/15,0,1474,972,570,380/0-0-0/8fb3b411-2563-45ad-a281-00ba7b8abd67/1/2/Screenshot_2021-07-15_at_16_28_05.png?fjkss=exp=2035391473~hmac=f2acf1414beb1dc0d5f92813b34efa0e2e2a2a44c2c0baa45c445539e446c13b)
Women of Words Writing Group: Creative voices and Embodied Voicework
Over eight weeks during summer 2021 Valise Noire met regularly with the group, who wrote in response to archive materials about women from Dorset’s past, as well as sharing their own personal stories and experiences as women.
The group honed their skills in the craft of poetry, the structure of story, as well practical vocal sessions - all tools in expressing their unique voices.
They researched a diverse range of women from regional history. These included: Minnie Baldock, a leading suffragette in the movement to gain votes for women who resided in Poole in the latter part of her life; Lady Annie Russell-Cotes, a privileged philanthropist and the second woman to become a fellow of The Royal Society of Literature as a result of her travel writings, who lived locally.
The archive materials also included illiterate local women such as ‘Granny Cousins’ a characterful resident of Poole, as well as the records of female patients at Dorset’s Herrison Hospital asylum. This last group of women particularly interested the writers and became central to the family friendly performance.
Importantly, the writing work was supported by an embodied approach to expression, with the group experiencing voicework sessions as well – you can learn more about this in the video, documenting the project.
Women of Words Exhibition
Working in collaboration with local illustrator and animator Corrianna Clarke, the women’s creative writing was turned into an illustrated exhibition piece, displayed publicly at Boscombe Library for a month, as part of the BEAF festival. Cora drew her inspiration from the women’s writing, the journey of women’s expression from the past to today and the Dorset location.
![creative writing groups dorset Women of Words Dorset illustrated by Corrianna Clarke](https://format.creatorcdn.com/1cbb3da5-5650-423b-b6ba-04edad538d0a/0/0/0/0,0,1839,2759,760,1140/0-0-0/92163bfe-3006-4030-b6ee-72fb18e1c965/1/2/Corrianna_Clarke_for_Valise_Noire_Women_of_Words_Full_Size.jpg?fjkss=exp=2035391473~hmac=0ee74b24e23821a26982d4eaf33bbca3f1e5f34e27a09154deaf4440f7a483a5)
Family-Friendly Feminist Performance
Valise Noire created a performance piece based on the prose and poetry created by the group.
In amongst the trees (and sometimes up one!) we told the tale of Elizabeth, an in-patient at Herrison Hospital asylum, as an archetypal woman, whose wild self was one with the animals she voiced and the nature she stood within. Elizabeth met with the Lady of Letters, a woman more bound by convention and outmoded narratives. Together, they found the freedom to be themselves, to create new stories, that they both wanted to tell. We loved seeing how engaged the children in the audience were with the discourse of the piece, with adults and children alike, both joining in on the action (and sometimes changing it!)
Artistic Video Documentation of Process and Purpose
Over the course of just two weeks, we filmed and edited a video that showcases some of the women writers’ poetry and prose, shares the rich heritage of the women of Dorset’s past and reflections on their connection to female voices and narratives today.
We feel it really captures some of the journey of the project, the way we worked and it speaks to some of the questions and themes we explored with the local women writers.
You can view the video below:
Women of Words, Dorset: Artistic Documentation of the Project for BEAF, 2021.
Education Pack and Learning Resource
Our downloadable Education Pack is just one way that we can make sure that Women of Words Dorset has a legacy for generations to come representing the reflections of women in 2021.
We are very aware that Women of Words Dorset touches on some very sensitive and personal topics, that’s why we wanted to work with both adults, young women and girls to raise some of the issues that are relevant for all of us, but at different stages in our lives.
We're sharing this work as a support for learning: DOWNLOAD THE EDUCATION PACK HERE.
Future Evolution...
We look forward to seeing how this work evolves. As a female-led theatre company we felt an instant inner yes, when Anna McLaughlin, BCHA’s Domestic Abuse Course Facilitator, first approached us to create a space where local women’s “voices could be heard & creativity explored […] women whose voices have previously been ignored”. With the multi-form expressions, this project has flourished, as have ‘Women of Words’ voices and sense of aliveness and empowerment. We’re very much looking forward to the next evolution and expansion of this project. More soon!
A huge thank you to all involved in this project, particularly the brilliant women writers we worked with and the women of Dorset’s past and the path you paved for us. Thank you to our audiences and all who have engaged with this vital work.
This piece has been made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, funded by National Lottery players. It has been created in partnership with BEAF, as commissioned artists, the charitable housing association BCHA, the Dorset History Centre and The Russell-Cotes Museum.
Thank you to Laura Joyner at the NLHF, Carol Maund and the incredible team at BEAF, Anna McLaughlin and all at BCHA, Elissa Noon and the staff at The Russel-Cotes Museum, Maria Gayton and all at The Dorset History Centre, Janet Westcott and BCP Libraries, Tailoresque and costumier Gill Marais, Richard Budd, Paula Langton and Yvonne Harcus at the Kristin Linklater Voice Centre, Recreate Dorset and Corrianna Clarke. Thank you to Colin Phillimore and the Flynn family.
Image credit: Top two: Richardbudd.co.uk ©2021
Next: DHC archive imagery and Valise Noire film still
Illustration by Corrianna Clarke with Women of Words, Dorset writing.
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Creative writing groups?
Hi, I'm 18 and have finished with education for a few years. I was wondering if anyone knows of any Creative writing groups (or something similar) that meet up in or around the Dorchester or Poole area in Dorset. I found one but they are of on older generation and I really want to meet other writer's closer to my age.
Thanks for any suggestions. :)
This is an open forum about writing, So replies are intended for everybody to read. Submitting to editors is something aspiring writers do, or intend to do.
So it was general information aimed at anybody with an interest in getting published.
![creative writing groups dorset Profile picture for user sonderbo_21871](https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/default_avatar.jpg?itok=MVjM-b8-)
No worries :)
Thanks for giving me some actual answers, A Fox. :) It's much appreciated.
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Reading Group
Led by Viv Rudd, the group meets once a month on the third Thursday in the Proctor Room, from 7.30-9.00pm.
Contact Viv Rudd 01747 851619; reading@ shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk
Poetry Group
Formed in 2010 by published poet Pam Kelly, the group meets in the Proctor Room once a month on the fourth Thursday at 7.30pm. There is no charge but participants must be members of the arts centre.
Two books of poetry from the group “Portrait of Shaftesbury” and “Through the Year in Shaftesbury” are available to purchase from the Box Office.
![creative writing groups dorset Activity_Poetry_PamKelly](https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Activity_Poetry_PamKelly-229x300.jpg.webp)
Golden Wedding
by Pam Kelly
Occasionally with great embarrassment He pressed his sexual needs upon her. Sorry he had to bother her, he said And she accepted this like all the rest, The price she had to pay, with fortitude. They never did it nude and long since any passion. Always in bed and, heavy with clothes and guilt, They made love in a fashion And quickly turned away, pretending sleep Both feeling deep relief that it was over Until the next time.
Books by Pam Kelly, all published by Brimstone Press, are: On the Edge (2006), Fiesta (2007), Other People (2007), Papering Over the Cracks (2008), Caught in the Crossfire (2008), Paziols: Living in the Land of the Cathars (2009, illustrated), Closer to the Edge, Lost and Found (2018)
Contact Pam Kelly 01747 852744; [email protected]; [email protected]
Writing Group
An informal group of local writers sharing writing prompts, ideas, techniques etc
The ad hoc group formed in 2008 following a short story-writing competition organised by the Centre and judged by author Fay Weldon (pictured right) who now lives in Shaftesbury. The competition resulted in the publication of ‘A Box of Chocolates’, a book of 50 short stories contributed by some 30 local authors, including several centre members.
The group and its members now hold regular get-togethers in the Proctor Room to share and discuss writing, and to exchange information regarding writing courses, publishing etc.
The meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 7pm – 9pm.
Contact: Elizabeth or Richard: [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]
Copies of ‘A Box of Chocolates’, with a foreword by Fay Weldon, are for sale at the centre box office at £5. All proceeds go towards the centre.
Privacy Overview
- Libraries, history and culture
- Reading and writing support
Free Read Scheme support for writers
Are you a budding writer? Would you benefit from constructive professional feedback on your work?
We are pleased to be part of the Arts Council England (ACE) Free Read Scheme .
The scheme offers low-income writers the opportunity to get free professional feedback on their writing via The Literary Consultancy, the UK's leading editorial consultancy.
It has helped hundreds of writers on to publication , but its main aim is to support writers developing their work and honing their writing craft through structured constructive feedback.
Since 2001, The Literary Consultancy has been in receipt of funding from Arts Council England to extend its offer to those unable to pay the fees for its commercial services.
How it works
The Literary Consultancy processes novels, short stories, non-fiction, poetry, scripts and screenplays, offering professional critical feedback.
Your work will be hand-matched to one of The Literary Consultancy's 90+ professional readers. You can expect to receive feedback in the form of a written critique. The notes you receive are intended to help you develop your writing further. Read more about whether a manuscript assessment would be helpful .
Who can apply
We are looking for high quality writing, as we can only submit a limited number of manuscripts due to demand and how much funding there is.
To apply, you must:
- be on low income
- write in English
You must not:
- have applied last year (you can't apply for 2 years in a row)
- be part of a creative writing programme or longer writing course
- work for the regional writing organisation you apply through
The Free Read Scheme particularly welcomes applications from writers belonging to groups that are under-represented in publishing, including:
- people with disabilities
- people who are Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)
- members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community
How to apply
All submissions must be made online. All writing (with the exception of poetry) should be formatted double-spaced, in a 12pt font, and saved as Word or PDF document.
For poetry, state how many lines the submission contains.
For short stories, state how many words the submission contains.
Please also tell us a bit about yourself and your writing history. This can include any particular questions you would particularly like addressed.
You can submit any of the following:
- synopsis and up to 15,000 words
- short stories: up to 3000 words
- poetry: up to 200 lines
- TV, Film, Radio and Theatre scripts
- treatments (averaging 350 words per page): up to 10 pages
- scripts (averaging 250 words per page): up to 30 pages
- Illustrated picture books for children: 1 or 2 books
Contact us if you are unable to submit work in a digital format.
A few words can express deep emotion – if you have never tried reading poetry, why not try now?
The National Poetry Library has a large online collection of modern poems to read and listen to.
The Poetry Foundation is committed to creating a place for poetry in modern culture. Read and listen to poems and read articles about poetry and poets.
The Children's Poetry Archive has a great collection of poems for children, read aloud with themes to explore and poems listed by age group.
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Rosalyn Chissick
A life spent writing
Creative writing
Based in the South West of England, Rosalyn Chissick offers creative writing workshops in Glastonbury, Bath, Bristol and Devon. She has taught Practical Journalism and Creative Writing courses all over the UK, including teaching at The Arvon Foundation and Bath University. She has run writing groups in care homes and took a writing group to the foothills of the Himalayas.
Have you always secretly longed to write but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’ve already started and are looking for fresh ideas and support. Whether you are new to writing or hoping to improve your work, creative writing workshops with Rosalyn Chissick will provide ideas, inspiration and fun. In a relaxed, friendly and creative atmosphere you will find your flow, experiment with writing forms and release your imagination.
Rosalyn runs creative writing day retreats at multi-award-winning The Barn in Somerset.
For more information, please get in contact .
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Local Writing Groups. We often get asked about writing groups that are in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Below is a list of groups you can join. Starting in 2024, together with BCP Libraries, we are forming Writers' Havens - informal groups hosted by volunteers who write - to create friendly groups of like-minded writers at a ...
ArtfulScribe is a not-for-profit writer development agency based in Southampton. We support emerging and continuing writers in Hampshire, Dorset, and the Solent region to create new work and develop skills through writing workshops, live events and career-development opportunities. We work with all ages and levels of ability, from primary years ...
A range of writers working in different forms and genres who have delivered workshops and training days. Arts consultants, publishers and agents who have delivered training events. Established and new writing groups in rural and urban Dorset. Health charities providing care for those with poor physical, emotional and mental health.
Shaftesbury Library. Creative Writing for Wellbeing. Every Monday. 2pm to 3pm. Sherborne Library. Sherborne Library Scribes. Every Thursday (restarts Thursday 12 September 2019) 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Shared reading groups give everyone the opportunity to enjoy a good story.
Members of Wimborne Writing Group have published novels, poetry, plays (which have also been performed), short fiction and various forms of non-fiction. Two members have gone on to achieve MAs, and two members completed PhDs - all in Creative Writing. I started teaching creative writing in 2001 and then established Wimborne Writing Group from these…
Group name:Creative Writes - Creative Writing Workshops - London. Group name:Creative Writes - Creative Writing Workshops - London. Online Event. Wed, Jun 5 · 7:30 PM UTC. Creative Writes - June 2024 Monthly Online Words & Wine Workshop .
A creative writing group for Bournemouth wordy types. Writers of stories, poems, scripts and anything else most welcome!
Dorset Writers Network. 568 likes · 9 talking about this. Dorset Writers Network page provides information about workshops, seminars, book fairs and writing competitions of interest to Dorset...
Creative Textile Workshop - Printing onto Fabrics. Sat, 12 Oct, 10:00. SP7 8NR. View 2 similar results.
Starting a Meetup group connects you with passionate people looking to share experiences in real life. Start a group. Create your own Meetup group. Get Started. Find Creative Writing groups in Bournemouth, D6 to connect with people who share your interests. Join now to attend online or in person events.
Contact Fin 07780952395 for information on any of the above. The Cedar Tree Creative Writing The Cedar Tree Writers This is a friendly, encouraging group that meet once a month. We have a 'cuppa' and chat.. sometimes even a biscuit or two and sit back to listen and read out works we have prepared from a choice of prompts, given at each meeting.
Wimborne Writing Group. Times: 9am - 12.30pm (Monthly) Contact: Sarah Steele Tel: 01202 841808 Email: [email protected]. Further Info: My creative writing classes are for anyone who would like to write fiction, poetry, drama, or life-writing. ... Dorset Community Action, The Little Keep, Barrack Road, Dorchester, DT1 1SQ.
In 2017 Chasing Driftwood became a Community Interest Company and in 2019 took on equal partner and Director author Sim Alec Sansford. Together, Chantelle and Sim run writing groups for children and adults, provide editing and proofreading services for authors and provide online courses via Teachable.
Free Write meets on the second Monday of each month from 7pm - 9pm; £3.50 to cover running costs. For information contact [email protected]. Weymouth. WRITERS of all levels are being ...
Description. Chasing Driftwood Writing Group is a community interest company run by writer Chantelle Atkins. Having always struggled to find a writing group that fit with work and childcare, Chantelle decided to set up her own. It runs writing based events, projects and clubs across the Christchurch area and currently has eight writing groups.
Women of Words Writing Group: Creative voices and Embodied Voicework. Over eight weeks during summer 2021 Valise Noire met regularly with the group, who wrote in response to archive materials about women from Dorset's past, as well as sharing their own personal stories and experiences as women. The group honed their skills in the craft of ...
13 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8AR. Time and space to work on your own writing projects. Find some accountability and put pen to paper. Come and join us in a mutually creative workshop to write stories, novels, poetry or whatever you need time to write. Second Tuesday of every month, 7.30pm.
Hi, I'm 18 and have finished with education for a few years. I was wondering if anyone knows of any Creative writing groups (or something similar) that meet up in or around the Dorchester or Poole area in Dorset. I found one but they are of on older generation and I really want to meet other writer's closer to my age. Thanks for any suggestions.
All proceeds go towards the centre. Reading Group Led by Viv Rudd, the group meets once a month on the third Thursday in the Proctor Room, from 7.30-9.00pm. Contact Viv Rudd 01747 851619; [email protected] Poetry Group Formed in 2010 by published poet Pam Kelly, the group meets in the Proctor Room once a month on the fourth ...
The scheme offers low-income writers the opportunity to get free professional feedback on their writing via The Literary Consultancy, the UK's leading editorial consultancy. It has helped hundreds of writers on to publication, but its main aim is to support writers developing their work and honing their writing craft through structured ...
Creative writing. Based in the South West of England, Rosalyn Chissick offers creative writing workshops in Glastonbury, Bath, Bristol and Devon. She has taught Practical Journalism and Creative Writing courses all over the UK, including teaching at The Arvon Foundation and Bath University. She has run writing groups in care homes and took a ...
11, Roumelia La, Bournemouth, Dorset BH5 1EU 01202 309999. Butterflies Cancer Support, Weekly Support Meeting Butterflies Cancer Support Group Dorchester. We cover West Dorset. Dorchester Community Church, Liscombe Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 3DF 07591 100672. Dorset Libraries Writing Challenge Dorset Libraries.
Established and new writing groups in rural and urban Dorset; Health charities providing care for those with poor physical, emotional and mental health; Social care organisations providing support for carers, parents and people with learning disabilities;