The Grove Bookshop Writing Group Festive Party

Are you a writer looking for a supportive community of local writers? The Grove Bookshop Writing Group is a monthly social group for writers, meeting once a month at The Grove Bookshop in Ilkley (usually on a Thursday, 7pm-9pm). The group is facilitated by local teacher, editor and award-winning writer, Emily Devane.

Take a look at the information below, and if you have any further questions, please e-mail Emily at [email protected].

When: Monthly (generally second Thursday of the month, though this may vary)

Next meet up: 7-9pm, Thursday, 19 December

Where: The Grove Bookshop, 10 The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9EG

What's the format?

As it's a party, we're shaking things up a bit, with music, readings and a fun festive challenge. There will be less seating, as we'll keep space free for mingling and chatting (but we can get more seats from the cupboard, so just ask if you'd like one).

For those wanting to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, we can take payment for books and orders on the night. As Christmas approaches, some popular titles go out of stock at our suppliers. Get in touch with the shop at [email protected] to pre-order your books for collection on the night (we can get most titles in by the next day).

Here's the format:

• Welcome (and a festive challenge!)
• Refreshments/nibbles and chat (with live music)
• Festive readings (part 1)
• Refreshments/nibbles and chat (with live music)
• Festive readings (part 2)
• End (winner of festive challenge announced)

If you have a piece to read, please put your name down on the sign up sheet with Emily as you arrive. Names will be drawn out of a hat at random.

Do I have to prepare anything in advance?

There will be some short readings throughout the evening - poems, flash fiction and short, stand-alone excerpts from longer pieces (maximum 5 minutes or approx 700 words). It may not be possible for everyone to read - but we'll try our best! Emily will be issuing a festive challenge: weave three festive words (revealed on the night) into your reading to be in with a chance of winning!

Does it matter if I'm not a published writer?

Not at all. Writers of all levels of experience are welcome. What you do need is an enthusiasm for writing and an interest in others' work.

Are all genres of writing welcome?

Yes. The main focus will be on creative forms of writing - poetry, flash fiction, short stories, creative non fiction, memoir and novel writing (in all genres) are all welcome. If sensitive material is shared during the session, a content warning is advised.

Please do not share material that could be regarded as racist, offensive to minorities or any specific groups or communities.

Is the group suitable for under 18s?

Sorry, but this group is for writers aged 18+. Young writers might like to check out Word Up North Young Writers (based in Keighley), which offers creative writing classes locally for students in years 8-13.

Is there a fee?

Not usually, but this time, I have included a small charge rather than asking for a donation towards snacks.

Refreshments

A small selection of refreshments (wine, soft drinks and festive snacks) will be provided by Emily. Tap water is also available.

I have accessibility needs - can you accommodate these?

Please let us know if you have any accessibility/mobility needs and we will do our best to make it possible for you to join us.

How do I sign up?

Simply register for a place at the next session via Eventbrite.

What if I signed up but can no longer come?

If you find you are unable to make the session, please cancel your place so that someone on the waiting list can take your spot.

The event is full - can I come anyway?

If the group is full, you can sign up for the waiting list in case any spaces become available, or contact Emily for last minute availability.

How can I keep in touch between sessions?

By registering, you will be added to the e-mail list. If you wish to share tips, opportunities, news and stories between sessions, you might like to join the Moor Words Slack group (ask Emily and she will send you a link). Slack is a messaging app for sharing content and conversations in a private group.

I'd like to learn more about writing - do you have any advice?

Emily runs online and in person workshops and courses, as well as regular spoken word nights. Ask about being added to her e-mail list for the latest news, or follow Moor Words on Eventbrite. She will also share relevant submissions tips, advice and opportunities during sessions.

Please note that this is a social group, with the primary purpose of sharing good practice, sharing work and building a community of writers. The aim is to keep feedback constructive and encouraging.

Your Host:

Emily Devane is a writer, editor and teacher based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. She has taught workshops and courses for Comma Press, Dahlia Press, London Writers' Café and Northern Writers' Studio. She has won the Bath Flash Fiction Award, a Northern Writers' Award and a Word Factory Apprenticeship. Emily's work has been published in Smokelong Quarterly (third place, Grand Micro Contest 2021), Best Microfictions Anthology (2021), New Flash Fiction Review, Lost Balloon, Ellipsis, New Flash Fiction Review, Janus, Ambit and others. She has work forthcoming in The Lonely Crowd. She was a BIFFY50 editor in 2020 and is a founding editor at FlashBack Fiction. In 2022 she was shortlisted for the prestigious Mogford Prize for Food and Drink Writing, and she won second place in the Bath Short Story Award. She judged the October 2022 round of the Bath Flash Fiction Award.

Host or Publisher Moor Words