Question 1

Is it free?

Accepted Answer

Yup! We're hosted generously by Queer Lit and Social Refuge. If you can afford to buy drinks, food or books it helps to support our hosts, but they appreciate not everyone will be able to! We cannot bring in our own food & drink however.

Question 2

Do I need to be a writer?

Accepted Answer

You can just be writing curious! We're made up of a mix of writers of all sorts — there's no real limit — we just want to help offer a very relaxed space where folks can write, whether they're just starting out or have been writing for years.

Question 3

Where are you in Queer Lit / Social Refuge?

Accepted Answer

We're in their dedicated co-working space — to reach us you head down the stairs through a large area with a stage and seating, then up another flight of stairs and you're there. There is an accessible route through the back of the bookshop area and the staff at the main bar can assist.

Question 4

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The dedicated co-working space at Social Refuge is accessed via a small ramp near the main counter, then a door via outside access route to get into the space (otherwise there are two sets of stairs!) just ask at the counter when you arrive and they'll help you reach us!

Question 5

Is the group accessible for folks with autism/adhd/audhd?

Accepted Answer

The organisers of the group are all neurodiverse themselves and many of our writers are too — so we certainly hope so! We're very informal and we don't force engagement. If you have any specific requirements do reach out and email us at fruitsaladwriters@gmail.com

Question 6

Is the venue Covid safe?

Accepted Answer

No in honesty, though we are very happy if folks wish to wear masks at our events and we do ask that anyone who is feeling unwell not attend to protect the group.

Question 7

Are there plugs and charging points?

Accepted Answer

Yep the long tables in the co-working space have lots of plugs/charging points built in to them.

Question 8

Can I really write anything?

Accepted Answer

Yup. We're very non judgemental, poetry, scriptwriting, novels, short stories, dissertations, emails and I'm sure I'll have missed something more! And it doesn't have to be any dedicated specific genre.

Question 9

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Whatever you're writing with if you're planning to write — or just yourself if you'd just like to come along and have a brew and meet our writers to check out the vibe.

Question 10

I'm very nervous...

Accepted Answer

We are a friendly bunch but  we also have a traffic light system, with coloured strips of paper to indicate what you're comfortable with: Green for chatty and happy to chat, yellow for happy to chat but might not start up a chat, and pink for I'd like to be quiet. (You can change them at any time.)

Question 11

How often is Fruit Salad?

Accepted Answer

We try to have two a month, usually on a Friday evening. This can vary as we’re donated the space and want to make sure we don’t clash with any very noisy events.

Question 12

Who runs the group?

Accepted Answer

Fruits! Volunteer fruits Holly (she/her) and Mark (they/he) are usually on hand. Mark answers emails for Fruit Salad, and if we both can't make it a regular fruit will be on hand to answer any questions.

Question 13

Can I bring in food & drink?

Accepted Answer

We can’t — our space is donated to us by Queer Lit & Social Refuge who are a cafe & bar as well as a bookshop. The venue now offers food until 4pm after which it's cake and snacks. There's no pressure to buy at the venue, but if you can afford to support them it is appreciated.

Question 14

How loud is it?

Accepted Answer

This varies in honesty, it is not a hushed library type setting, many of our writers are chatty and talk whilst attending.  We do ask that folks be mindful of their volume for folks who are writing quietly. (Headphones recommended if you're worried!) If you're struggling, reach out to Mark or Holly.

Fruit Salad writing evening

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Location

Social Refuge, Great Ancoats Street, Ancoats, Manchester, UK

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