The Grove Bookshop Writing Group

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 moorwordsilkley@gmail.com.

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

Next meet up: 7-9pm, Thursday, 14 August with special guest, writer, author of Written, writing coach and co-founder of Written Academy, Bec Evans (see bio below).

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

What's the format?

This time, as we have a guest speaker, the format will be a little different. Instead of our catch up/discussion topic, Bec will talk about how to keep writing and build a habit that lasts, and there will be time for a Q&A. As a result, the feedback section may be a little shorter.

• Welcome and introductions
• How to keep writing: talk and Q&A with writer and writing coach Bec Evans (see below)
• Short break for refreshments
• For those who wish to, sharing of excerpts from works in progress*, followed by feedback from the group (*around 5-8 minutes maximum). Members are politely requested to keep feedback constructive
• Final thoughts

How to keep writing with Bec Evans

Build a sustainable writing practice and find joy in the process. Join writing coach Bec Evans for this discussion about writing habits – get practical advice, tips and inspiration.

Do I have to prepare anything in advance?

No, just come along. There is no need to read or prepare anything in advance but you might wish to bring along an excerpt from a work in progress to share with the group (see above).

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?

No, the group is free - but we encourage members to support The Grove Bookshop by buying their books! If you're after a particular title, contact the shop in advance of the session - most titles can be ordered into stock by the next day, and can be paid for on the night.

Refreshments

A small selection of refreshments (wine, soft drinks and biscuits/cake) is provided by Emily. Tap water is also available. A small donation towards refreshments is appreciated. If you'd rather bring your own, that's fine too.

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.

Our Special Guest:

Bec Evans is an author, coach and consultant dedicated to helping writers stay motivated. Starting her career in a bookshop, Bec moved into publishing, managed teams of writers, and was a centre director for Arvon. Bec supports writers, writing groups, universities and publishers through The Written Academy and shares insight in her weekly newsletter Breakthroughs and Blocks on Substack. She is co-author of Mslexia’s Diary & Planner and her latest book is Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts.

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 new out in The Bath Short Story Anthology (2023) and issue 14 of 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.