If you live in the capital and want to join a writing group, check out our list of 10 top writing groups in London we’ve put together in this post.
1. Westminster Writers Group
The Westminster Writers Group brings together writers of poetry, non-fiction, and fiction of all lengths to discuss and critique the works in progress of group members. In addition to reviewing work submitted by members, there are also plenty of general writing discussions.
Meetings take place once a month, usually on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The group gets together at one of the local libraries in the Marylebone area of London, typically the Mayfair Library or Marylebone Library. There is no fee to join the group or for any events they hold.
Join the group.
2. Spectrum TLSFF Writers Group
Spectrum: The London Science Fiction & Fantasy (TLSFF) Writers Group is open to all speculative fiction writers, including horror, fantasy and sci-fi. Writers are asked to submit work for review in advance to give participants time to read the material and prepare to critique it during the meeting.
Meetings take place every two weeks online via the group’s Discord server. Additionally, there are virtual monthly events and daily check-ins for those interested. There are no fees to become a member and attend meetings, but they sometimes charge a small fee for special events.
Become a member.
3. Greenwich and Blackheath Writers Group
The Greenwich and Blackheath Writers Group meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. There is no set venue. Most meetings are held at an area café or pub. There is no overall membership fee, but they charge £3 to attend meetings and ask that you support the location with a purchase.
This group is for serious fiction writers of all genres. Work to be critiqued must be submitted to the organisers in advance for approval. Writers then read their content aloud and listen as their fellow writers provide constructive criticism and advice.
4. West Hampstead Writers Group
Are you a writer who gets more words on the page when you are in a group? If so, then this might be the writer’s group for you. The group meets several days a week for a write-in and to offer advice to writers of all genres. You can attend one meeting or all of them.
Gatherings take place at different venues in the Hampstead area of London. Dates, times, and locations are posted in their Meetup group ahead of time. There is no fee to join the group, but they do have a shop where you can purchase merchandise that helps pay their operating costs.
Get started writing.
5. Forest Hill Writers Group
This Forest Hill-based writers group meets every week at 6 p.m. at The Signal Pub. The group does not have a reading or critique session. Their main purpose is just to set aside time each week to dedicate to writing whatever genre they prefer.
After a brief greeting period at the start of the session, attendees sit down to write for an hour. Once the hour is up, attendees can stay to discuss their writing with fellow members who do not mind giving feedback or advice, have a drink or a meal, or keep writing.
Go to a meeting.
6. South West London Writers
Each week, members of the South West London Writers group on Meetup get together at 6:30 p.m. at the Hagen & Hyde pub in London for a pint and two hours of uninterrupted writing time. There is currently no formal critique session, but other writers can provide advice as requested.
Whether you need a change of scenery, some kindred spirits or to get away from the kids to write, this group provides a structured setting for you to get some work done in a comfortable setting intended to foster creativity. There are no membership fees, only venue purchases to pay.
Contact the organiser.
7. SE London Creative Writers
The SE London Creative Writers group on Meetup meets on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at various venues in the New Cross area. Members wishing to attend are asked to message the organiser to RSVP and learn the location.
The group rotates their meetings to have workshops one week and feedback the next week. There is no charge to attend either beyond any purchases made at the venue chosen. Writers of all genres are welcome to participate in the meeting and stay to socialise afterward if they like.
Join up.
8. London Bridge Writers
The London Bridge Writers meet on Mondays at 7 p.m. for two-hour sessions. The group accepts about six submissions from members to be read and critiqued during each meeting. Writers select pieces of less than 2,000 words, then read them aloud during the meeting for peer review.
All writings to be critiqued are mailed to the organisers ahead of time and placed on google docs. A link is provided at the beginning of the meeting so everyone can read along with the author and then provide feedback once the reading portion is finished.
Send your work for review.
9. London Writers’ Meetup
Writing coach and screenwriter Katy Segrove created this London-based group as a support network for area writers. Rather than doing formal write-ins or critiques, this group offers a casual meetup for writers to enjoy a bit of community with other professional writers.
Novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights are all welcome to pour themselves a drink and settle into one of the monthly Zoom meetings held every second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Participants can discuss their successes or stumps with other writers and get the support they need.
Learn more.
10. Writers and Actors Lunch and Supper Club
Writers and Actors Lunch and Supper Club is where the creative arts come together. Though primarily aimed at playwrights and screenwriters, novelists are also welcome to join and actors play a part, as well. Members provide work for a table read or performance by the actors.
Meetings take place every other Thursday both in person at the Curzon Cinema Bloomsbury and online via Zoom or WhatsApp. Dates, times, and locations are posted on Meetup. There is no cost to join the group, but you will be responsible for food and drinks purchased at the venue.
Discover more information.