A jolly good idea...

Had coffee with some writer friends this morning and it was good. Meeting regularly with other writers is an essential part of a writer's life. At least it is for this writer. Writing as we all know is usually a solitary occupation. For most it works best this way. But writing is not just about writing. There are times when we need to let our mind dwell, percolate, create, collect or rest. There are other times when what a writer needs most is the ear and collective brain power of other writers. It might be to discuss ideas or difficulties. To share strategy or industry news. It might be just to talk a load of absolute rubbish or have a jolly good moan about things or people or characters that are lost, misbehaving or just ticking you off. Maybe one writer has just had a fit of baking and has more chocolate product than he or she knows what to do with (okay thats probably just me).

In amongst a whole host of other topics, this morning we talked about the idea of a writer's collective. An idea like this one in New York (-sigh-) where there is a quiet place to write away from the hubbub of home and domestic distractions. A place where you can find people dealing with the same issues and with whom you can take time out to talk about writing. A place where you can hone skills and learn more through workshops and author talks, classes and just the chance to hash things out with like-minded individuals. For a yearly flat fee you can sign up to become part of a writers community and share the facilities and resources. I felt very excited by the idea that Jill Marshall raised. Would you be interested?