Write by the Sea – Folkestone

This writing group now meets in The Hideaway, 16 Bouverie Road West, Folkestone twice a month at 6.30pm.

This year I have changed venue as this is all on one level so better for anyone with disabilities, food and drink are available all evening.

What a super year we have had, from meeting authors to performing our stories and of course lots of writing. The group has evolved into something pretty special with people singing its praises and wanting more things like last year.

Last year we held a fringe event for the Folkestone Book Festival called ‘Meet the author’. This consisted of 33 authors downstairs in The Chambers talking to their readers and selling books, it was busy the whole time with many saying “I hope you do this again”. Chris & Liz were so supportive and great hosts.

We also had a door for The Living Advent calendar at The Chambers on the 10^th December, an absolute amazing performance from our members who wrote and performed about the ‘Ghostly’ goings on in Folkestone.

Our free monthly author events were very popular with people meeting a variety of authors, illustrators and memoir experts. Considering these people give up their time for free they really do love doing it and we have this year all booked up.

Our group meetings have evolved to what people would like so after they hear all the news and events happening in the book world, we do some writing and also listen to what members share, giving them constructive feedback and applause.

Once a week on a Thursday from 9am until 3pm we have a table at The Hideaway for people who want to come along and just write or ask others about any writing issues.

We also raised some money for MIND so I presented the manager with our cheque last week. It was also suggested that some of their clients would welcome coming along to the writing group so that will be very exciting collaborating with them. My aim this year is to try to reach the people indoors that write but cannot come to the meetings, I have changed how I notify people by putting everything on the website at https://folkestonewritebythesea.wordpress.com It is then transferred to social media by one of our members. So, everyone can sign up on the website and they will get an email every time something is posted.

I have many plans for this year including a Crime Day where we will have detectives who also write amazing books on the panel and you will be able to ask them everything you would like to know for your writing.

In a change to the schedule, due to the corona virus, the event due to take place at The Beacon on the 4^th April will be transferred to the event in August (over the 14th & 15th). This will be even bigger as there will be outside space and workshops – there will be many authors, artists and well-being practitioners who will have tables to sell their wares, the bar and food will be by provided by The Chambers so it will be great to have Chris and Liz involved again and their food is great. Live music will be from local artists performing during the day. If you wish to be involved with this then please contact me at [email protected]

We have set up a Book Swap in The Hideaway so I will keep that filled with books about anything and everything.

This year we have a variety of visits from screen writing to a Shakespeare evening and photography experts telling us how to take great photos for book covers, so lots going on again and I am really excited for a super year.

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