Peak Storytellers
Chinley Writing Group
Are you a keen writer based in or around the Peak District, who's after inspiration or encouragement from some friendly faces?
Peak Storytellers is for anyone who enjoys writing fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, just as much as they enjoy listening to others share their stories.
Get in touch to find out how to join the group, or read more below about what we do.
How does the writing group work?
Peak Storytellers meet every Thursday 7-9pm, at Chinley Community Centre.
Whether you write poetry, non-fiction essays, or 700 page Tolkien-inspired classics, you’re welcome in the group!
Each writer has an opportunity to read aloud for up to 10 minutes in every session. We’ll also have a break roughly halfway through, so members can chat more about what they’ve been working on.
After each reading, other group members are invited to ask questions or offer suggestions if they would like to. Please see our group rules on feedback below.
Every week we’ll also set a ‘100 word’ challenge for group members to complete for the following session if they’d like to.
Our group’s feedback rules.
Feedback is to help the writer improve, not to criticise them. Every member should feel safe sharing. Good critique is specific, constructive, sincere and helpful, and inspires the writer to do their best work.
Be honest but tactful, keep your language positive, and give encouragement and praise when appropriate. Put-downs and unhelpful comments are out of place in a writing group.
As a broad guide, we suggest:
Starting with the positives – what works.
Then noting anything that wasn’t clear, didn’t work, or could be better.
Finally offering suggestions for consideration.
Please note: we may ask writers that create a negative and unproductive environment with their feedback, to leave the group.