The Leeds Writers Circle is an inclusive, thriving creative space for writers of all genres and skill levels. From hobbyists to best-selling authors, our membership consists of a broad spectrum of tastes and ability levels. We run regular events for our members every Monday evening, as well as specialist novel, short story, and poetry groups that meet monthly. We also organise several professional and member-led weekend workshops throughout the year, and hold three, externally-judged writing competitions a year.

Our core offering is the Manuscript Meeting.

We sit in a circle (numbers vary, usually between 15-30 people) and members are invited to read their work to the group and receive constructive feedback. Shared pieces usually consist of a mixture of short stories, novel extracts and poetry, although every genre is welcome. You’ll gain valuable insight from the feedback our eclectic and talented members will offer you in return for sharing.

Guests are always welcome!

We meet in the Carriageworks Theatre on alternate Mondays from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Afterwards, a number of us will reconvene in The Nation of Shopkeepers (on Great George Street) to continue the discussion more informally.

If you’re coming to a Manuscript Meeting for the first time, please click HERE for details as to how to find us.

On the Mondays in between, we meet at the Lamb and Flag from 6:30pm onwards for smaller, more informal sessions.

The first of these is Storybuilding.

This is a dynamic, informal workshop for members to talk through any issues they have with their current project, with a focus on novel-length fiction. You can bring a small question: does this premise work as a story? Is this character plausible? Or a big one: like brainstorming entire plot outlines, or workshopping character arcs or plot devices. Or you can come with no questions and enjoy a lively and informative evening mixing creative juices with other members.

The second is the more social-focussed Scribble & Scones.

This is a cosy, friendly meetup for members to have a chat and a drink, and also do a little writing, surrounded by like-minded people. Bring your laptop or a notepad and expect to be inspired. Sadly, we’re at a venue where it’s no longer practical to smuggle in scones but the name has stuck! You’ll hear the story if you become a regular.

Please check the CALENDAR for exact dates.

For more information on these sessions, as well as our Monthly Novelist, Short Story, and Poetry sub-groups, click HERE. If you are interested in joining us, the best thing is simply to come along to a manuscript evening. Please first take a look at our information page for visitors and new members HERE. You can see for yourself how the Circle works and there is no obligation to join formally before you are sure it’s right for you. If you’re turning up for the first time at the Carriageworks, take a look HERE for some information about how to find us.

For information about membership, and anything else, please see the FAQ below.

We have an Instagram Account for Circle news and updates. Or contact us through enquiries@leedswriterscircle.org for any other questions you might have.

FAQ

Q. Can anyone join the Leeds Writers Circle?

A. Yes, everyone is welcome! Whatever you write, and whatever stage you’re at in your writing, the Circle is here to provide support, constructive feedback, and like-minded readers and writers.

Q. How much does it cost to join?

A. Membership for a year (which begins in September) is £15, which entitles you to join in all the Circle’s activities. Additionally, there is a £3 charge at each Manuscript Meeting, which is to cover the use of the room for the night. This does not apply when you first come along as a guest.

Q. What if I can’t afford membership and fees?

A. You may qualify for discretionary free membership. Click HERE for more details.

Q. Has the circle been around for a long time?

A. Yes! Our logo claims that we were founded in 1928, although there is some documentary evidence for 1926. We believe we are the oldest writers’ group in the country.

Q. How many members do you have?

A. About eighty. A typical Monday attendance would be around twenty to twenty-five.

Q. What do manuscript meetings involve?

A. Anyone can attend and offer feedback but only members can read, who sign up in a book that goes around at the beginning of the evening. The Circle then provides constructive help and feedback. There is usually time for between 4 and 6 readers. If your name is in the book, but you don’t have time to read, you’ll be able to read the following week.

Q. What kind of pieces can I read, and is there a word limit?

A. Bring along a poem or a piece of prose, ideally up to 40 lines for a poem or 1200 words for prose. Extracts from short stories, novels, plays, essays, memoir are all welcome. Please print around 25 copies to circulate on the night. By the time you’ve joined and are ready to read, you will have got the idea. There is more detail about the protocol to be found HERE.

Q. Are there any guidelines for the giving and receiving of critique ?

A. Everyone in the Circle is aiming to improve their own writing and that of the other members. The feedback given should aim to be helpful and fair, and not harsh or personal. For feedback received, our advice is to listen and nod, and then take what’s most useful! A formality is imposed where all comments are addressed through the Chair, which ensures that everyone gets heard in an orderly fashion. The full guidelines can be read HERE.

Q. I’m a new writer, and nervous about attending a writing group and reading my work…

A. New writers are very welcome, and there’s no pressure at all to read out! Just coming along to listen to other writers read their work and receive feedback is really useful.

Q. What else does the Writers Circle do?

A. We run three competitions a year, which are free to enter for members, and judged by professional writers. Every year we aim to have a short story competition, a poetry competition, and one additional competition which changes annually. We also run weekend workshops, some of which are conducted by our own members, and some by professional writers. See the CALENDAR for any forthcoming workshops.

Q. Are there smaller groups within the Circle, for specific kinds of writing?

A. Yes, we have additional groups specifically for novelists, short story writers, and poets. More details can be found HERE.

Q. I write horror/ romance/ crime/ SF/ children’s stories… Do you welcome that kind of thing?

A. Whatever you write, we want to hear it!