Do you like writing stories?

Would you like to discuss ideas and work on improving your craft?

Do you dream of having your work read and loved by others?

If so, you might like to join one of my friendly weekly creative writing groups which take place in Ipswich on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Email: suffolkwritersgroup@gmail.com if you’d like to try a session. I’ll give you the address and answer any questions you may have.

Alternatively, you can ring or message me for a chat on 07943 068033

My Qualifications and Experience

I love helping people to improve the quality of their writing as well as making the whole experience of being a writer more enjoyable, sociable and creative.

I have a degree in English Literature, am a trained teacher and have been running creative writing groups in Ipswich for the last seven years. I’ve won competitions for short stories, travel writing and poetry with my work appearing in ‘Best’ Magazine, ‘Let’s Talk’, ‘Suffolk Magazine’ and ‘The Telegraph’. I’ve also had published a variety of English and History materials for primary age pupils and am part of the BBC Radio New Comedy Writing Project.

Damselfly Writing Group – Every Thursday in Ipswich 7.30-9.30pm

The group caters to people of differing experience who are interested in improving their writing craft. Sessions are held at my home in Ipswich which has a large enough dining table to comfortably sit approximately ten members per evening. I’ll give you my address, once you confirm a booking. Having a home setting helps to create a cosy, friendly environment. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes or biscuits are available free of charge.

Ravenswood Writing Group – Tuesday evenings 7.30pm – 9.30pm

I’m currently running a series of five week courses on Tuesday evenings.

Here is some of the feedback I’ve had from the current attendees.

• ‘A creative and inspirational session.’
• ‘Ideas streamed with ferocity – a fun productive evening.’
• ‘Having arrived with doubts and worries, am leaving feeling motivated to write.’
• ‘Mai is lovely. Very personable and puts you at ease. First session has been very clearly structured and delivered.’

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A typical evening’s format 

• Everyone briefly tells the group what they have written or read during the week
• Paired discussion of a piece of writing – either from a group member or a professional piece
• A practical writing activity
• Input on a chosen subject e.g. characterisation, settings or similes
• A break for refreshments and general chatting
• A time to write individually based on the input provided
• A time to share work and get feedback from myself and the group

(It’s lovely when people read their work aloud but it’s OK if you choose not to.)

Costs for Group Sessions

You can either pay £30 a month via direct debit or £10 per session you attend.

Individual Sessions

Some people prefer to work one to one. I can offer support with formulating new ideas, help with grammar and layout and overall feedback on your work.

Each session costs £30.

Here’s some lovely feedback  I’ve received from someone I’ve been working with.

“I’ve really enjoyed working one to one on my novel. Mai’s helped me with plotting, characterisation, style and theme.  Most of all she’s helped to give me the motivation to get the job done!” – Carl, Ipswich

Editing and Proofreading

If you’d like me to edit or proofread your work via email, send me a short extract of approximately one thousand words and we can discuss a fee based on the style, content and accuracy of your work. I typically charge £20 per hour for this service but rates are negotiable for longer pieces.

Individual Achievements of Group Members

• Lesley won two hundred euros and had her travel piece published in The Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travel-writing-competition/
• Adam and Kelly wrote ‘Highly Commended’ pieces of Flash Fiction for the weekly Microbookends Competition.
• Gem and Kelly from Thursday’s Damselfly group launched a reading blog The Book Eaters.
• Kelly was a joint runner up in the Felixstowe Short Story Competition one year and on another occasion had a story shortlisted
• Kelly won our concept competition and received very encouraging feedback from agent Meg Davis.
• Gem was a runner up in a competition for Dystopian World stories
• Aaron won our synopsis competition to receive feedback on his work from literary agent Meg Davis
• Teresa had a story published in Your Cat magazine.
• Elliot had his story published in Fiction Vortex Magazine
• Graham has written a variety of interviews and record and theatre reviews. He says there’s a lot more to come so watch this space.
• Megan Musgrove has had a number of novels published. Click here to take a look.
• Timothy Howard has published a number of novels on published including The Buried Man and Clockwork Hearts.
• William won a competition to be one of Suffolk’s Young Poets of the year and read his work alongside Allan Ahlberg
• Ipswich Writing Group published ‘Four Word Stories’ on Amazon
• Teresa, Jay, Carl, Ann and Samantha have had work published on the Ipswich Town and Waterfront website.
• Kes has had an article published on the Ipswich Town Talk website entitled ‘Town’s Last Premiership XI – Where Are They Now?’
• P J Griffiths has had his first novel published and is currently working on his second. You can check out his website here: https://pjgriffithsblog.wordpress.com/

Examples of Recent Activities

Sometimes we have a competition to see who can write the most words in a week. Here’s a recent winner with his well-earned prize.

Sometimes we try out the famous ‘cut up technique‘ as used by David Bowie and TS Eliot-

A mini poem/story based on the Ipswich Waterfront

Sometimes we discuss ideas about writing in pairs and small groups.

Poet Kes discussing his work with me.

Sometimes we write individually based on the work of published authors. In this case the author himself (Ian Andrew) is actually in attendance. (He’s at the back in black).

Here are a couple of other links that might interest you.

The first is a good way to chat to other writers across Suffolk, ask questions and share information.

The second is a way for you to find out more about up-coming sessions and to find out who will be attending each one.

Suffolk Writers Group Facebook Site