Talking About Collaborations
Sunday 1st March 2026
Anyone else sing along to that title…?
Maybe it’s just me that has music running around in my brain 24/7, but I can definitely see how each word of it fits the beats of the main refrain in the 1965 rock anthem by The Who.
Got it yet?
Although I’m not quite of their generation, it’s definitely been a tune that’s weaved itself through my life’s timeline.
NWS Members connecting at the monthly social
For those who did recognise the syllabic similarities, we have now connected. We’ve found something we have in common in that song. As humans we often seek out these connections. They are generally understood as being deeply rooted in our biology and evolutionary history, and essential for our well-being.
As writers, we often talk about the isolating nature of writing. Of the need sometimes, to get out of our heads and discuss plotlines and character motivations with other people.
Nobody will understand how validating it is, when a writing discussion bears fruit, than another writer. A friend or family member can express their joy at your excitement as you let out a “Whoop!” at closing the lid on that difficult chapter or nailing that perfect description, but they can rarely feel what you are experiencing – unless they are a writer too, of course!
At NWS, we try to provide opportunities for writers to meet up, talk about, and share their writing. These can be informal occasions, like the socials or during co-writing sessions. We also we encourage members to consider connecting with a ‘writing buddy’, for support and feedback on their work, or facilitate finding them a group of writers they can work with, for more structured responses.
Co-writing on Saturdays is another great way to meet up with writers
Collab groups can be formed to offer informal feedback to writers, however, they can operate more as a formal critique group too. In the latter, participating writers submit an agreed number of words to the rest of the group, in advance of their meeting. They can then prepare detailed feedback to share in the session. It’s all down to how individuals decide they want to work together, really.
The group that NWS Director author Nick joined, operates as a structured critique group. He speaks highly of the safe and supportive space they have created within their online feedback sessions in the past eighteen months. Via his YouTube channel, he shares many of his observations and writing tips with followers, and is convinced that being part of a regular writing group has improved his perception of his own writing.
In one of his latest broadcasts, he considers how, as writers, we can be “too close” to our own words. He outlines the benefits that having another perspective can offer. Nick also speaks about how the common ethos fostered, makes the vulnerability you might feel, at sharing your work with someone else, disappear. He refers to the other members as “colleagues” and says trust and friendship means that feedback is always supportive, and “offers sound solutions to problems”.
No more second guessing whether the reader will understand the symbolism you have so carefully crafted, and you can gain clarity on whether there are plot holes larger than a UK pothole!
Nick motivating writers to SHUT UP & WRITE!
Over in another online collab group, Wendy tells me, “We have gotten to know each other's writing and the projects we are working on, some of which is a little sensitive. We feel we've built trust in the group.” This is so important for writers, who often find themselves producing work that can be deeply personal and are apprehensive about sharing.
“The group is very much a success, providing excellent and insightful feedback all round.”
“I’m finding the feedback useful and everyone is supportive and full of ideas.”
Above are quotes from other members, who are experiencing the benefits of belonging to a collab group. And this is exactly what we hope for when we encourage writers to forge links with each other.
Our vibrant and diverse community can help each other to thrive.
“When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.”
(William Arthur Ward)
Pop back at the end of next month to find out what we got up to in March, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Come and join our creative community!
Deb
Hello February!
Sunday 1st February 2026
Well, here we are…
the first day
of the shortest month.
The one that pulls us that much closer to springtime.
Image by Aniket Bhattacharya on Unsplash
So, how was your January? Did you hunker down, resort to full hibernation or make grand plans for a brand new year? For me, the winter months are the perfect time to focus on writing. I’m steadily consistent, as the pull to be outside when it’s cold and dark just isn’t there. I’m more inclined to make a pot of coffee and crack open the Ginger Nuts. Wintering is definitely a priority.
No lofty aspirations or sudden actions, I like to emerge from December like those first spring buds and shoots, tiny glimpses of what’s to come.
What’s great about my role with NWS, is that I get to hang out with others that qualify this as time well spent! I no longer find myself making excuses to my friends when I want to stay home and write, I just do it! And that’s been so liberating. It’s also been rewarding to connect and collaborate with other writers, discover what talent lies behind the NWS memberships and beyond. I’m privileged to be meeting some incredibly inspiring people.
And in the spirit of all things community, always looking for opportunities to show support for and appreciation of this.
Behold…
THE MEMBERS BOOKSHELF
A small selection of our members’ published writing
Having spent the end of the summer updating the website, and learning a fair bit of technical stuff I didn’t know already, I have been talking with the team about extra benefits we could provide to members. We all feel the website now reflects better our vibrant community and intend for it to adapt and grow as organically as Nottingham Writers’ Studio has over the years.
I felt offering members a platform to promote their published work was something we could easily do - you know, now I’m a technical genius - and it was! I put a call out for members to send me their books and when I had enough to create a modest bookshelf that I could photograph, I got to work! So now, when you scroll down through the past publications that NWS produced, you will find a slideshow gallery to browse.
*tap images to scroll
The ‘how to buy’ section underneath, which will have links to all the places you can purchase, will help promote shopping at our independents where possible. Some of our members have more than the featured masterpieces to buy on their websites too, so it’s definitely worth heading over for a nosy. I did, and discovered Ian C. Douglas has a whole back catalogue on his, and Kel Eckley has been designing her own merch!
Hmm… NWS merch? Now that’s an idea…
Pop back at the end of next month to find out what we got up to in February, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Come and join our creative community!
Debra
Introducing the Blog!
It all begins with an idea.
Thursday 1st January 2026
For an inside look at what’s happening at Nottingham Writers’ Studio, check in with our blog posts once a month.
Published on the first day of a new month!