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 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 are formed to offer gentle 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 formal 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
