ABOUT US . . .

Your questions answered



What is the Andover Writers' Workshop?

We are a group of writers dedicated to gaining fun and fulfilment from our writing. Whether writing for pleasure or profit, you are invited to share your work, and if you wish, receive constructive criticism in a friendly forum.

Who can join?

Absolutely anyone who can put pen to paper, whether the last thing you wrote was a novel or a note to the postman - everyone is welcome.

What activities do you do?

Our meetings vary from workshop sessions, which include instant writing, literary criticism, and market research, through analysis of genres, to reading weeks, which include themed evenings. In addition we arrange visits from guest speakers, social events, termly competitions, and trips to theatres and other performances and venues of interest to writers. We also produce a newsletter and an occasional anthology.

Tell me about the instant writing sessions.

With the idea of generating new work, members are invited to try their hand at original writing in class. Although many have initial misgivings, these sessions are always very popular, and are often given a humorous twist. Over the years we have covered literally hundreds of different creative writing ideas and techniques in this way.

Do you have to read instant writing aloud in class?

Because students sometimes prefer to revise at home what is produced in the limited time available in class, there is no pressure to read aloud any of your work. Most students, however, usually surprise both themselves and their classmates with the effectiveness of the results, and are encouraged to explore styles of writing which they wouldn't have thought of attempting before.

Tell me about the reading weeks.

These take place every other week. All members are given the opportunity to read aloud work which they want to share with a wider audience. This may be written specifically for the Workshop, or intended for outside publication. It may be complete, or an excerpt from an ongoing project. It may be factual, fictional, poetic, or any other kind of original writing.

What about having my work criticised?

Although no-one has to receive any comments at all if they don't want to, most members like to receive at least some feedback on their work. In the belief that self-confidence is the key to success, this is always aimed to be friendly, realistic, constructive, and encouraging.

Tell me about the guest speakers.

Past speakers have included features and fiction writers, journalists, novelists, playwrights, poets, and writers for radio and television, as well as contributors to and editors of magazines and newspapers, both national and local, book publishers, booksellers, and those who have gone it alone.

Tell me about the trips.

Past trips have included numerous plays at both regional and local centres, poetry readings, visits to local broadcasters and print works, and the annual University of Winchester Writers' Conference.

Tell me about the social events.

Calendar permitting, we aim to hold a social evening at the end of every term. This is open to all members and their families and friends, past members, and friends of the Workshop. It almost always takes place outside college at a suitable local venue. A typical evening would involve the presentation of the term's competition prizes, readings of the prizewinning entries, quizzes, occasional live music, and a £5-a-head buffet.

What successes have you had?

Previous students have had work placed in such national publications as the Daily Mirror, Farmer's Weekly, The Lady, and Woman's Own, as well as numerous local and in-house journals, parish magazines, and some anthologies of poetry. We have also had a number of successes in competitions at both national and regional level, and members who have published books and musicals.

Can you turn me into a published author?

The only person who can do that is you! But we can provide advice and guidance with the content and style of your writing, as well as suggestions about how and where to submit your work. Although there's no guarantee, as long as you're prepared to make submissions, and are determined and persistent, there's no reason why you too shouldn't become a published author.

How long have you been going?

Since 1980 when our founder, Anne Knowles, started the class. The present tutor, Peter Govey, took over in 1982.

Under whose aupices is it run?

During its first year the group ran as an extra-mural class of the University of Southampton. Subsequently it was brought under the wing of the Andover Branch of the Workers' Educational Association. In a bid to maintain its low fees, however, the group decided that in 2007 it would become independent, and the Writers' Workshop now operates as an autonomous organization.

When and where do you meet?

Between 7.00 and 8.30 every Monday evening during term time in the Drama Studio, Rookwood School, Weyhill Road, Andover.

How much does all this cost?

The Andover Writers' Workshop is committed to keeping its fees as low as possible so that no prospective student should ever need to feel excluded. Currently, the cost of subscription is £25 per term for those in employment, with a concessionary fee of £20 for senior citizens and the unwaged.

How can I join?

Simply turn up at one of our meetings - you'll be assured of a friendly welcome. Alternatively, you can get in touch for more information by post, telephone, or email. You'll find all the contact details on our Contact Us page. It might prove to be one of the best moves you ever make!


 Page updated: 06.07.07