Writing a novel can be a lonely business.

That’s why in 2009, several students and graduates of the Writing MA at Sheffield Hallam University got together for mutual support and guidance with their novels. Eventually, we decided to open the group to all writers working on a novel, and the group continues to be popular with novelists from Sheffield and the surrounding area. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, or if you already have several novels under your belt, you’ll be very welcome.

We meet on the third Monday of the month, at 7.30pm, currently online, but with occasional meet-ups at the Writers Workshop. For more details, please contact: sheffieldnovelists@gmail.com .

A week before each meeting, members upload chapters from their novels – usually around 3,000 words, to our group Google Drive to be read and commented on in advance. Constructive feedback is very important. Group members understand that joining a writing group can be a very nerve-wracking process, and everyone submits work, so it’s important to be kind to each other! However, it’s important to be honest too, and hopefully as a group, we help each other through our literary problems!

Sheffield Novelists also shares information and news for writers. We’ve entered writing competitions, and have annually hosted the Novel Slam, as part of Off the Shelf. We are closely linked with other groups and writers’ networks, such as Sheffield Authors.

Sheffield Novelists have a blog: https://sheffieldnovelists.wordpress.com/ where you can keep up to date with our latest news and publications.

If you are interested in joining Sheffield Novelists, email: sheffieldnovelists@gmail.com for more information.