The Hog's Back Writers
- Introduction
- Mailing List
- Meetings
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Constitution
- Join Us
- Directions and Maps
Some of us are novelists, some short story writers, some essayists, some journalists, some poets. Some of us have been published, some of us long to be published, some of us write solely for our own pleasure. The one thing we all have in common is that we want to improve our writing.
Every member is expected to contribute to the group both by writing and by offering constructive criticism to other members.
If you want to improve your writing too, you'll find a warm welcome at Hog's Back.
The group meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Mondays in Wanborough Village Hall, just off the A31 ("Hog's Back") between Guildford and Farnham. Meetings start at 7:30pm prompt. After the Wanborough meetings we generally retire to The Good Intent in Puttenham at 9:30pm.
See below for what to do if you would like to join us.
Mailing List If you would like to receive occasional emails about our activities, please sign up here:
What happens at meetings
Each member brings a short piece they have written (500-2500 words) and reads it to the group. It is appreciated if you bring a few copies to hand around. If you feel uncomfortable reading aloud, other members will willingly read for you - just have a quiet word with any committee member and they will find a reader for you.
If you are reading a chapter from a novel, it makes sense to give a few words of introduction to explain the context. If you are looking for feedback on a specific aspect (e.g. "Does my dialogue sound realistic?" or "How can I strengthen my ending?") then ask. It is also helpful to mention if you have a particular magazine or target audience in mind. Apart from these points you should not introduce the piece but let it stand on its own merits.
In case you need inspiration for something to write for the next meeting, we take it in turns to set a "homework" project. This could be a topic, a plot idea, a genre, a stylistic exercise, or a title. There is no obligation to do the homework if you have other writing to bring - it's just there for fun if you need an idea. Click here for the current topic.
When you are listening to a reading, please make notes of your comments. If you spot little things like typos or spelling errors, just make a note on your copy and hand it back to the author. The chairman appoints one member to lead the feedback on each reading. If you have comments to add, the chairman will invite your feedback too.
A word on receiving feedback:
Remember that feedback is offered to help you get better. It is also one person's personal opinion. Often we will contradict each other - so you have to make your own judgement about which feedback to accept - but do please think about each suggestion that is offered, otherwise there is no point in coming to the group. Some authors like to digest the feedback they receive and come back with the same piece re-worked. This is always welcome - especially when we can see a fellow member improving their work.
Authors and critics should not get into debate! In particular, authors should try their best not to be defensive. If you feel the critic misunderstood your work, ask yourself if you could find a way to write it so that everyone does understand!
A word on giving feedback:
We creative writers are a sensitive bunch! It is very important to look after people's feelings when offering feedback. (Remember, the author will be commenting on your work next!) We ask you to follow a simple formula when presenting your comments:
- First mention one or two things you liked about the piece
- Next mention one or two things (no more!) that could be improved in a re-write.
- Finish by telling the author the thing you liked most about their piece.
We provide a Feedback Form and a Hint List to help you prepare your evaluations (Adobe Acrobat required - download it free by clicking on the button below).
Hog's Back Writers is governed by a Constitution.
If you would like to join us:
You are very welcome to visit our group up to three times without any obligation to join. As a visitor, your feedback is highly valued - it always helps to get a fresh perspective. At least once before you join you should bring a piece to read. Only by doing this will you be able to receive our feedback and decide if the group is for you.
We keep the cost of membership as low as possible - just enough to cover the hire of the hall - so it varies depending on how many members we have at the time.
We are a friendly, supportive and encouraging group. We do hope you will join us. Please let our secretary know you are coming.
Directions for meetings (2nd and 4th Mondays) Leave the A31 at the B3000 Godalming exit and follow the Wanborough signs. After about 500 yards you will see some black converted barns. Turn right by the barns into a track towards the church. There is a car park shortly on the left. You will need to walk about 100 yards up a partly unmade track to the village hall, so you might like to bring a torch in winter. (If you have difficulty walking, let us know and one of us will give you a lift up from the car park.)
Click on these links to open an area map or a detailed map in a new window.