Newsletter: February 2026
Hello Writers!
Some of us learned a new word at our last gathering: spelunking. As in, potholing. Or, clambering around damp, zero-visibility, vertiginous cave systems for fun. The context? A discussion at our last gathering about thrillers and our secret fears.
It turns out, that as a group of writers with powerful imaginations, our fears are numerous and varied, encompassing everything from a midnight home invasion to frogs. A massive thank you to everyone who generously participated on Tuesday and shared their scariest anxieties.
And huge appreciation to SJ Watson for joining us to talk about his three novels, his process and how he keeps readers turning the page. Steve also writes really beautifully about writing and you can track his substack here.
Lou Beckerman's generous sharing of everything she's learned about connecting with an audience and reading work in public was insightful, affirming, and really useful. Thank you Lou, for giving us a special skills session.
And huge appreciation to Karen Dobres for joining us and telling us about The Rooker Prize. If you're planning to submit the first 400 words of your novel for the chance to win an hour-long session with a Hachette UK editor and £250 to donate to your favourite charity, the time is now. Submissions close on 30 March. For more details, including how and where to submit, click here.
Our next event is on Tuesday 31 March, 6-8pm in the Birdcage Room at The Mesmerist, 1-3 Prince Albert Street, BN1 1HE. The incredible Louise Tondeur will lead us through a Spring Reset, during which we'll review our writing goals/intentions and practice some mindfulness techniques to support our creativity. Come with your writing goals/intensions noted down ready to reflect on. Book here.
Then, on Tuesday 28 April, 6-8pm, we'll be examining Ghostwriting. Circle member Helen Croydon will lift the lid on this secretive segment of the publishing industry describing how she works with clients to channel their story onto the page and how to navigate the publishing process. She'll also be sharing extracts from a soon-to-be published memoir she's ghostwritten. Book here.
It's really lovely and encouraging to hear that so many writers in our circle are gearing up for publication this year. We would love to give your new book a shout out. Please tell us your work is about to hit the shelves by emailing: victoria@realwriterscircle.com and we'll include details and any links to pre-orders in the newsletter.
To get us started, the paperback version of Pitch Invasion: My story as a feminist on a football club board, by Karen Dobres is out in July. Order here.
Similarly, if you have a Substack, we'd be thrilled to spread the word.