About this Event
Always fancied writing but never had the nerve? Got a short story you want to develop? Writing a book you want to finish? Or alumni looking to polish your novel for submission? Wherever you are in your writing adventure, come on in…
In its eleventh year, the popular Sevenoaks’ Bookshop Writers Group (SBWG) returns with a refreshed format for 2026/27. This six-week course marries fun, practical craft sessions, including character, dialogue, story structure, with dedicated time to share, workshop and develop your own writing within the group. Designed to build skills, camaraderie and confidence, the SBWG is tailored to the writers within each group, and features an industry guest speaker, and guidance on competitions, agent submissions, and how to get your writing down and out to audiences. Whether you’re writing poetry, memoir or fiction, hesitantly experimenting with your first words, or wrestling with a first draft, the friendly community SBWG gives you structure, deadlines, and momentum to take your writing to the next level.
Led by Sunday Times bestselling author and screenwriter Angela Clarke (The Anniversary Party, Hachette, The Social Media Murders Trilogy, HarperCollins, BBC, ITV, Netflix etc), this six week in-person SBWG takes place in the bookshop on the following dates:
Wednesday 7pm – 9pm on:
- 30th Sept
- 7th, 14th 21st Oct, (28th Oct no class/half term)
- 4th, 11th Nov.
Testimonials
"It has felt a real privilege to be part of Sevenoaks' Bookshop Writers' Group with the talented writer and experienced teacher, Angela Clarke, as Group Lead. We have had interesting sessions on elements of writing like character or dialogue, and then in the second half of the meeting we workshop each other's writing. I have learnt a lot listening to Angela's insightful critiques and Angela has fostered a spirit of constructive criticism and celebration of writing and creativity rather than any sense of competition or judgement amongst the group members. We have had fascinating talks too from industry professionals and inspiriting writers. Angela has given us a lot of her time and I am really grateful. I joined the feeling quite nervous as I had not written for many years and I am happy to say I recently felt confident enough to submit a short story for a competition so this is how far I've come." - Alice
"I joined the SBWG trailing two unfinished novels behind me and leave with a renewed affection and sense of direction for both. Angela has opened my eyes to what lies beneath a good story, highlighting structural techniques and analysing why things work across different genres. This helped me realise where my own writing wasn’t working, why I was fed up with it and how to improve it. She has a knack of asking a seemingly innocent question that goes straight to the heart of what you’re trying to achieve and makes you look at your own work from a different perspective. That is inspiring. I might actually finish something! Feedback is honest, practical and embedded in her own success as a writer.
The in-person element of the course was especially valuable for me. My writing mind had definitely narrowed from the lack of interaction with other writers. I appreciated their kind, constructive criticism and the chance to be inspired by their stories. Hearing from published authors, literary editors and agents has given great insight into the industry and individual practice too. Dipping a toe in the writing world is a bit daunting but the SBWG course led by Angela’s encouraging, practical approach makes me think maybe I can do it after all." - Trizia
"Throughout the year, our wonderful Group Lead, Angela Clarke, has guided, encouraged and inspired us. She has generously shared her own vast experience and knowledge of the publishing industry, and has given unstintingly of her time to help us develop our craft. The fortnightly sessions have been well-structured, varied and above all, fun. It has been a privilege to have been part of such a supportive and cohesive group and I would highly recommend the SBWG to anyone who may be starting out on their writing journey or are slap bang in the middle of writing their bestseller." - Joy
Event venue & nearby stays
Sevenoaks Bookshop, 147 High Street, Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
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