The Belfast Writers Group was founded this year by Queen’s University graduate Rose Winter and is based at 2 Royal Avenue.
“The group is open to everyone, so if you’re looking for time and space to work on your writing and explore your creativity, come along!” says Rose.
“When I started the writers’ group in January, my main goal was to create a place where people could come together and gain the confidence that they belong to a creative community, no matter what they are working on or how experienced they are.”
The group meets weekly on Wednesdays from 4pm to 6.30pm and aims to bring together writers of all levels so they can share their passion and inspire each other. Everyone is welcome.
There is no pressure on participants to be professional writers or to prefer a particular writing style. It is an open space where anyone with a passion for writing can come together, no matter what type and genre of writing you are interested in.
The group is supported by Belfast City Council and has been involved in several artistic events since its formation, including Independent Bookshop Week.
“Belfast is a city full of creativity,” says Rose.
“We will continue to meet weekly over the coming months and hold weekly writing sessions at 2 Royal Avenue. We also have some exciting events planned.
“It’s been a real joy to see the growing interest in the group since I founded it in January. We’ve hosted events in collaboration with arts festivals, giving people time and space to work on their writing, away from the pressures of the rest of the busy week.
“I was really impressed by the level of interest and engagement we had in the group, from people just starting their first writing sessions to people using the space and community to get support with larger projects like editing novels and screenplays.
“One of the main goals I wanted to achieve by starting this group is to create a situation where a sense of community can grow, regardless of people’s experiences or goals. Seeing that blossom has been a real highlight for me,” adds Rose.
Rose Winter
The Belfast Writers Group is for writers of all levels. Rose’s vision to create a meeting place for free expression has created a supportive environment where individuals can share ideas and develop without deadlines or professional pressures, and this is reflected in the positive response.
Weekly Wednesday meetings can inspire and foster friendships and collaborations, while community events and festivals underscore the group’s commitment to combining creativity with issues such as mental health.
The group’s involvement in various community events and festivals underlines its commitment to connecting creativity with wider societal issues such as mental health and lifelong learning. By offering workshops and participating in festivals, the Belfast Writers Group highlights the therapeutic and transformative power of writing.
The Belfast Writers Group is a vibrant hub of creativity and community in the heart of the city. It’s a welcoming place for writers of all backgrounds. Whether you want to hone your skills, meet likeminded people or simply enjoy the creative process, this group offers an enriching experience. If you’re in Belfast and love writing, join this dynamic community and let your creativity flow.
“Writing is often quite a solitary activity and by founding the Belfast Writers Group, Rose has created space to make it a more social affair,” says participant Jasmin Awoodun.
“It’s great to have an hour and a half every week to get out of the house and devote myself to writing.”
Jasmin is currently studying at Queen’s University, where she is working towards her Masters in Creative Writing.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting other writers I might never have met otherwise. They come from all walks of life and write all sorts of different things,” she says.
“Sometimes we get into a rhythm and sit quietly and write, other times we talk or exchange ideas. Either way, it’s always nice to be surrounded by people who share the same love of words.”
For more information or to get involved, you can email the Belfast Writers Group at [email protected]
