Please see also: The Monday Night Group has been running continuously for over twenty-five years and is one of the Commonword family of writers' workshops (along with Identity, Womenswrite, Northern Gay Writers, etc). We're based at Commonword's offices at the Friends' Meeting House, Mount St, Manchester, England (see map, or click here for a more detailed one). Through our connection to Commonword, we're affiliated to the Federation of Worker Writers and Community Publishers (the "FWWCP"). We meet each Monday evening, except for bank holidays, from 7.30-9.30pm (when we go to the pub, naturally), and usually attract betwen ten and twenty members each week. All writers are welcome, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexuality. The only thing we ask is that you're serious about your writing and are open to (and respect) the views of others. It's also handy to arrive before 8pm to avoid interrupting readings. We regret that the Monday Night Group is unable to accept submissions of work via post or e-mail. Because of the way in which the group works, we can only give feedback on material brought along to our weekly workshops in Manchester. Our aim is to provide a space where you can bring your writing, receive constructive feedback, hear the work of other writers and, hopefully, thereby improve your own work. Our members cover a wide range of material, including poetry, short stories, novels, drama and genre writing. Bear in mind that the group can sometimes offer quite robust criticism! The Monday Night Group is not a support group, we're here to write as best as we can. Though we're encouraging to new members and try to fit our feedback to the needs of each individual, if you're not comfortable with receiving honest views about your work the MNG may not be the best group for you. Recently, we asked some MNG members how they would describe the sort of feedback they receive from the group. Here are some of the words that came up:
What this all means is that MNG members tell it like it is! If they like your work, they'll say so and tell you why, if an aspect of your work doesn't work for them, they'll say so and tell you why. Similarly, we'd also look forward to you giving honest feedback to the other members. You might also like to see some quotes from members dealing with how they feel about the group. The Monday Night Group also organises a low-cost writing week away in the late autumn of each year; and in the past ran the "Poetry Party", a performance poetry night, at the Old Nag's Head, Lloyd Street, Manchester, and published a bi-monthly pamphlet called "Sour Grapes", which included new writing by group members. We are currently planning to launch a new magazine for original Manchester writing and publish a book of our members' work. The easiest way to get in touch with us is to come along to one of our Monday evening meetings. Alternatively, you can e-mail us, leave a comment in our guest book (see the navigation bar) or contact Commonword (see below). You can get in touch with Commonword Ltd (and us) at the following address:
So you've finally done it. You've girded your loins (or whatever else happens to be available) and have decided to find a writers' group. After some not-inconsiderable time searching the web and the dusty crannies of your local library you've found the Monday Night Group. Welcome! . . . and we know what you're thinking! You're thinking:
How did we know this? We knew this because we've all been through it too. The new face around the table, nervous, confused, not really knowing what to expect or where the toilets are. . . sort of wishing we'd never turned up, actually. Ask any of us now though and we'll tell you that we're glad we stayed. The Monday Night Group is like anything - the more you stick around, the more you become part of the thing you're stuck to. The group is about writing. It's also about having a good time. Most of all, it's about people - but not always the same ones. Some of the regulars have been around so long they remember when all of this was just fields, others have got the habit in a matter of weeks. You might be surprised to find out which is which. We hope that, having been once, you'll come again. To help you become one of the locals, we've put together some handy dos and don'ts. . . DO:
DON'T:
AND FINALLY. . . Do come again! The fluid structure of the group, with new members joining all the time, is what keeps it fresh and sharp. We hope you'll find your niche. 
The Monday Night Group works via feedback, so we can get a sense of how other people see our work. To get the most out of this process, here are a few guidelines for giving it and receiving it: Giving Feedback:
Receiving Feedback:
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