Writing Circles in South Africa
Writing groups offer more than valuable feedback on your writing. They provide support and a strong motivation to keep writing. If you are completing a writing course with us, we highly recommend that you join a writers group in your area.
Please always contact the group convenor to check that the venue and meeting times are still valid.
If you run a writing circle and you would like us to add or update your details, please let us know.
Nationwide
Options Africa – Contact Monica Cromhout network@optionsunlimited.co.za
Writing for Radio Group – Contact Chris Smit ludolfsa@yahoo.com
Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA) – Contact pansa@artslink.co.za or (011) 880 5486
PEN – Contact Liesa Jossel liesajossel@mweb.co.za
The Network for Arts and Culture South Africa (NACSA) – Contact Georgina georgina@artslink.co.za or (011) 482 4140
South African National Writers Association – Contact Monica Cromhout options@optionsafrica.co.za
Translators’ Institute of Southern Africa (TISA) – Dave davew@formax.co.za (011) 466 2400
Academic and Non-fiction Authors’ Association of South Africa – Contact Monica Seeber info@anfasa.org.za or (011) 489 593
Eastern Cape
Bhala Writers’ Group – Umtata – Contact Mr. Matyumza at 082 6700 907 or email him matyumza@intekom.co.za
King William’s Town Writers’ Network – Nosiphiwo Macaula piwomacaula@gmail.com
Kwa-Zulu Natal
Live Poet’s Society – At each meeting there is usually a notable guest poet, followed by the evening’s theme which is decided in the previous month. Members present their poems which are inked to the theme. There is also always a Poet Pourri where members present work on any topic. Adams Books Coffee Shop, Musgrave Centre, Musgrave, Berea, Durban. 5:30 pm every second Wednesday of each month (except January). There is no subscription or entry fee, but donations towards expenses are accepted. Please contact Brett Beiles 031 266 4762 or 082 516 0517; Email thirdeye@3i.co.za
Mondays at Six Venue: St Clements, 191 Musgrave Road, Durban. Time: 5h30pm for 6pm. Every Monday. Table bookings are advised
Telephone: 031-202-2511 Variety of shows each Monday : Book Launches, Readings, Poetry, Films, Music, Discussions and more.
Free Entry but there is a donations box to support the artists.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mondaysatstclements
Western Cape
Creds and Coins Speculative Fiction Writer’s Group
Creds and Coins is a support and critique group primarily for science fiction and fantasy writers who would like to eventually be published. Active writing is a necessity, as the focus of the group is to help each other hone our craft and develop our unique, authentic voice. If you are not currently working on a manuscript, or planning to start once joining, this group might not be for you. Geographically, the group is located in Hermanus, Western Cape; writers from the wider Overberg region are encouraged to join the face to face get togethers, writers from further away might be allowed to join over available technology platforms. Meetings are frequent, easy going with a positive atmosphere, and with a definite focus on the work. Feel free to reach out to us at info@credsandcoins.co.za.
Bergvliet Writer’s Circle – This group has been running for over 25 years and meets the second Saturday of every month at 14h30 in Diep River. We would welcome new members and our group details can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/835451666986153/ or by contacting the Secretary Catherine Harris on catherineharris331@gmail.com.
WEST COAST WRITERS’ CIRCLE meets from 9:30 to 11:45 at the Milnerton Library on the last Saturday of each month. Find out more at www.westcoastwriterssa.weebly.com
Bhala Writers’ Group – Contact: Fikiswa Magqshela or Mrs Yawa at 021 466 2590
Fish Hoek Writers’ Scribblers – Meet on the third Thursday evening of every month (except December) at 6pm. Further details can be found via Web : www.paulkilfoil.co.za/Scribblers.aspx
EMail : FishHoekScribblers@gmail.com
Kenilworth Writers’ Circle – For both fiction and memoir writers. Beginners welcome. For enquiries and details contact Jean Knighton-Fitt on 021 762 2724 or email her at jkf@youcanwrite.co.za . We hold a writers’ retreat on the third Saturday of every month from 9am – 1pm. A wide range of people come – from beginners to professionals; from those who just want to write once a month for fun to those who are working on books; from young to old. The day includes warm-up exercises, input of some kind, about one hour of silent writing time. There is a large quiet garden with many nooks and crannies – and time for reading and listening to one another. Feedback ranges from ‘affirmative’ to ‘creative critical’ – depending on what any particular writer is needing at that time.
Lansdowne Local Writers Group – Bring along a dozen photocopies of a short story, novel chapter, play scene or poem that you’d like members’ constructive criticism and comment. Or just can just listen and enjoy others’ work. Meetings are held on the last Saturday of each month from 18:00 at 36 Markham Road, Claremont 7708. Contact Keith Gottschalk on 082 202 3304
Out to Lunch Writers’ Group is a weekly writing group. All writer’s are welcome. Provides a platform to write and read every week, with other writers, even if you’re a complete novice. Meetings take place every Wednesday between 13:00 and 14:00. Contact Colleen.higgs@nlsa.ac.za or (021) 423 2669
South African Writers Association (SAWA) meets quarterly. Contact Keith Gottschalk on 082 202 3304
Friends of Central Library (FOCAL) Poetry Circle – Contact Marcia Raymond rfg@iafrica.com or (021) 797 9031
WriteScapes meet once a month in Kalk Bay and Somerset West. Contact Mandy Lebides on 021 788 8375 or 082 453 6262
GAUTENG
The Thursday Workshop is a weekly get-together on Thursdays from 18.00 to 22.00. The venue is at 17, Rietfontein Road, Rivonia, Johannesburg. Poetry, stories, novels, and screenplays etc. welcome. Contact Jane Fox on 011-803-1849 or 082 9207 952
The Fully Booked Literary Group is a group aimed at writers and readers of all ages, gender, race and genre as well as experience – from novice to published authors. Based in Pretoria East the idea is to have monthly.bi-monthly face-to-face meetings as well ad-hoc discussions on the Facebook page – more details available on the page (https://www.facebook.com/FullyBookedCircle). The group has been revived after a long while of inactivity and I am looking to completely revamp the group. If you are interested in becoming part of this exciting literary group, please contact Mary van Ede on fullybookedsa@gmail.com or 074 790 7620.
The Pretoria Writer’s Circle meets on the 1st Saturday of the month from 9h30 – 14h at the Alkantrant Library Meeting room, Lynburn Road, Pretoria. We have a Poetry meeting from 9h30 till 11h00, an Open meeting (with interactive learning slots and guest speakers when possible) from 11h00 till 12h00 and a Prose meeting 12h00 till 14h00. Contact pretoriawriterscircle@gmail.com for more information.
Creative Writing Adventure in Pretoria hold morning (from 09:00) and evening workshops on Saturdays. Evening workshops by arrangement. Cell: 073 269 7858
Rosebank Writers Jo’burg – Writing group, contact Shams Essack – shams@sessack.co – https://www.beyondwords.ink/rosebank-writers-joburg/