Writing in the ZoomRoom
A group of Workshop members meet regularly in the ZoomRoom (previously known as the Writers Cafe) on Thursdays at 11am. We asked Sue Wright why they do it. You can read more of Sue’s writing on her Substack.
“There’s a certain something about sharing space and energy with others who are writing that is impactful.” — Jenny Lynch, Writers Workshop Member
Writer Elizabeth Gilbert suggests that there is a “divine relationship between a human and the mysteries of inspiration.” Gilbert calls this relationship Big Magic.
Writing with other writers is double magic. We experience awe and wonder at the variety of work that stems from the same prompt, or the similar themes writers may create in their work when writing together. We relish writing companionship. It is as if, subconsciously, we writers are connected, as if an invisible thread joins us. Together, we inspire each other, share the joys of creating, of communicating our work.
The pandemic modified the magic, but it did not totally vaporise. Instead, it brought other joys. Some of us were transported to events and festivals we could only dream of attending in person. Online writing workshops sprang up. Writing communities that had previously met in person were able to continue to meet, virtually. Beverley Ward (founder of the Writers Workshop) set up Monday Motivation, where writers could connect via Zoom, share progress and setbacks, be inspired to create.
While for some it was a relief when the real world reopened and writers were able to escape from their Zoom rooms of doom, for others the online world was a creative link that needed to be as resilient as Snape’s Unbreakable Vow. For writers with accessibility concerns, health problems, caring commitments or other issues that prevented us from attending events in person, our world expanded with online platforms. We were able to join in, be included, connect with writers from other cities and regions, other parts of the world. The platforms may not have been perfect, some organisations might not have factored in accessibility needs of attendees, but we felt seen, felt involved, felt a sense of belonging.
While some online events have gone back to being held in person, the platforms continue to be a magic carpet that helps writers to meet and stay connected. A small group of Writers Workshop members continues to meet every Thursday at 11am (UK time) on Zoom. We talk briefly about what we are working on, write for about an hour, then chat at the end about how we got on. Sometimes the brief talk is less brief. We celebrate our achievements, commiserate over rejections, together. As Mamie so succinctly explained, “We can talk about what we are doing, or not doing, because writer friends understand.”
Sometimes we write for longer than an hour, get caught up when the words flow. Although we turn off the microphones while we work, there is a comfort in knowing other writers are there, being able to glance at the screen and see writing magic happening. No one is disturbed if someone needs to slip out of the room, head to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, cuddle the kittens. We can write at our own pace, fidget, stare into space. For some of us it is about making a commitment, of being disciplined – committing to showing up means committing to writing. It is rare that no one turns up. Occasionally one of us is on our own in the zoom-room but that’s okay. We have showed up, so why not write? Diary space has been blocked out, so why not pick up a pen and notebook or open a word document and create?
It would be lovely to see you there. You can find the link pinned at the top of the #zoom-room channel on Slack. Wands optional.