Guest Blog - Josie Dom

Chinwag – the newest writing group specifically for children’s authors in the Colchester area.

Why Chinwag? Well, I like being silly and the acronym nearly works: Children’s Authors Writing Group, plus chinwag is such a good word, isn’t it?

On a more serious note, I have come to realise the benefit of connecting with people who do what I do: write for children. Before this year, I wanted to hide away a lot of the time. I was lacking in confidence BIG TIME. I’m not sure that has changed completely, however, “fake it till you make it” is a saying (one I have always been unable to put into action, actually), but more than that, I am remembering to celebrate and then remember each small win in my life and that has given me the confidence to do another thing and then another and then another. It’s a wonderful feeling.

So yes, a year ago, setting up a writing group would have been impossible. The change started when I joined an existing writing group and felt so comfortable in the presence of other writers. Even sharing my work was an honour and a joy (OK, maybe not the first time). Despite these positive feelings, I had doubts because my writing was so different to everyone else’s. The other writers all write for adults, with long chapters and sub-plots, foreshadowing and different POVs. My funny rhymes feel very foolish in comparison.

I felt it was time to stop the comparisonitis and find my tribe. I found a couple of children’s authors locally (Hello Ruth! Hello Doug!) who I had met at other events and emailed them to ask if they would be interested. They were, so I pushed myself to post a speculative invite on Facebook and Instagram. Real people who I don’t know responded positively. That meant that I had to get on with organising a group!

With thanks to The Dragonfly Lounge, who are hosting the group, I am pleased to say that the first Chinwag meeting was on 30 June at 7pm. After that we will meet on the last Tuesday of each month.

Chinwag will be a place to share your work, receive constructive feedback, discuss the world of children’s books and feel less alone in your writing endeavours because being a writer is generally a solitary occupation. I love working from home on my own but even I can see the benefit of community and I am looking forward to meeting like-minded folk with the joy of writing for children in their hearts!

The group is for traditionally published, self-published and aspiring writers.

I’ll look forward to seeing you there!