Our early history

Chiltern Writers Group was founded in 1988, by group of local authors (who included Marina Oliver and Hilary Johnson) who wanted a forum where they could get together regularly and update one another on the world of writing, and to provide a place where new writers could come to meet other writers.

The format of meetings eventually evolved into a series of monthly speaker meetings, where speakers from all fields of writing would come to share their knowledge and experience of their particular aspect of the business.

Chiltern Writers now

In recent years, Chiltern Writers has moved away from a set programme of formal monthly speaker meetings towards a more interactive and flexible format - regular workshops and members' manuscript evenings were introduced, and informal social evenings became a fixture in our calendar. Our popular yearly Literary Dinner in late autumn is an opportunity to dress up, eat well, and be entertained by a leading literary figure.

We still offer speakers a few times a year, as outside input is invaluable. We have attracted names such as Whitbread Prize-winner Philip Pullman, book marketing expert Alison Baverstock, agent Diana Wiener, Carolyn Caughey Senior Commissioning Editor from Hodder and Stoughton, poet Tony Turner and Jenny Haddon, chairman of the Romantic Novelists Association.

In addition, we offer add-on value through our own Literary Critique Service, a once-a-year Bursary towards a writing course, a monthly email newsletter and our own Magazine, issued three times a year. And, of course, as a bonus of being a member of Chiltern Writers, you always have someone to turn to if you have a question about the world of writing.
See what we offer for more details.

Our Members

Although we do have a fair number of experienced writers in the group, you certainly don't have to be published to be a member of Chiltern Writers. In fact, out of a membership of around 40, many are beginners, most aim to be published, though some write simply for their own pleasure. And we cover almost everything in the writing sphere: we have novelists, poets, comedy writers, script-writers, and writers of short stories, non-fiction, magazine features and newspaper columns. Take a look at our members' showcase to see what some of our members have achieved.

We are a friendly bunch, who make an active effort to welcome new members and help them feel part of the group. Come to any meeting and find out for yourself.

                                       Everyone who is interested in writing is welcome at Chiltern Writers.