WRITE IN JEDDAH

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Write In Jeddah, a support group for people writing books in Jeddah, started in August 2017. It was inspired by NaNoWriMo write-ins that my friends and I have attended in the past 6 years or so, when we'd get together for a few hours everyday to work on the books we were writing.

If you're based in Jeddah and you'd like to be part of a group to motivate you and inspire you into making your book a reality, join us! (Find out how at the end of this post.)

Our main goal is to get published, and to achieve that, we meet regularly to discuss our challenges, learn about publishing and meet people from the industry, and share our progress and wins with each other.



I can go on and on about the benefits of being part of this group, but I won't, because I can't articulate it better than the members do. Here are some of them with their comments about our first 4 weeks of write-ins.


Hakeem Jomah says:

 Benefits I get from our sessions...

- 9 times out of 10, writer's block stems from not vocalizing your work and not listening to suggestions. You can pick up a scent you never thought to follow even from "useless" suggestions.
- Group writing gives a sense of friendly competitive pressure that makes you want to write, at first to simply keep up, but eventually, you have a body of writing to work on that just keeps adding up.
- The sense of camaraderie that comes with writing in a group, by encouraging others and being encouraged yourself. It's a great font of energy to drink out of.

I'd recommend this circle to...

 - Anyone who has stopped writing for whatever reason, with prior aspirations to write a novel, needs a group to at least get the rust off the wheels.
- People who have thought about it and will "get to it when there's time." Give yourself a time. Wednesdays and Saturdays (when we meet up).


Sandy Torre says:

 Benefits I get from our sessions...

 - I got direction. I started with a plethora of material, but our moderator helped me focus, forget about my huge timeline, and settle on milestone goals – and it's working! Members have helped, too – commentary and insightful observations have helped me step up my "voice" and narrative development.

I'd recommend this circle to...

 - Anyone who seriously wants to put pen to paper and finally make their "mental book" a reality. We have so many genres and so many personalities and backgrounds. It's enriching and inspiring.


Ayman Tamano says:

 Benefits I get from our sessions...

- Feedback from skilled and well-versed writers
- Having deadlines and meeting twice a week keeps my writing consistent.
- Reading other people's work inspires me.

I'd recommend this circle to...

 - People who struggle with completing a book
- Scriptwriters, film producers and directors, content creators, art directors and editorial managers



Saif Ur Rahman says:

 Benefits I get from our sessions...

 - A sense of belonging with people and friends who have similar interests and who struggle with similar situations
- Brainstorming ideas, opinions and experiences. One can learn so much!
- Emphasizing on our writing, giving it "wings to fly." Serious commitment can do wonders!
- One of the biggest plus points: encouragement and motivation

I'd recommend this circle to...

 - Anyone that has a book in them should attend this, regardless of whether they have attempted to write or not!


Amirah Bougary says:

Benefits I get from our sessions...

 - Fresh eyes and invaluable feedback, camaraderie, community, mutual goals (to finish a book/script) and encouragement to achieve them, a time block devoted to writing (also a life pause-button!).

 I'd recommend this circle to...

- Anyone who is looking to start or complete a writing project, and anyone looking for feedback to improve and flesh out their work.


 Sally Ashary says:

Benefits I get from our sessions...

 - Being held accountable for keeping up with that word count!
- A renewed sense of energy after hanging out with everyone every session.
- Fresh perspective and sharing ideas.

 I'd recommend this circle to...
- Anyone having trouble jumping into a writing project. It can be intimidating, but it's easier when a bunch of people are in it together.



If you'd like to be a part of this group, get more information and sign up through THIS LINK.


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