Books, Writing & Ideas groups in Oxford

The Writing Well in-person writing workshops

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.” Dorothea Lange In our fast-paced world, mindful photography & reflective writing help us to slow down, take a moment and notice the beauty all around us. It’s not about the kit, or learning to take technically perfect photographs, or writing like a best-selling novelist, it’s about looking at the world with fresh eyes and finding ways to engage more deeply with our environment and the moment that we are in, now. Following the success of our previous workshop (Winter Wonder), join us for another seasonal mindful photography & reflective writing session. No experience required – just bring your smartphone or your camera, something to write with and your curiosity! We will meet at the Lamb & Flag in Oxford, with all its wonderful literary connections. There will be coffee and cake then we will have a mindful wander and return for a gentle writing session with prompts. This session is appropriate for seasoned writers and absolute beginners alike. The workshop involves a 30 minute walk*. Please wear comfortable shoes for walking flat pavements and cobbles. Please also be prepared for British weather. There will be time to share - but that’s not compulsory. Jo is qualified in mindful photography techniques and Kate in reflective and therapeutic writing practice. They both live and love walking around Oxford deepening their attention with the camera and the pen! Places are limited and booking is essential. (This event is also advertised on Daily Info and on Kate's website www.the-writing-well.com) Fee: £30. Jo is a photographer with a particular interest in exploring the natural world and using mindful photography to connect more deeply with our environment and ourselves. Since training in mindful photography techniques with Look Again, Jo has delivered sessions around Oxfordshire including at Boundary Brook Nature Reserve, the Trap Grounds and Bridge Street Community Garden.

Mentored Co-writing Space at the Lamb and Flag, Sundays

Come and Write in the Shadow of the Inklings! Sunday mornings (in term times) 10.30am–1pm Sessions are run on a ‘Pay-what-you-can’ option to Kate to keep the sessions viable. There will be free tea and coffee and cake - order before 11am. [It fills up quickly so arrive when doors open at 10.30 to grab your place.] The Writing Well has teamed up with The Lamb and Flag, Oxford, to provide a welcome and cozy, mentored co-writing space in which to come and write in community, in the shadows of many great writers who have sat and had a pint and a chat there through the centuries. Every Sunday, writers (of any genres, forms and level) are invited to come at 10:30am for a warm welcome a coffee, a check in and a chat, before we respond to a brief (optional) prompt at 10:45 to get us in flow, then we start writing together for two hours at 11am. Sharing is totally optional! Join our WhatsApp broadcast list to hear if the pub has to close/event is cancelled last minute - and to be the first to know about other writer events. Whatsapp Broadcast list here. Contact Kate for more info. Or just turn up at 10:30 with a pen, paper/laptop and an open mind. “Kate is an inspiring leader, the group so welcoming, giving me permission to write and believe in myself as an author.” – KB

Mentored Co-writing Space at the Lamb and Flag, Sundays

Come and write In the Shadow of the Inklings! EVERY SUNDAY, 10:30–1PM The Writing Well has teamed up with The Lamb and Flag, Oxford, to provide a welcome and cozy, mentored co-writing space in which to come and write in community, in the shadows of many great writers who have sat and had a pint and a chat there through the centuries. The Lamb and Flag is a pub with a wealth of literary connections, not least the informal group of writers known as the “Inklings” (CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien and their circle), and Thomas Hardy (who wrote Jude the Obscure there), to mention but a few literary greats who have passed through their doors. Every Sunday, writers (of any genre and form, at any level) are invited to come at 10:30am for a warm welcome a free coffee and a piece of cake, a check in and a chat, before we respond to a brief (optional) prompt at 10:45 to get us in flow, then we start writing together for two hours at 11am. The group is popular and growing - please contact Kate to ensure a place, or turn up on time at 10.30 on the day. The group is advertised on other sites too which is why the numbers here are limited to 5. If a session appears as sold out, please contact Kate directly who might be able to find room. Sessions are run on a ‘Pay-what-you-can’ option to Kate to keep the sessions viable. There will be free tea and coffee and cake - order before 11am. Kate is on hand for advice and inspiration if you need it. (Kate is an exPublisher, editor, ghostwriter, bookfixer, poet and novelist who runs workshops and spoken word events in Oxford, London, N Yorkshire, Scotland and beyond). Contact Kate for more info. Or just turn up at 10:30 with a pen, paper/laptop and an open mind. “Kate is an inspiring leader, the group so welcoming, giving me permission to write and believe in myself as an author.” – KB

Philosophy in Pubs, Oxford

Philosophy in Pubs is a community philosophy group addressing big questions on a variety of topics in a relaxed, informal environment. We hold discussions, alternating between every few weeks in central Oxford and in Headington. No experience of philosophical enquiry necessary - the idea is that it is possible to talk about philosophical ideas without having to know a lot about what the ‘great’ philosophers thought about things. We are more interested in making progress through sensible conversation than having a heated debate where there are ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. We welcome anybody prepared to listen, engage positively, and have fun. This is a pub session open to a wide variety of participants, all, we hope, interested in stretching their minds. We embrace the 4Cs of of community philosophy: Caring for others, making space for their contributions Collaborating to get a better mutual understanding rather than scoring points Critically assessing what we say, clarifying what is meant and asking what reasons support assertions Creatively coming up with alternative perspectives, rather than dogmatically sticking to our initial positions. Please get in touch with any thoughts, concerns etc.

Oxford Books in Translation – Reading Group

Reading Group

A monthly reading group dedicated to literature translated into English. Each selection is chosen around a shared theme – political, cultural, historial, or simply imaginative – with the aim of showing what the world is thinking. Many of the books we discuss sit alongside the kinds of titles recognised by prizes such as the International Booker, though the group isn't limited to contemporary writing — we also look at translated classics and older oddities. This group is a complement to other book groups in Oxford; the intention here is simply a different style of conversation. Our meetings are structured around the book itself, using prepared questions and prompts to help guide the conversation (should they be helpful). You're welcome to join even if you haven't finished the book, but please be aware that we will go into detail and, naturally, will totally "spoil" the book.