Our creative writing groups are small gatherings for people who write regularly. They are run by Sally Hare, Jackie Edwards, and group members.

Location: Bishopston Library, Bristol North Baths, Gloucester Rd, Bristol BS7 8BN

Date: Usually the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Website: Bishopston Library

Bishopston Library has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet, an accessible lift to the first floor.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE GROUPS MEET WHEN THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, SO IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONTACT US FIRST SO WE KNOW YOU ARE COMING AND CAN BE SURE TO LET YOU IN!

Sally’s original group meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 1.30-3.30 pm, and is currently full with a long waiting list. As a result, we have now established Jackie’s group on the third Tuesday of the month, 2.30-4.30 pm, which does have space, so please contact Jackie via Marie

For information on Sally’s group and/or to be added to the waiting list, email Sally

Format

We generally start with a short ‘warm up’ prompt, then work on a longer prompt, with a break in the middle of the session. Members can use the facilitators’ suggestions or work on their own projects – it’s a creative space to use in the best way that suits you! Some members like to share and feed back on their work after writing time, but this is wholly optional – we will never pressure members to share. We can read members’ work for them to the group if they prefer.

History

The original Diverse Creative Writing Group will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2026, and was proud to produce its debut anthology of original work, Diverse Minds, in 2024, which it launched at an event in collaboration with Diverse UK, The Friends of Bishopston Library, My Community, and Bishopston Library staff.

Around 50 people attended including friends, family, representatives of the Library service and My Community, Director of Diverse UK Andrew Powell, and special guest Alderman Clare Campion-Smith. Members of the group shared their creative worlds. After the relaxed, neurodiverse-friendly reading, attendees enjoyed mince pies provided by the Friends of Bishopston Library, and took their newly bought copies of the anthology to be signed by the authors themselves.

The group also hosted an online event for the Bristol Festival of Literature in 2020, and exhibited a selection of original work in the CREATE Centre café. Originally situated in Bristol Central Library, it has made Bishopston Library its home since 2018. *

The anthology has now sold out, but for a PDF copy (suggested donation £3) email Sally.

Upcoming group dates for your diary:

Sally's Group:

• Tuesday 6th January 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 3rd February 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 3rd March 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 7th April 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 5th May 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 2nd June 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 7th July 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 4th August 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 1st September 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 6th October 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 3rd November 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
• Tuesday 1st December 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Jackie's group:

• Tuesday 16th December 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 20th January 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 17th February 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 17th March 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 21st April 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 19th May 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 16th June 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 21st July 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 18th August 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 15th September 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 20th October 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 17th November 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
• Tuesday 15th December 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM