In 2007, writer Sue Amy conducted a memoirs writing class. The enthusiasm and drive at the workshop led to a desire for the participants to continue meeting and working together. From these roots, the Singapore Writers Meetup (SWM) was formed.
SWM has until recently been a place for writers to network with other writers: exchange ideas, discuss projects, enjoy a meal with people with a similar background. However, it is starting to evolve into something more.
Mini writing workshops are being offered. Panels with published writers and publishers are on the agenda. There are also plans to provide members with some form of monthly writing competitions to help keep people on their creative toes. As these changes occur, the core value of networking for Singapore writers will not.
Members only need to sign up to the group online. There is no need to be a published author, although there are a few members who have been published. The group welcomes anyone with a desire to write.
Live meetings occur on the last Tuesday of each month and run from 7pm to 9pm. Numbers are currently limited to the first twenty five people who sign up for attendance. There is usually a group who continue on and grab a drink at a nearby bar for scintillating conversation and collegiality.
For those not familiar with Meetups, it’s a global internet based, social network designed to bring like-minded people together in the flesh. Writers’ entrepreneurs, Mah Jong enthusiasts, folk guitarists can all seek the group that’s closest to them. If no group currently exists, the website will also show those people who have expressed their interest in a particular group.
You can find the Singapore Writers Meetup online at http://writers.meetup.com/860/
