Fictions of Every Kind is a non-profit DIY writers’ social night, run by a small group of Leeds-based writers.
Writing can be a lonely business. Whether they consider themselves to be a ‘success’ or not, the truth is that most writers spend hours sitting at a desk, alone, not talking to anybody apart from the characters they’ve invented in their heads. Apart from anything else, the act of writing can make you start to become slightly socially impaired.
Sam & I, who had known each other through years of involvement in the city’s DIY and punk scene, decided to do what we could to do something about it. We were both writing, and a little frustrated at the limited amount of chances we got to talk to other writers. We decided that it would be a good thing to start a regular events night where writers could meet up, socialise, and have chance to read and discuss their work.
The raison d’etre of Fictions of Every Kind has always been to give support and encouragement to writers. Having a background in DIY organisation, we always strive to run the nights in a way that is accessible and fair. Our door prices are low so that people can afford to come, and we always do our best to pay our invited speakers fairly. Every night has an invited speaker or two, a band, and a writers’ open mic. We make an effort to be inclusive and we always try to be friendly.
Our next event is Fictions of Every Kind: Hope, on Monday 19th March, at The Victoria pub in Leeds. The Vic is a lovely old pub that has a range of tasty real ales, and we have two invited speakers – Adam Lowe, an award-winning publisher and live artist; and Irna Qureshi, who writes about British Asian heritage. Music at ‘Hope’ comes from Gary Stewart, a folky singer-songwriter of folky tunes. As usual there’ll be a writers’ open mic, at which true stories, flash fiction and poetry are all welcomed – sign up on the door, and please keep your contributions at 7 minutes or under.
It starts at 7.30 and entry is free, but donations are welcomed. Any monies you give will go directly to our invited speakers.
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