What do writers need?

Virginia Woolf needed a room of her own – space to be creative.

Ernest Hemingway needed a drink ‘to make other people more interesting’, while the doyenne of the Algonquin club, Dorothy Parker needed her ‘vicious circle’ of like-minded friends.  

We at All About Writing have been listening to what you need, in order to be creative. And, like Carole King, we’d like to say: ‘You’ve got a friend.’

Join our Writers’ Circle to experience companionship and support on your writing journey.

By becoming part of our inner-circle of writers, you can experience on-going support and the companionship of a like-minded international writing community. And membership of this exclusive circle will also allow you access to an exclusive library of writing resources.  

At a monthly writers’ circle meeting, acclaimed writers, Richard Beynon and Dr Jo-Anne Richards, will hear your writing, offer feedback and answer your writing questions. 

You’ll be able to share your triumphs and woes on an online platform any time you need to. You’ll have a safe a nurturing group of writers with whom to share your writing. You’ll have access to people who understand the process of what you’re going through. 

Who will The Writer’s Circle benefit?  

  • Anyone who has always yearned to write but struggled to begin or find a way in. 
  • Anyone who has started a writing project and become stuck, or who isn’t sure of their direction.  
  • Anyone who would like ongoing support and feedback in their writing from two highly experienced writers and facilitators. 
  • Those who would like to be part of a supportive group of like-minded writers. 
  • Those who would like the motivation of regular meetups. 

Join the Writers’ Circle today!

What will your writers’ circle membership give you?

  • A monthly writers’ circle meeting with our acclaimed writers, Richard Beynon and Dr Jo-Anne Richards
  • Ongoing support and encouragement from a like-minded writing community in an online group
  • Answers to your writing questions and advice on your writing problems at the monthly meetings
  •  The possibility of reading between 300 and 500 words at the monthly meeting for feedback and discussion posting them online for feedback from your fellow writers.
  • Access to our exclusive library of writing resources and workshops

2023 meeting dates:

    • Tuesday 17 January 16:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday 21 February 16:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday 21 March 16:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday 11 April 17:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday 9 May 17:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday 20 June 17:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday 18 July 17:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday 15 August 17:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday 12 September 17:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Tuesday  17 October 17:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Wednesday 22 November 16:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa
    • Wednesday 13 December 16:00 UK / 18:00 South Africa

Your Writers’ Circle hosts

Richard Beynon is a story consultant and an award-winning film and television scriptwriter with a long and accomplished career.

A former journalist  for the Rand Daily Mail, he has conceived, shaped and written scores of documentaries.

Richard has written for – or headed the writing teams of – many of country’s most popular soaps from Isidingo to Scandal and S’gudi S’naysi. He managed the writing team at Isidingo for three years, as well as contributing over three hundred scripts to the series.

Richard has lectured on writing for film and television at Wits. He has won numerous awards for his work specifically in comedy, soap and children’s drama.

Jo-Anne Richards is an internationally published novelist with a PhD in Creative Writing from Wits University. Jo-Anne has published five novels: The Imagined Child, The Innocence of Roast ChickenMy Brother’s Book,  Touching the Lighthouse and Sad at the Edges.

Her first novel, The Innocence of Roast Chicken was recently rereleased as part of the prestigious Picador Africa Classics collection. When it first appeared, in 1996, it was nominated for the Impac International Dublin Literary Award and chosen as an “outstanding debut novel” by a British book chain.

Jo-Anne has published short stories in six collections and ran the Honours programme in Journalism & Media Studies at Wits University for fifteen years. She has supervised Creative Writing Masters students at Wits and UCT, and acted as examiner for both programmes.

Sign up for a year of writing support!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the malaria situation at the Victoria Falls and in Hwange?

Malaria is present in Victoria Falls and Hwange.  In June, during the winter dry season, the risk is low but participants are advised to consult their doctor on appropriate precautions and prophylaxis.

What about visas for Zimbabwe?

South African citizens do not need to pay for a visa. Other foreign nationals must purchase a visa on arrival at Victoria Falls International Airport.  Payment should be in US dollars, cash.

What's your cancellation policy?

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What about tipping?

Tipping is for your own account. Tipping is customary in Zimbabwe, but by no means mandatory.  At your bed and breakfast in Victoria Falls and on the dinner cruise there will be a tip box, and money is distributed among all staff. At Nantwich Lodge, if you wish to tip then please allocate something for your guide and another amount to be distributed between all other staff. Tips should be given in cash, please, and envelopes will be provided.

Can we drive from South Africa and would it be possible to camp at Nantwich?

Yes.  Currently, the only Zimbabwean border post open to private vehicles is Kazungula, on the border with Botswana.  A PCR test, conducted withing 48 hours of arriving at the border, is mandatory, as is proof of vaccination.  PCR tests are conducted at the weighbridge in Kasane/Kazungula, near the border crossing and are processed overnight.

What about Covid tests?

Proof of a negative PCR test, with the sample taken within 48 hours of arriving in Zimbabwe, must be shown on arrival at Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe requires eligible adults to show proof of full (double dose if necessary) vaccination on arrival.

What should I bring with me for a safari?

The following items are recommended:

  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Hat/sun cream
  • At least one change of neutral-coloured clothing (green/brown/khaki/blue) as we may go on a walk during a game drive.
  • Sandals, one pair of closed shoes in case of a walk.
  • Swimming costume (the days will be sunny and warm, though the pool may be cool!)
  • Cold weather clothing (fleece/jersey, beanie, gloves, scarf – it can get VERY cold on the open game drive vehicle in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Blankets are provided).
  • Multi-national power points are provided in the rooms.If you wish to bring adaptors, Zimbabwe uses a mix of South African (round pin), and British (square pin) power plugs.
  • US dollars cash for tipping, souvenirs, visas, national park entry fees.Smaller denominations are preferred and change is often a problem!

Do I need to pay a deposit, and when will the balance of my payment be due?

xxxx

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