For anyone who lives or works in London, the Million Monkeys get together every Monday night at the Royal Festival Hall. The idea is to spend a couple of hours writing, then have a drink and a chat with other writers. I went for the first time last night and got 2,300 words written between 7 and 9, not including the 300 that got erased when Vista decided to upgrade itself without saving anything. So, it's a good opportunity to just write, without most of the usual distractions.

There were about a dozen writers there last night. Quite a few from the London SF/Fantasy writers group, the T-Party, but anyone writing in any genre is welcome. It's just good to work with other writers and have a chat about the business afterwards; to find out about people's recent successes and interesting rejections, e.g. two writers last night received emails from the very same agent, just a minute apart, rejecting their submissions - fast reader, or just having a clear out?

I'll be going most weeks, so it would be good to see you there.

http://www.millionmonkeys.org.uk/

Terry

I forgot to mention that by 'The Royal Festival Hall', I don't mean you'll be typing on stage backed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The Monkeys meet in the large areas behind the main entrance, where there are tables and free plug points (and wi-fi for those who can't resist being distracted). Just look for the table with the bunch of bananas on it.

This sounds great. Thanks, Terry. Whose idea was it? How did you find out about it?

Sheila

<Added>

Sorry, just saw the URL

Sheila,

I went to the Milford SF Writers' Workshop in Snowdonia just over a year ago where I met Dave Gullen (who's the contact point for the Million Monkeys and a jolly decent chap). We kept in touch and last year, I told him I was going to the master class in Oregon. He invited me to give a talk about it to the T-Party, quite a few of who also go to the Million Monkeys. The T-Party turned out to be a lively bunch of committed writers and I was lucky that the talk was the same day as their annual nosh-up. So I went to that too and had a very good time. All of which persuaded me the Million Monkeys would be a good thing to go along to.

Terry

Seems a bit daunting at first thought - especially as they all seem to be about half my age. I think I'll just walk by casual-like at first to see what's going on.

I feel comfortable with the RFH as a venue, though. I've used it before as a meeting place and I think it's a great resource. Free acccess to great public buildings is something we Londoners take for granted, I think.

Sheila

I wouldn't worry about age, Sheila. I'm 56 for a start. In any case, I really don't think anyone's bothered how old anyone else is. Also, in SF/Fantasy at least, there are plenty of old fart writers - conference panels tend to be full of them, and the young whippersnappers don't seem to mind. If you want to get your head down and bash out some words, that's all that counts.

Terry

Can't I do that at home anyway, though? Talk of panels make ne think it's more formal than I thought at first.

Sheila

No, I meant at conventions there are old farts on panels. There are no panels at the Million Monkeys. Yes, of course you can write at home instead. I do write at home a lot. But a) it's good to get out and meet other writers and b) it's easier to write more when there are others around you doing the same thing. But, hey, this isn't a recruitment drive. I'm just letting people here know it exists.

Terry

Thanks, Terry. It's a good idea and I guess that to see how it works I'll just have to come along.

Sheila

Over a dozen monkeys there last night. Quite a tussle for sockets, some unseemly barging of shoulders with the focus group on Touch Typing software (let's see you touch type with only three working fingers, mate). Good to see Sue Hyams there, ex-WW member. I managed 2,800 words but Sue did 3,500, which means she got the top banana. So, if any other of you WWers fancy writing a night of writing something other than WW posts, come along next Monday.

Terry

I'm disappointed I couldn't get there, and now I'm going away for a week, but well done you to get so much done!

Maybe see you in a couple of weeks time,

Sheila

This sounds like an excellent idea...almost sorry I no longer live in London, now!!

Still, could always start one up here in geordie-land, just have to find venue. Hopefully not too hard if I did it on a quiet week night, most bars etc up here would be glad of some custom at the moment. So any Newcastle based WWers up for it?

Terry, if Sue comes again, remember me to her....

Enjoy your bananas!

x
tc

It is a good idea. Most of us get distracted at home, either by the Champions League or realising the chimney really does need cleaning right now and with a toothbrush just to make sure you get into every cranny (or should that be 'nook'?). It's simple but effective to look up and see a half dozen or so other writers bashing away at their keyboards; if nothing else shaming one into continuing.

Good luck in Geordie-land: why don't you ask them at St James's Park if you can meet in the opposition's penalty area on Saturday afternoons since it seems a shame to waste the space?

I'll definitely remember you to Sue.

Terry

I'm south of the Tyne, but close enough to Newcastle if we get the numbers. I've been a member of several writers' circles and most are a waste of good writing time. This sounds a lot more productive.