Laid Back Writers October

Laid Back Writers are back at Kabin at Kabannas on Sunday 18 October, from 12:00 to 15:00. It's their usual monthly writers' meetup in Liverpool city centre, and this time there's a Halloween theme to the prompts. The format is simple: you bring a submission of up to 1,500 words—either a standalone story or an excerpt from something you're working on—and share it with the group. The session runs for three hours, so there's plenty of time to hear a good few pieces and talk them through.

Most of the group write prose fiction, but it's not just for novelists. They also read and discuss screenplays, plays, autobiographical pieces and poetry, so whatever your thing is, it fits. The whole thing is run by Louise B, and the vibe is friendly and relaxed rather than a workshop for harsh critique. It's set up to support fellow writers on their way, and they welcome everyone from those just starting out to people publishing independently or aiming for commercial publication. If you've got something you've been working on in private, this is a low-pressure way to get it in front of other people.

One practical thing to keep in mind: the venue isn't serving food, so you'll need to bring a packed lunch. Once the session wraps up at 15:00, anyone who fancies it can stay on for drinks and a chat, which is usually where the real talking happens. The meetup is held in the downstairs area of Kabin at Kabannas, 27 Mathew Street, L2 6RE, right in the Cavern Quarter. Entry is £2 to help cover the meetup fees.