Who We Are
Founded in 2021, Women Writing Fantasy is a community for women who are dedicated to writing in the fantasy genre, no matter what stage of their writing journey they are in. We welcome writers working on any type of project, from epic series and stand-alone novels to short stories and poetry. Our focus is on providing a supportive environment tailored specifically to the unique challenges and demands of the fantasy genre.
Fantasy writing requires a deep understanding of world-building, genre-specific tropes, and reader expectations—areas that can be difficult to navigate in more general writing groups. Our community was created to address this need, offering a space where women writers can connect, share their work, and receive constructive and informed feedback from others who understand the intricacies of the genre.
We also recognise the importance of fostering relationships among women writers, particularly in a genre where male voices have traditionally been more prominent. Our group aims to build a network of like-minded individuals who can offer not only support and accountability but also meaningful connections and shared insights.
Whether your focus is high fantasy, dark fantasy, horror, sci-fi, or any sub-genre in between, and whether your audience is children, young adults, or adults, you’ll find a community here that shares your passion and understands the craft of writing fantasy.
What We Do
Writing Sessions
Maintaining a regular writing habit can be challenging, especially with the demands of daily life. Our Sunday Morning and Wednesday Evening Writing Sessions are designed to help you carve out consistent, focused time for your projects. These sessions provide a quiet, structured environment, either online or in person, where you can concentrate on your work alongside fellow writers. The goal is simple: to make meaningful progress on your writing in a supportive setting.
Feedback Sessions
Constructive feedback is essential for growth as a writer. Our Monthly Feedback Sessions offer a dedicated space where you can share your work and receive thoughtful, in-depth critiques from peers who understand the nuances of fantasy writing. We typically cover three pieces per session, with a focus on providing actionable insights that can help you refine your writing, no matter what stage of your writing process you are in. We encourage members to familiarise themselves with the group before submitting their own work, ensuring that everyone benefits from a collaborative and respectful exchange.
Advise & Write Sessions
Writing isn’t just about putting words on the page—it’s also about problem-solving, refining your craft, and staying motivated. Our Advise & Write sessions aim to provide exactly this support. Whether you’re brainstorming new ideas, working through a difficult plot point, or simply seeking advice on writing habits, these sessions provide a space to discuss any aspect of your writing process. They’re an opportunity to share your challenges, learn from others, and find inspiration to keep moving forward.
Exclusive Writing Retreats
Once a year, members of Women Writing Fantasy organise a themed, week-long writing retreat. This self-funded event offers a distraction-free environment to fully immerse yourself in your writing or editing. In addition to dedicated writing time, the retreat includes a variety of events and activities to provide for breaks and foster connections with fellow writers. It’s an ideal chance to make significant progress on your projects while enjoying a well-rounded and inspiring experience. Seats are offered to previous attendees first and the rest is allocated on a first come first serve basis. Shorter weekend trips happen throughout the year.
Book Club
Our community also hosts a Fantasy Book Club, where we explore a wide range of fantasy literature. From timeless classics to critically acclaimed current novels and popular titles, our selections cover the breadth of the genre. After reading, we meet in person to discuss the book, share our thoughts, and engage in lively conversations about themes, characters, and writing techniques. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen your understanding of the genre while connecting with fellow fantasy enthusiasts.
Why Join Us
Supportive Environment
Writing can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Our community is filled with women who understand the unique challenges of the fantasy genre and are here to offer support, encouragement, and advice.
Consistent Structure
We believe that regular practice and feedback are key to growth. Our scheduled events help you stay on track, offering the structure you need to make steady progress on your projects.
Genre-Specific Insights
As a specialised group focused on fantasy, we provide advice that is both relevant and tailored to the genre, ensuring your work resonates with readers who love and understand fantasy.
Free Membership
Our community operates on voluntary donations, meaning joining us is completely free. Membership gives you access to our full range of events, resources, and our online platform where most of our activities take place.
How To Join Us
Step 1: Become a Member
Sign up for free to become a part of our community. As a member, you’ll gain access to our Discord server, where we host most of our sessions, along with notifications about any in-person meet-ups.
Step 2: Participate in Events
Check out our event calendar and choose the sessions that best suit your needs. Whether you’re looking to write, seek feedback, or brainstorm, there’s a session designed to support your goals.
Step 3: Engage and Develop
Connect with fellow writers, share your work, and take advantage of the collective knowledge and experience within our community. We’re here to help you grow as a writer and reach your full potential.