A writing journey - J Reid Graham's top ten reasons to join Chalk Circle
- Chalk Circle Writers
- Jun 22
- 2 min read
Have you ever thought of joining a writing group? Could Chalk Circle be the one for you?
One of our recent recruits, J. Reid Graham has the lowdown on what to expect.
I’m in my van, writing on my mobile phone that’s running out of charge. About to start walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall. When I get a call about my journey - not the trek - stunning though it is - my writing journey. 'So James, tell me, what made you join a writing group? And why Chalk Circle?'
I've got a lot of miles to cover today so I walk them through it quickly - one step at a time!
Top Ten Reasons to join Chalk Circle Writing Group
1. A diverse mix of people with different life experiences have come together through a shared love of the written word. I value the social interaction and the help they give me with my writing.
2. Chalk Circle members are at different stages in their writing careers, with some just starting out and others already with publications. All provide warm friendship, valid feedback, and helpful support .
3. I thrive on encouragement and guidance on what’s working with my storytelling.
I’ve sought feedback from writing courses, competitions, relatives, and friends. Chalk Circle has proven to be better than other methods for me to make progress with my novels and short stories.
4. I’ve found this group is a safe space to share writing ideas and drafts with a peer group that understands the creative process.
5. Written words are sometimes like our children, in that we want them to flourish and be appreciated in their own right. I want my work to have worth, regardless of any ego-boost or enhancement of self-worth that might occur along the way.
6. Accountability is helpful for my productivity. I take pride in hitting deadlines to make submissions and provide critiques to the group.
7. Our skills improve as we provide and receive critical feedback within the group. We are all becoming better writers.
8. I’m inspired by the endeavours and progress of others. I’ve learned a lot by reading the drafts of Chalk Circle writers.
9. It’s terrific to get other people’s perspectives. They can spot mistakes in my work that I’m blind to.
10. Meetings and correspondence with Chalk Circle members are fun activities that I look forward to.
If you're a Sussex-based writer, intent on finding a wider audience for your work and looking to enhance your writing journey, Chalk Circle is a friendly group which can help you to develop your skills and make progress. If you'd like to know more get in touch and we'll tell you how it works.
J. Reid Graham is a former NHS worker, and Killer Nashville Claymore Unpublished Novel Award finalist for 'Androcide in Paradise'. He received an Honourable Mention for 'Volcano Goddess of Amphibe' in the Writers of the Future short story competition, and was longlisted in the 2025 Fiction Factory First Chapter Competition for his first novel, 'SPERM BANK LIFE SENTENCE'.
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