Writers should network, right?
Jill Dawson says…
What does a writer need to really get on? I’ve always said talent, discipline and courage are the essentials. But what about a sprinkling of gold dust, or a dash of luck? Or put it another way: a little bit of magic….
Last year I started a salon The Magic Circle for invited writers to get together on Zoom one Thursday a month. I shared my address book from my forty years as an author, inviting industry insiders I know so that Magic Circle members would have unique opportunities to question agents, literary editors, prize-winning and experienced writers (such as Louise Doughty, Sarah Vaughan and Monique Roffey) and have unprecedented access to the UK literary scene, regardless of where they lived in the world.
'Just to say how pleased I am to be part of this wonderful circle! I love the concept; it's absolutely what introverted aspiring writers (ie, most writers) need to help us network.' – Magic Circle member.
It proved phenomenally successful. Over the course of the year, two of my mentees who were part of Magic Circle got fabulous six figure book deals. Many others took bold risks: approached agents, got themselves writing commissions; attended a writing retreat in Paris, (specially discounted for MC members); met famous writers, won The Golden Ticket – invitations to book launches, signed first editions, opportunities for one to one consultations with top film and literary agents. We discovered that networking can be fun, and on the last session we celebrated our gains. The word ‘magical’ came up over and over.
'I think you have created something very special. I felt like it was a space for honesty about writing and the work of writing, that I have never experienced before. It was so generous.' – Magic Circle member
I’ve decided to run the Magic Circle for one more year, in the same way (highly secret, invitation only, unrecorded so that guests can be gossipy and relaxed!) with a new set of agents and guests. As my own novel Pixie (Bloomsbury) comes out the following year, this will probably be the last time I run it. I already have two top Hollywood producers looking for novels to adapt for screen lined up. And this is your invitation to join us, available for a short window. We will cap it in early January with a limited number, so if you think your writing career or confidence needs a magic wand waved over it – don’t delay. Answer now with a YES and Sophie will sign you up.
Fee: £998
Dates for 2025 (it’s one Thursday a month, online, 7.30-8.30pm for ten months of the year)
The dates for 2025 are as follows:
January Thursday 23rd 2025 at 7.30pm UK time
February Thursday 20th 2025 at 7.30pm
March Thursday 20th 2025 at 7.3opm
April Thursday 24th at 7.30pm
May Thursday 22nd at 7.30pm
June Thursday 19th at 7.,0pm
Then we have a two month break as the publishing world shuts down over the summer
September Thursday 18th at 7.30pm
October Thursday 16th at 7.30pm
November Thursday 20th at 7.30pm
December Thursday 11th at 7.30pm
Where do I sign up?
You can pay for your subscription to Magic Circle here:
