Bookshop writing club to expand as demand grows

Places for the 5am Writing Club sell out consistently

A bookshop in Brighton which started an early morning writing club for authors is expanding as demand grows.

In June last year, Kemptown Bookshop started offering 5am sessions for writers to focus on their work.

Owner Cathy Hayward said places for the 5am Writing Club, which meets on the first Wednesday of every month, have sold out consistently.

Tickets were limited to 12, but she has now made space for up to 20 writers to attend.

'Quiet space'

“We have been inundated with people and we are sold out,” Ms Hayward said. “I have decided to expand slightly.

“Instead of just having tables in the café upstairs, we’re also going to have tables dotted around the bookshop.

“We started that this month with tables downstairs in our cosy little basement."

She added: "People like that quiet space in the morning to dedicate to their writing. Coming here gives them the space to dedicate that time amongst their very busy lives.”

Tickets were limited to 12, but now there is space for 20 writers to attend

Laurence Reuben-Brown, 37, who joined the club, said: “It is very calm but at the same time I still feel the presence of the other writers. It gives you that focus to get on with work. It is inspiring to be around a lot of books.”

Alex Packer, 44, said: “It is motivating to be around people with the same mindset. You know you’re here for a reason and have a sense of purpose.”