'Loosening the ligaments': A LitSalon community of writers - Block 4

“But what is more to the point is my belief that the habit of writing thus for my own eye only is good practice. It loosens the ligaments. Never mind the misses and the stumbles. Going at such a pace as I do I must make the most direct and instant shots at my object, and thus have to lay hands on words, choose them and shoot them with no more pause than is needed to put my pen in the ink.”

Virginia Woolf, A Writer’s Diary

An invitation to writers of all levels (beginners are as welcome as the more experienced) — to loosen the ligaments, put perfection aside, and write for the quiet joy of discovery; to share a space where words unfold boldly, imperfectly, and in response to curiosity.

Rooted in the ethos of the London Literary Salon — where close reading and conversation open pathways to deeper understanding — this writing series, facilitated by Alison Cable, extends the same spirit of inquiry into creative practice. An invitation to explore writing as a way of thinking, feeling, and knowing.

Each block of three months offers a gentle rhythm of practice: a facilitated Anchor Session followed later in the month by a companion Open Writing Session, where you can return to your work, deepen the ideas sparked in the workshop, and write alongside others in quiet company.

How it works

• Anchor Session (first Tuesday of each month, 5.00-7.00 pm, UK time):
  A guided workshop exploring a theme, text, or prompt through discussion, short exercises and optional sharing. These sessions provide inspiration and direction for your writing practice.
• Open Writing Session (third Tuesday of each month, 5:00–6:30 pm, UK time):
  A lightly held, communal writing space in which you can develop your ideas, try new forms, or simply write in the company of others. Optional check-in and sharing at the end.
• Block Pass: £105 for three months (includes three Anchor Sessions and three companion Open Writing Sessions). This block encourages continuity and engagement, with sessions scheduled monthly to help you build a routine.
• Single Sessions: please enquire.

Block 1: January – March 2026

1. Anchor: 6 January | 3 February | 3 March
2. Open: 20 January | 17 February | 17 March

Block 2: April – June 2026

• Anchor: 7 April | 5 May | 2 June
• Open: 28 April | 19 May | 23 June

Block 3: July – September 2026

• Anchor: 7 July | 4 August | 1 September
• Open: 21 July | 18 August | 15 September

Block 4: October – December 2026

• Anchor: 6 October | 3 November | 1 December
• Open: 20 October | 17 November | 15 December