Q: Once I join LWS must I attend each meeting? Or may I come and go as schedules      allow?

A: There is no obligation to attend any meeting. We created critiquing groups because this is      what our members really wanted.

Q: How will I know when you meet?

A: Each month's meeting times, dates and venues will appear on this web site.

    We also e-mail a schedule to everyone on our notification list at the beginning of the     month and - if an event has been changed or added - send out an e-mail as soon as     possible.

Q: How do I get on your notification list?

A: Just sign up using our little web form under the photo of London in the left margin of this     website. Be sure to completely replace the words "E-mail," "First" and "Last" with your own     information: your e-mail address, your first name and your last name.

Q: Is there a policy of copyright and non-disclosure? I am assuming that those who attend     adhere to a policy of copyright and non-disclosure? Or else those in attendance would not     provide a very open discussion of ideas, or story lines. Or does one take one’s chances?

A: We believe that the feeling of mutual encouragement, peer support and pride within LWS and      similar groups is too strong for the members to ever want to use another's work.

    You’ll find that - as our members work together, help each other, and support each other's     goals of getting published - the bond between us becomes very strong.

    You’ll make good friends within the group, and find that mutual trust and respect is     paramount.

    Like any other group, a writing society is very close-knit and word gets around very     quickly. No one I’ve ever known as a writer would risk losing the trust and respect of     his/her peers.

Q: Are there requirements I need to meet in order to join the LWS? Are there prerequisites to     joining? Or just a desire to write and/or discuss writings?

A: The London Writers’ Society exists for the benefit of every and all writers of all genres who     are over the age of 16.

    We believe that writers - like artists - need ‘colonies’ in order to grow, flourish and create, and     this is what we are engendering in the LWS.

    Our current age range is from 16 to 106! We’re here for you.

Q: Is there a cost to join LWS? If yes, please explain. I see that there is no cost to attend the     general meetings at the Library, but what about actually joining the society?

A: Membership in the London Writers' Society is $25 per year and supports core activities and     administrative needs which include:

• renting larger venues for specific meetings
• paying stipends to speakers
• maintaining our website
• printing fliers for events
• hosting our end-of-the-year holiday party

There is no charge to attend our general meetings which are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, but any organization incurs costs. Plus future plans include establishing a secure, on-line critiquing forum up for our members and - eventually - publication of a magazine. So participation in our critique groups is restricted to our paid membership.

We do not, however, expect you to pay for something "sight unseen." So we invite you to attend a couple of our critique groups so you can see if association with our society will be of benefit to your growth as a writer.

If you decide that our organization is for you, complete an application and either bring it to a meeting in person or mail it, along with a cheque for $25, to: London Writers' Society Membership, 11 Baseline Road East, Box 43027, London, ON N6C 5Z8.