Code of Conduct
torringtonwriters is a group of writers who come together to exchange feedback on work they hope to publish or write simply for pleasure. This is done in an informal and lively manner, and this code of conduct is here to help people present their work and to give and receive feedback in a sensitive and helpful way.
What writing can I bring?
- We don’t focus on specific genres and welcome all kinds of creative fiction. However, while there are no rules regarding the type, style or content of reading samples, the range of skills and experience of group members means we can’t always offer appropriate critique.
- Reading samples tend to be around 1,000 to 1,500 words in length, to allow time for each group member to read out their piece and receive feedback during the meeting.
- What should I NOT do?
We have to feel comfortable sharing our writing, so it’s important to be able to trust each other. This means following a few simple guidelines set out in this document which endeavours to promote mutual respect for ourselves and our writing. The following are a few points to bear in mind both before and during a meeting.
- Avoid distracting others
While people are reading, please avoid interrupting or otherwise distracting people. If you need a drink, for instance, or to leave the room, please wait until the reader has finished. Please also turn off your mobile phone.
- Keep it within the group
Anything read out during a meeting or circulated among members must be kept within the group, unless prior permission is sought from the writer. An author’s writing is their intellectual property and should not be shared outside the group without their explicit permission.
- Sexual, challenging or adult-orientated content
If your writing contains certain themes or content that may offend or distress others, you should let people know before reading it to the group. (e.g. erotica, rape, extreme violence, self-harm/eating disorders/suicide, abortion/miscarriage, mental illness, graphic adult content.)
We don’t generally stop people from talking about these subjects. But please bear in mind that this might happen if your submission upsets the majority of the group present, so please be aware that different people have very different ideas of what is challenging material. A trigger warning may be necessary before something potentially upsetting is read out, to allow people to remove themselves from the room if they don’t want to hear it. If you’re unsure, you MUST submit your writing sample to the group organiser ahead of time.
- Bigotry
If your piece includes references to violence or hatred on the basis of race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age or sexual orientation, use caution before reading it out. If in doubt consult with the group organiser before reading it out. Such material may need to have a trigger warning before the group hears it.
- No Gratuitous Self-Promotion
torringtonwriters is not a platform for promoting your work. Its aim is to critique and develop our work in progress and to hone our writing skills for the future. You’re welcome to announce your latest publication, of course, but this is not the purpose of the group.
In general:
- Be respectful; Ask questions; Listen after speaking; Give positive feedback first; Consider genre.
IMPORTANT
If you feel that someone has breached the code of conduct, and don’t feel you can bring the matter to their attention directly, you can consult with the group organiser. If the breach is serious enough, the person in question will be given a warning by e-mail. They will have a right of response. If this behaviour was serious enough to warrant it, or the warning is not heeded, then they will be asked not to attend future meetings.
Sensitive Topics;
Extreme violence; Length or detailed descriptions of torture, wounds or surgery; Rape; Sexual assault of any kind; Suicide and self-harm. Individuals with suicidal intent; Individuals self-harming through active or non-active processes e.g. Bulimia; Cutting or self-neglect; Sexual activity, implied or otherwise, involving children or pre-adults. Mental Illness; The experience of psychosis or mental illness, such as multiple personality disorder, depression or anxiety disorder.
Treat with caution the themes of hunting and blood sports in general.
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It is also worth noting that from 2022 many of the larger publishing houses are employing “sensitivity editors” on their teams.
February 2023
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