They are holding the inaugural lunch meeting of the Bellingen WOW! (writers on writing) critiquing group on Wednesday July 31 at The Corner Store in Hyde Street, Bellingen.

Kim and Margaret chose this particular venue because of the great food, the friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere.

To start at 12 o'clock and go until about 2.30pm, the first critiquing group meeting on Wednesday July 31 will comprise a general information session, an exploration of the group's expectations and goals and, of course, lunch.

Spokesperson for the new group, Kim Hodges, said, "The critiquing group is for anyone who's working on a manuscript."

"The writing genre can be fiction, non-fiction, memoir, you name it, so long as it's in the form of a manuscript that is being worked on.

"The idea is that once we're up and running, the Bellingen WOW! group members will email up to 1000 words to one another a week before the meeting and then come along on the day ready to give their critique - constructive criticism, in other words - in a sociable setting.

"The goal is for us all to see a progression in our work over time through this process, which is modelled on a similar initiative associated with the Coffs Harbour Writers Group.

"Participants will need to buy their own lunch but the venue in Bellingen has kindly offered to provide free tea for our meetings.

"After the exploratory meeting on July 31 we anticipate meeting at the same time and venue on the second Wednesday of every month," Ms Hodges said.

The Corner Store Bellingen Floor Manager Chrissie Bull said, "We have the space and we like to encourage community groups to gather here. We're happy to provide free tea for the people coming too. We just need to know the numbers beforehand so we can set up a quiet table for the group."

Bookings: Kim Hodges on 0435 211 522 or email kim.m.hodges@bigpond.com