Our Story
“We began as a group of women with a shared interest in writing. We have become a unified voice for contemporary women’s fiction - as well as loyal friends.”
In January 2008, novelist Miranda Glover invited five friends to form a writing group. Some were established writers, others emerging, and they began to meet regularly around the kitchen table to discuss new ideas and approaches to fiction. One revelatory, revolutionary year later and they were well on their way to creating their own collection of short stories and establishing Queenbee Press...
Published in November 2009, The Leap Year was the launch collection from The Contemporary Women Writers’ Club. This anthology challenged contemporary publishing conventions. Through the creation of Queenbee Press it was independently printed and distributed, yet with the same rigorous attention to detail, quality and finish as any commercially published title. This pioneering approach created serious waves in
the media - take a look at our News & Media archive.
All members of The Contemporary Women Writers' Club continue to share a desire to write and to keep writing, to publish and keep publishing. Through our imprint, Queenbee Press, we intend to do just that - to celebrate and perpetuate the art of quality women’s fiction.
The launch of the online writing community cwwc.com and the publication of a second collection, Ten Past Eight, opens an exciting new chapter in our story. If you share our passion for great writing, please join us. We are now inviting you to register interest in cwwc.com membership and our online writing programmes. If you would like further information, please get in touch via the contacts form.
The Co-Founders Of The CWWC
Lucy Cavendish
I currently write a column for The Sunday Telegraph Magazine and I contribute regularly to The Daily Mail, The Guardian and The Observer. I have published three novels with Penguin; Samantha Smythe's Modern Family Journal, Lost and Found, and Storm In A Teacup. The CWWC has enabled me to explore new styles and material in my fiction. I am married to Michael, a graphic artist, and have four children, Raymond, Leonard, Jeremiah and Ottoline.
Miranda Glover
I have published three novels with Transworld; Meanwhile Street (2009) Soulmates (2007) and Masterpiece (2005). I also teach and mentor emerging female writers in small groups and through seminar programmes. I have a publishing background in non-fiction; magazine, book and online content, specialising in art, design, fashion, food and lifestyle. I am currently working on a fourth novel and producing magazines and online content for a creative consultancy.
The CWWC has shown me the great value of critical collaboration. I have been inspired to see other women writers produce such subtle, sophisticated short stories. I also work as a magazine editor and journalist. I am married and we have two children.
Rachel Jackson
British-born, I have Jamaican and Nigerian roots. I started out writing for The Erotic Review (under the wonderful Rowan Pelling) in 2001 and have since written features for women’s magazines including Marie Claire. Having been signed to the agency Curtis Brown, I am now working on my first novel. The CWWC is an ongoing dialogue amongst women writers that provides genuine inspiration whilst encouraging creative freedom. I enjoy a lively rural life with my partner and his twins.
Jennie Walmsley
I am a broadcast journalist who worked for many years as a producer/director at the BBC, where credits included The Late Show and Newsnight. I have also provided media training to national arts organisations, NGOs and Government departments. I am currently working on my first novel. The CWWC has given me the opportunity to write creatively, beyond the constraints of fact and journalistic integrity. I live with my partner and three children.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Anne Tuite-Dalton
Born near Paris, I am French and moved to Britain twenty years ago. A modern languages teacher, I have always enjoyed writing bits and pieces. The CWWC has been inspirational and stimulating. It has filled me with energy and given me new insights into the writing process. I am married to my English husband and we have three children.
Alexa Hughes Wilson
Born in Texas, I have also lived in New York, Seattle and Paris. After some years spent reading and writing about French literature I moved to England and started to focus on my own neglected writing. The CWWC has been an inspiration. I live in England with my two children Rhodes and Cresson and fellow American husband, Phil.