The Federation of Worker Writers and Community Publishers was set up in 1976 by a number of independent writing and publishing groups to support and develop the writing of working class and other marginalized people. Focusing on the development of individuals within a collective organization over the previous three decades provides important insights into their learning experiences even though the aims of these workshops were not conceived in educational terms. Many aspiring writers faced quite severe difficulties and opposition from those close to them although elements of working class life also fostered individual expression and development. In this context, the workshop provided a collective experience for people who both supported and challenged each other to improve their writing. Although workshops were inclusive and accessible to all some writers would go on to achieve considerable success. This undermines any simple notion of "relativism" which has been used to characterize the movement. It also brings into question the idea of the individual genius who has emerged in spite of her/his roots. Finally, it helps us to better understand the changes and continuity in the idea of the mainstream. (Contains 93 footnotes.)