Real Writers Circle launches Arts Council England-funded Why We Write project

Press Announcement: 31 July 2026

[Download a copy of the press release here]

Real Writers Circle’s Why We Write project funded by Arts Council England will reveal what motivates writers and what they need to write

Real Writers Circle, a Brighton-based writer-led charity, has launched its Arts Council England-funded project Why We Write that will explore what motivates writers to put pen to paper.

Building on RWC’s three-year track record of events, we are taking our successful workshop format to Brent, Brighton, Folkestone, Lewisham and York. Writers of all backgrounds and abilities will be encouraged to connect, learn from each other, and share about why they write and generate insights that fuel their creative practice, while hearing from a guest author and contributing to a culture-wide conversation about what motivates writers and what they need to work.

The project, conducted in partnership with Brent Libraries, Brighton Dome, Creative Folkestone, Goldsmiths University, York St John University and National Theatre Theatreworks, will culminate in the Why We Write Showcase, a celebration of writing and writers taking place in June 2027. Project participants will be invited to submit work on the theme of Why We Write for inclusion in the showcase.

Real Writers Circle believes connected writers get more and better work done. Later in the project, we will be inviting writers interested in hosting our specific format in their location to attend a free Facilitator Session.

At a time when publishing is one of the UK’s strongest performing creative industries reporting record income of £7.4 billion in 2025 (1), and demand for creative writing workshops and courses continues to rise, the Why We Write project marks RWC’s first step toward expanding nationally after achieving charity status a year ago.

At the end of the project, we will have learned from a diverse group of writers about why and what they need to write. Documenting our insights, we hope to make a significant contribution to a national conversation about the importance of writing to individuals’ creative and mental wellbeing, as well as the UK’s cultural life.

We can’t wait to meet the writers who’ll attend the Why We Write workshops, collaborate with our partners and reveal why writers write.

“Every writer carries a distinct 'why’. Being able to share motivations and connect people across the South of England, London and Yorkshire is an exciting next step for Real Writers Circle. I am grateful that ACE has seen the strength that connecting in person brings to writing and writers.” Siân Prime, Real Writers Circle Chair and Academic Lead, Enterprise, Incubation and Innovation, Goldsmiths

“Real Writers Circle has a rare gift for making writers feel less alone in the room with their own work. I've seen the energy their workshops generate first-hand, in Brighton and at York Literature Festival, and I'm delighted York will now get to experience that same spark through Why We Write. This is exactly the kind of project that reminds writers why they started in the first place.” Vybarr Cregan-Reid, Trustee, York Literature Festival, and Professor of Creative Writing, and Associate Head of Creative Writing, Media and Film, York St John University

“This ambitious project will take us around the country to ask the definitive question Why We Write at a time when AI’s impact on the arts is at the forefront of debate across the publishing industry. We know that writing develops critical thinking, supports emotional expression, builds empathy and boosts confidence. The Why We Write workshops will reinforce those skills and nurture writers’ wellbeing right at a moment they need it most.” Samuel Burr, Bestselling Author of The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers and Real Writers Circle Trustee

For more information about how you can take part, please contact:

Victoria Robson

Creative Director

Real Writers Circle

victoria@realwriterscircle.com

https://www.realwriterscircle.com/why-we-write

About Real Writers Circle

Real Writers Circle is a writer-led charity based in Brighton that supports writers of any background or ambition working in any form or genre to improve their writing craft.

Established in 2022, we facilitate monthly events that encourage peer-to-peer connections and learning, inform and inspire through exposure to expert guest speakers, and offer attendees the opportunity to share work and receive feedback that’s useful and supportive. www.realwriterscircle.com

Registered Charity Number: 1213991

(1) Publishers Association: https://www.publishers.org.uk/publishing-reaches-highest-ever-revenue-in-2025/