The Arts Council England-funded Why We Write project is an invitation to writers of any ability or background to explore why they put pen to paper. 

Through a series of five, affordably-priced workshops in Brent, Brighton, Folkestone, Lewisham and York, writers will be encouraged to connect, learn and share with each other about their writing and explore why they write. Up to 30 attendees will hear from an established author about why they write. And there will be an opportunity for writers to share work, listen to other writers’ work and provide mutually-useful feedback. 

Whether you’ve been writing for years, or are about to type your first words, the only criteria to attend one of the Why We Write workshops is that you are intentional about your writing. Details of each workshop, including dates and locations, will be found below.

After the workshop, writers will be invited to submit work for inclusion in a Showcase to be held in Deptford Townhall in June 2027. More information on what and how to submit is coming.

The Showcase will be a celebration of writing. Everyone who has participated in the project, as well as friends and fellow writers will be invited to attend. Selected writers will read their work to an enthusiast audience, with six writers receiving training on public speaking from NT Theatreworks.

Writers interested in establishing a Real Writers Circle meeting in their location will be invited to sign up for a free Facilitators Session in which we’ll train you on how to host our unique format.

At the end of the project we hope to have learned from a diverse group of writers about why and what they need to write and 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.

Brent

·

Brighton

·

York

·

Lewisham

.

Folkestone

.

Brent · Brighton · York · Lewisham . Folkestone .

What do you like most about Real Writers Circle events?

  • "The energy and enthusiasm. Feeling part of a community, being encouraged and learning from the inspiring and experienced guests that they have at each meeting. It's a very professional and welcoming group, which makes it less daunting when you attend. "

    —RWC Attendee

  • "There seems to be alot of support for beginning creative writing - courses etc. But genuine face to face feedback for people who have been writing for a few years is in quite short supply."

    -RWC Attendee

  • "RWC has expanded my local writing community, introducing me to fantastic writers across Sussex and beyond. The variety of experience the attendees have is so valuable. Successful published authors along with beginners of all ages. It's given me confidence and a wealth of useful advice."

    -RWC Attendee

  • "I am so grateful for the RWC events and the connections they’ve helped an introverted writer like me make. It is a wonderfully supportive and friendly community."

    -RWC Attendee

  • "These evenings are a firm monthly date in my diary. I always leave feeling freshly inspired. There's just enough balance between meaningful networking and skill-building."

    -RWC Attendee

  • "Unlike online offerings, the RWC has given me a real community to lean on and grow with — something that's hard to find in what can feel like a broken, fragmented society."

    -RWC Attendee