(Edited he just joined Substack! Welcome
)I watched my husband,
, perform his words for the first time in sixteen years on Friday evening. The lights lowered in the studio, the audience hushed, our daughters sitting either side of me as they watched their Daddy at The Lyric.They’ve never seen him like this before, but I have. I met him in the theatre, as young playwrights at The Birmingham Rep. He looked so at home in the company, as if he’s never been away from the stage; Takie’s had an extra spark whilst he’s been in rehearsals. Creativity has come knocking at his door once more, I hope he’s ready to let her in.
Sometimes coming back to something is even harder than it was the first time. What happens when you’re no longer young, no longer new? What if you didn’t have those chances, or you weren’t interested in writing then? Stories give us a secret window into other people’s world, that’s why we need variety and diversity of voices of all ages and stages and backgrounds.
I published books with HarperCollins in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and each time I found the writing and promoting whilst working and parenting harder and harder. I was 50,000 words into a historical fiction novel when my mum died in 2023, and it’s taken me almost two years to find my way back to writing.
I’ve felt ashamed of these breaks, thinking I should be able to write anywhere, anytime. Feeling blocked, or unable to finish, is such a difficult place to be in, it’s easier to get busy with other stuff. Especially when attempting to carve out space to write in a hectic adult life and sticking at it till completion with no promise of whether it’ll go anywhere. When we’re lacking in self-compassion it looks like such an indulgence and a gamble. Before we even get started the pressure to create something worth the time away from family, work, friends, or finally learning to do a headstand feels loaded.
Writing for the joy of it, of the sense of self it gives me is enough. I’m worth that time. My husband is worth that time. You’re worth that time.
Have you ever had a break, or maybe you’ve got an idea but something is holding you back from bringing it into the light?
I said, to Takie, ‘You’re still a writer. I know that’s who you are. Greet it like an old friend you haven’t seen for years and pick up where you left off.’ I hope he will, but it’s his journey, his relationship.
I think what made the difference was being in the company. Being part of a community. I know for me that’s been Substack. It was organising meet ups and then writers’ circles that got me into the habit of giving and receiving creative work again. That’s why I’m hoping anyone who has been on the fence about pledging and coming to WRITE UP will take that step and know you don’t need to prove anything to be there.
Be part of WRITE UP
We’ve got one day left to crowdfund. We’ve already raised £1,799 with 72 pledges which is huge (I have to keep reminding myself that).
WRITE UP is a night of storytelling and music from 6.30-9.30pm on Saturday 19 July in West Kensington, London.
We’re inviting writers to submit a piece up to 500 words on the theme of community and home. 8-10 writers will be offered a fee to read their work on the night.
Each writer will also choose 2-3 songs that are the soundtrack to their story. DJs’ will weave those tracks between readings, creating flow, resonance, and a shared atmosphere of celebration.
You can be involved simply by doing one or all of these things.
Submit something.
Write about it afterwards.
Come and enjoy the night.
You don’t have to have written a single word to be there. It’s about celebrating creativity and community.
We’ve only got until tomorrow Monday 30 June 2025 to reach the target to release the Matchfunding from the council. At writing this post we still have 20% left to go.
Please donate if you’d like to come.
Please donate a few pounds even if you can’t come but want to pay it forward.
Please donate if you’ve already donated and could put in a smidge more dosh.
Get Writing
If you’ve been thinking about having a go at writing something but feel a little bit stuck, as a final push I’m going to have a 30-minute co-writing space with some prompts to get you started.
Join Zoom Meeting 8.15-8.45pm (BST) on Monday 30 June.
Meeting ID: 852 0490 7824
Passcode: 8xjAvD
We can have a bit of a chat. 20 minutes writing time and a quick chat at the end.
We want pieces that speak to belonging (or not), roots, reinvention, chosen family, where you come from and where you’re going. Interpret the theme freely, and it’s open to mix genre, fiction, memoir, poetry, experimental forms. We want a diverse range of writers, at all stages of their writing journey.
Writers need to be over 18. If you’re aged between 16-18 you can enter with parental permission, please get in touch to discuss.
How to Submit
Submit your entry via the google form.
You’ll need to copy and paste a piece of up to 500 words (that’s up to three to five minutes reading time).
Include your selected 2-3 songs and how they relate to your story.
It’ll ask for biographical and contact information
You have until midnight on Sunday 6 July to enter.
Any questions comment or email hello.thestorypod@gmail.com
Pledge now!
Please pledge before the crowdfunding ends tomorrow on 30 June.
Pledge £2 - £9 just because you love this idea, no strings attached.
Pledge £10-£49 and you’ll be welcomed guest.
Pledge £50-£199 and your name will be listed as a sponsor of the event.
Pledge over £200 and you’ll be considered a patron. Your name or business will be listed in all promotion, and we’ll give you a big fat thank you on the night.
Step by Step
Visit WRITE UP project page
Click ‘Back This Project’ Button
Sign up or log in to Space Hive
Enter the amount you want to donate
Also, share, share and then share again.
Thank you so so much to everyone who is supporting creating with grassroots event for new writing.
Thanks so much to all the Substackers (below) who’ve pledged so far especially those of you who aren’t in the UK and/or can’t make the 19 July. To everyone who can make it, get ready for the an unforgettable summer party.
This is your invitation. Whether you’re dusting off an old draft, scribbling something new, or simply curious to be around stories and music, WRITE UP is for you.
Amy 🐝
Legends
Helen Morris Tom Wentworth Holly Bailie (she/her) Kate Darracott Danusia Malina-Derben Matt Taylor Claire Venus ✨ Ingrid Fernandez Angharad James Victoria Michaella Parkes Emma Simpson Lauren Powell Anna Rose Nirja Joshi Divya Venkatesh Alexandra Sara Louise Morris Milena Katie Kennedy Jane Galloway Kate Harvey Rebecca Mack ☕ Lucy Werner Bettie Honc Jessica Montoya JL Tooker Rasha Barrage Hannah Ashe Marbellys Amy Fallon Georgina Pearson Jennifer Granville The Sass Writer Eva Lydon 🌺 Janice Okoh Micaela J Ralph Lidia Karanfilovszka Zikic Emma Parnell Océane Meftah Helen Poore Robert Comber Melina Cavella Lex Hearth Jessica Emmett Nicola Wyllie
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