Submissions Now Open for WRITE UP: Christmas Edition

Get paid to read your work at London new writing evening on 13 December

WRITE UP: Christmas Edition is a new writing event that offers a paid platform for writers to share their work live on Saturday 13 December 2025.

It’s something rare, a grassroots crowdfunded celebration of stories and the people who tell them. Every writer who reads is paid for their work, sending a clear message about the value of storytellers and the power of stories shared in community.

It’s also a wonderful night to connect with people who share a passion for writing, build your network and be part of something special.

Submit your work

Submissions are now open until 10pm on Sunday 9 November 2025.

We’re looking for a diversity of stories and storytellers on the theme of Christmas in poetry, prose or dramatic monologue. Writers should consider how well their piece will work in a medium-sized venue read to a live audience.

We’re inviting both extracts and original work including:

• Ghost stories

• Homecomings

• Comedy

• Family drama

• Memoir

• Winter tales

• Folklore and myth

• Modern takes on classic Christmas stories

• Fireside tales

Pieces should ideally be 5–8 minutes long to read aloud (500 words).

Writers are also invited to choose one or two pieces of music to play after their reading.

Judging

WRITE UP aims to create a platform for a diverse range of writers in background, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, age and access to writing education.

We’ll select a mix of established, emerging and new voices to create a rich and varied line-up.

Judges will focus on:

• Voice and originality (most important)

• Emotional and intellectual impact (most important)

• Clarity and coherence

• Relevance to theme

• Performance potential

We’ll also consider how each piece fits within the overall night with attention to diversity, inclusion and community engagement. (Entrants over 18 years old).

Our July edition received 52 submissions and the standard was extremely high, so consider how your work might sit in the context of the event.

Show your support

It’s free to enter but as a crowdfunded event every pledge helps make it possible.

Donation Tiers

• £2–£24 – Thank you, you’re wonderful

• £25–£49 – You’ll receive a ticket to the event

• £50–£99 – Ticket, drinks and nibbles, and you’ll be listed as an official sponsor

• £100+ – Ticket, drinks and nibbles, you’ll be listed as an official patron, and a writer will host your table

(You can donate gradually over time to move up the tiers if that’s easier.)

Stay in the Loop

Sign up to receive news and announcements in the lead-up to WRITE UP: Christmas Edition.

Be part of a night that celebrates the magic of words, community and connection.

WRITE UP is founded and hosted by Amy Beeson on behalf of The Story Pod, and is a Crowdfunded event in H&F, London.