You can get still get a ticket on Eventbrite if you haven’t got one yet. (If you pledged, and haven’t had an invite or RSVP’d please drop me a message).
This post lists all the readers for WRITE UP so I suggest opening it up to read in browser or the Substack app.
WRITE UP 6.30pm 19 July in West Kensington London
We did it! WRITE UP a grassroots crowdfunded one-night-only storytelling event is happening this Saturday.
A huge thank you to all our supporters. There’s list of thanks to our patrons, sponsors and donors at the end of this post. We’ve had over 100 pledges and 52 submissions to WRITE UP. All of this achieved in just five weeks. What a brilliant creative community this is.
This is a Big Summer Meet Up celebrating the theme of “community and home.” Unlike many open mic nights (including the monthly Meet Ups in West London I host), every selected writer is paid for their work.
This grassroots initiative created by me, Amy I Beeson 🐝 via my little Substack I Need To Finish This Before I Die has been crowdfunded by writers, for writers through Spacehive and Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
After my mother and co-author Sarah Beeson MBE died suddenly two years ago, I couldn’t write. I felt silenced. Six months ago, I began hosting small events for writers, and it was the community that brought me back to the page. I’ve had so much support and encouragement, but credit where credit’s due my biggest cheerleaders have been the wonderful Claire Venus ✨ and Farrah @Substack .
That we’ve done something so ambitious in such a short space of time is a total testament to the value of community, especially at a time when so many of us are under increasing financial pressure. This event exists because writers and people who love the written word believe in each other.
Thank you. Enough from me, let’s meet the readers.
The Line UP
Hosted by Amy I Beeson 🐝 from I Need To Finish This Before I Die
As a grassroots celebration of new writing, our readers are a diverse group of storytellers, on different writing journeys. Some are published authors, screenwriters and spoken word artists’, but we have emerging writers and some that are brand new to creative writing.
Our Readers
Tom Wentworth from The Dressing Gown Draft
Love It When You Call
Tom’s words are fearless, funny and moving, and we’re thrilled he is bringing his memoir writing to WRITE UP.
“As soon as I heard about WRITE UP, I wanted to be part of it, even just as a guest. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the strange little things that make us feel at home. I’ve written something I hope brings a bit of liveness to the evening, somewhere between a monologue and a story. Mostly, I’m just thrilled to be in a room full of writers - offline, at last!” said Tom.
With recent and current commissions from the BBC, Pentabus and the BFI, Tom Wentworth is an electrifying voice in British Theatre. Tom’s work crackles with sharp dialogue, rich characters, and a refusal to play it safe. From his critically acclaimed comedy Burke and Hare (Watermill Theatre/Jermyn Street Theatre) and writing for the RTS winning much-loved Ralph and Katie (BBC One), Tom has earned a reputation for blending emotional truth with biting humour. As a journalist Tom contributed a regular column to Able Magazine for many years, as well as writing regularly for Young and Able and Disability Arts Online.
Danusia Malina-Derben from Parents Who Think
Thursday, I Come Home
This is a fearless exploration of parents navigating the demands of modern life while embracing their own desires. Danusia’s unique voice cuts through the noise, offering raw honesty and striking clarity in a story that’s unapologetically powerful.
“I want to detonate a small section of my memoir-in-progress in a room full of people who can handle it. At WRITE UP, I’ll be standing alongside writers who aren’t afraid to take risks, in their work and the opportunities they create for themselves,” said Danusia.
Danusia Malina-Derben is an award-winning podcast host, boardroom consultant, and sharp writer who challenges norms around motherhood, femininity, and identity, and a mother of ten. Creator of Parents Who Think on Substack, she combines fierce intellect with emotional honesty. Author of NOISE and SPUNK, Danusia’s work sparks bold conversations about power, intimacy, and rebellion. She is developing a TV drama about women rewriting love and power.
Emma Simpson from Lemon Soul
The Purple Vine Tea House
Emma’s writing captures the quiet magic of finding unexpected warmth and connection. Through vivid, sensory detail and reflective storytelling, she invites readers to slow down and witness the delicate interactions that turn small experiences into profound moments.
“Joining the Write Up Summer Party feels like plunging into the heart of a creative community, immersed in warmth, curiosity, and storytelling energy. It's a celebration of voices coming together demonstrating the support and encouragement within the writing community, where every conversation becomes part of a shared journey,” said Emma.
Emma Simpson is an award-winning author, wild swimmer and tea sommelier. A writer of narrative non-fiction, her passions centre around the endurance and optimism of the human spirit and the power of connecting through storytelling. She lives in Surrey with her fire-fighter husband, two teenage daughters and a sixty-year-old tortoise. Her debut memoir Breaking Waves was published in March 2025. Her Substack Lemon Soul savours stories that celebrate connection and resilience.
Matt Taylor from Underclass Hero
Tracksuits
Matt's memoir piece Tracksuits is condensed yet powerful; precise, poetic, and perception-altering. He captures how we survive in a class-conscious society with emotional depth and layered meaning that elevate themes of resilience and quiet defiance.
“I’m thrilled to be selected to read at WRITE UP. It’s an honour and a moment of genuine excitement for me. Voices from the care system are still rare in the writing world, so being invited into this community feels powerful and necessary. This event isn’t just about sharing stories; it’s about creating our own spaces where we belong, where we can be seen and heard without waiting for permission. It reminds me that our stories matter and deserve to be heard,” said Matt.
Matt Taylor is an award-winning creative non-fiction writer, represented by Alice Lutyens at Curtis Brown. Winner of A Writing Chance 24/25 (Substack strand), long listed for Fish Publishing’s short memoir competition 2024, Highly commended at Life Writing prize 2021, Winner of Spread The Word’s Scribe UK 2021. Published in The Bee Literary Magazine, Cherwell, and The Oxford Student.
Matt also writes Underclass Hero where invites readers into the raw, vibrant landscape of his life: navigating the care system, wrestling with class prejudice, and living in recording studios with cool bands. Every instalment, he peels back the layers of identity and social injustice, crafting stories that linger long after the final sentence, reminding us of the power of resilience and the human spirit.
Louise Morris from Anatomy of a Decision
Dandelions and Roses
Louise’s poem is nostalgic, evocative, and laced with threads of class, accent and storytelling. Lyrical and intimate, we journey full circle from a Yorkshire childhood to a mother’s creative homecoming. A love letter to girlhood, grief, and grit. Louise captures what it means to carry your roots while redefining what home can be. Her voice is grounded, with a strength that quietly stuns you.
“To me, still just six months into this writing life, this invitation feels like validation. It’s an initiation ceremony of sorts. The little girl inside gets to stand up on that stage and tell the world ‘Hi, I’m Louise, and I’m a writer.”
Louise Morris writes about values-led living, feminism, and career transition. She serves as non-executive director of Lemon Jelly Press CIC, and teaches decision-making and leadership for thoughtful people.
Micaela J Ralph from The Disaster Draft
Until Someone Asks Again
A powerful and nuanced exploration of identity and belonging that resonates beyond personal experience. Their vivid portrayal of memory and home challenges traditional narratives and enriches WRITE UP’s commitment to showcasing fresh, thought-provoking voices. Until Someone Asks Again is a sensory essay exploring childhood in Australia and the quiet complexities of identity, memory, and belonging.
“Being part of WRITE UP is a chance to bring stories to life that don’t often get told. I’m looking forward to sharing my piece and connecting with others through honest, lived experiences,” said Micaela.
Micaela is a London-based writer and audio fiction creator, currently part of the New Writing North: A Writing Chance programme (2024–25). Their debut novel, Bones in the Water, is complete and seeking representation. Through their Substack The Disaster Draft, they regularly share essays, fiction, and reflections on creative life.
Reading
Rachael's poem possesses emotional clarity and quiet strength. Her writing is intimate, like a whispered conversation. Yet, the deeply honest and raw themes are a universal testament to the power of reclaiming your story, and rediscovering yourself through creativity after traumatic experiences.
“I think 'Write Up' is a brilliant idea, and I'm happy to be a part of this event. I didn't share any of my work for years (because of imposter syndrome, which still comes and goes - I have a few poems about this!) and events like this are what helped me see that I really am a writer and that people want to hear what I have to say. I really hope that this will encourage new writers to share, and more importantly, value their work and find their community,” said Rachael.
Rachael began her journey on the London spoken word scene in the early 2000s. Although she didn’t consider herself a ‘proper’ writer until paid for her performances and commissions, writing has always been a core part of her identity. In 2023, she published her debut poetry collection, Sauce Will Thicken on Standing with Unbound Press.
Currently, Rachael is working on a new collection, From the Ashes, a therapeutic project co-created with women who have experienced emotional and/or physical abuse. This collection aims to empower survivors to reclaim and rewrite their stories through poetry and creative expression.
Joanna Milne 🏺from The Nous Trap and Phoenix Tales
When Home Was in a Suitcase
This is a heartfelt story that invites us into a rich exploration of identity and belonging, and what it means to feel caught between worlds.
“WRITE UP is such a special space where stories that might otherwise stay hidden get to be heard. I’m excited to share my grandfather’s journey because it’s about family, resilience, and the meaning of home, things I think so many of us can relate to,” said Joanna.
Joanna Milne is a barrister and Classicist whose writing bridges ancient history and modern life. In reigniting her creative voice, Joanna has two Substacks, The Nous Trap and Phoenix Tales, where she explores urgent topics like mental health, democracy, and hope in adversity. Inspired by her grandfather’s refugee story and her own journey through IVF and motherhood, Joanna brings a fresh, authentic perspective that will resonate deeply with readers navigating identity, resilience, and the search for belonging. Joanna also self-published The Pterodactyl Coup: Ant & Joe Expel the Government, a sharp political satire for children about the Covid years, under the pseudonym Aster Steel.
Ranjini Nair
Vatsalyam (Familal Love)
Ranjini’s extract is a tender, aching portrait of love, language, and loss. With cinematic grace and richly sensory storytelling, she explores how home is not just a place, but a person, and how memory and language become lifelines to the communities we carry within us.
“I'm really excited for the chance to share new writing and connect with others exploring home, memory, and language. I usually write about dance and film, so this is a great opportunity to expand my fiction practice and be part of a warm, creative community,” said Ranjini.
Ranjini Nair is a dancer, researcher, and writer whose work sits at the intersection of Indian dance, feminist archives, and interdisciplinary storytelling. With a growing focus on fiction, her writing explores memory, language, and identity. She has contributed to publications including Mint Lounge, MAP India, and Harkara Journal, and her broader practice translates oral histories and archival material into performance, media, and community-led projects.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
In May, I shared an idea in Notes to crowdfund a new kind of writing night, one where writers actually get paid. The support has been incredible so many writers immediately sent DM’s to say they were onboard to get this idea off the ground.
I’ll never forget my first pledges were from Hannah Ashe and Rebecca Mack ☕, and when Helen Morris made a big pledge in the first week, it was such a boost to keep me going.
It’s taken an incalculable amount of hours and energy to get this off the ground, without the support of people checking in, restacking and pledging - it would have been impossible. Ingrid Fernandez Lauren Powell and Holly Bailie (she/her) Nirja Joshi and Angharad James have been there every step of the way, and Lucy Werner always a source of the best PR advice.
Thank you to Michaella Parkes and Lex Hearth from Writers IRL they’ve been so encouraging, and I’m thrilled Lex will be doing a DJ set on Saturday.
Thanks to Divya Venkatesh my longtime collaborator who did all the artwork for the beautiful branding for WRITE UP. She’s created this is a very short space of time and I love it. You’re ability to ready my mind and tell stories with design is wonderful.
And most of all my husband Takbir. The fundraising and planning has taken over our lives since the end of May. Thanks for picking up on lots more things with the girls when I’ve been trying to squeeze in all the work with every spare minute.
This is going to be like the credits at the end of an independent film. But so many people invested their time, energy and money to make WRITE UP happen. And for those of you who can’t make it on the night, how wonderfully philanthropic you are, I hope I get to meet you in person to say thank you.
Patrons
Helen Morris and Takbir
Sponsors
Lauren Powell Cheryl Tissot 🌿 Farrah @Substack Angharad James Jillian Bybee, MD Karolina Pelc, Holly Bailie (she/her) Tom Wentworth Seeds, Weeds and Wildflowers Kate Darracott Danusia Malina-Derben Matt Taylor Louise Morris and Eva Lydon 🌺 from Great Little Insights.
Pledges
Catherine Powell Claire Venus ✨ Jessica Coates Ingrid Fernandez Sylvia Heal Victoria Michaella Parkes Rebecca Mack ☕ Emma Simpson Anna Rose Rosalind Birtwhistle Nirja Joshi Divya Venkatesh Rosie Lewis Nicola Wyllie Alexandra Sara Milena Katie Kennedy Jane Galloway Kate Harvey Lucy Werner Bridget Hill Mary Cressley Alice Olds Helen Poore Georgina Pearson Anja Andersson Davina Shelley Bettie Honc Jessica Montoya Aranan’s Substack JL Tooker Lex Hearth Jessica Emmett Matt Schmid Una Melina Cavella Hannah Ashe Rasha Barrage Marbellys Amy Fallon Jennifer Granville The Sass Writer Ashvini Sivakumar Janice Okoh Micaela J Ralph Jeremy from the Gym Lidia Karanfilovszka Zikic Emma Parnell Robert Comber Lily E-G Collette Philip Steph Morris Joanne Donovan Daf James Christina Marlett Annabel Port Emily Heather Joanna Milne 🏺 Océane Meftah Jo Hutton Vicki Lesley Claire Hewison Amy McKeown Sabrina Ahmed Tuğba Avci and all the anonymous donations. If I’ve missed anyone let me know.
If you are coming on Saturday please let me know for numbers.
It’s going to fabulous.
Amy x
There are only four spaces left on our next Writers’ Circle on Wednesday 10 September. There’s also a free space for anyone who isn’t in a position to pay at the moment kindly donated by Rohini Contractor in memory of her eight year old daughter Anoushka Rohini Mistry. Please get in touch with me directly if you’d like this space.
I have already said I will be there on Saturday: one of the pledgers..... x
This is exceptionally well done. Such a beautiful vision.❤️