What’s Coming Up In 2026?

Do you love writing but sometimes feel stuck? Or simply want a day to write for the joy of it? This event is for you!

Poet and Write On! contributor Tavinder Kaur New leads an inspiring writing session that explores what writing means to you, how to overcome blocks and how to reconnect with creativity in a fun and supportive environment.

What to Expect:

• Guided breathing meditation to bring you into the present moment
• Free writing exercises to spark ideas and release blocks
• Creative prompts using words, pictures, and random objects
• Group sharing and discussion to inspire and connect
• A playful approach to writing for its own sake

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this session is about writing without pressure, just for fun and self-expression.

Join the Poems and Feelings Poetry Group this January as we dive into poetry that inspires Positivity, Mindfulness and a Growth Mindset.

Led by poet Amaka Obioji, this group will explore selected poems and reflective writing prompts designed to help us reconnect, reset, and rejuvenate for the new year.

Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this warm and inclusive space is for anyone who loves words and wants to grow through poetry.

When: 31 January, 1pm-3pm
Where: Dagenham Library
Book Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pen-to-print-poems-feelings-poetry-group-with-amaka-obioji-tickets-1559718974439

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Short-Story Competition – From The Cauldron: Women’s Voices in the 21st Century

Together Pen to Print, The Boathouse Studios and ByTheBook are delighted to launch a new short story competition, celebrating our diverse community of women writers and those writers who identify as female.

We invite you to take up space on the page and share the stories – whether fiction or memoir – that make us who we are. You don’t need to be a professional writer – just someone with a story to tell. We’re looking for voices that challenge silence and celebrate the many ways women navigate and own our power. Twenty writers will have their work professionally edited and published in an anthology and will receive two complimentary copies of the book each.