Write On! interviews Gemma Seltzer from Write & Shine

Gemma Seltzer is the author of Ways Of Living, a collection of short stories published by Influx Press, which was a Foyles bestseller. She enjoys experimenting beyond the page, including writing Songbird, an award-winning virtual reality film for the Guardian and is one of the writers in residence at the Museum of London, writing texts for its new permanent gallery, opening in 2026. Gemma founded Write & Shine, a creative writing programme that encourages people to find inspiration in the morning. She lives in London.

WO: Can you tell us about Write & Shine and why it was set up?

GS: Thanks so much for having me! Write & Shine is an early morning writing programme that runs in tune with the seasons. We gather in the morning light to write together. 

I’ve always loved mornings, and I feel so much brighter and more creative in the morning. I know that when we wake, we’re incredibly sensitive to the sights and sounds of our environment. I set up Write & Shine in 2015 to offer others the chance to write before the busy working day begins. The mornings can be so quiet and magical, the very best time to think, dream and imagine!

WO: Write & Shine runs a number of programmes, can you tell us about a few of them?

GS: Our main offering is our early morning workshops, which take place on Zoom and also in peaceful London locations. I host the sessions, sharing poems and other materials to inspire new writing, and allowing space for participants to not only write, but also to think and be curious about their own creative ideas. Each season, we welcome guest tutors to lead workshops to inspire our community. This has included an array of creative perspectives from bestselling authors such as Diana Evans and Charlotte Mendelson as well as dancers, poets, novelists, photographers, florists, naturalists and illustrators. It’s lovely to hear from so many different, fascinating people.

We also have an online library of self-guided courses. You can choose one, follow the timed exercises for half an hour, and hopefully you’ll feel inspired and feel supported to commit to a writing habit — on your own schedule, on the move or from the comfort of home. It’s flexible and low cost and we’re glad to offer something to people who might not otherwise have time or space to write.

WO: Why do you believe an organisation, such as Write & Shine, is important?

GS: One thing that makes us different from other organisations — aside from the early starts! — is that we don’t share our writing. The focus is on generating new material and tapping into imaginations in the morning. We think this helps create a welcoming, inclusive and reflective atmosphere from which all kinds of bright and brilliant ideas can flow.

WO: What one piece of advice would you give someone to encourage them to explore writing as an outlet?

GS: Trust your own voice. No one else sees the world like you do, no one else has had those experiences. Write to find out what you think, write because it’s a way of tuning into yourself. Grace Paley says: “Everyone is articulate when they’re telling their own story.” I love that and find it very encouraging!

WO: Can you tell us anything about future projects?

GS: Our new programme for spring is a celebration of light, colour and short stories!

We’ll take inspiration from glimpses of new life in the natural world. We’ll explore the value of close observation in writing, with a focus on short fiction — also described as a ‘glimpse.’ We’re delighted to welcome writer Lavinia Greenlaw for a very special spring equinox event and short story writer Vanessa Onwuemezi for a workshop on the rich metaphor of spring.

Find out more here: https://booking.write-and-shine.com

WO: Lastly, just for fun, if you could choose one fictional animal/creature to be a pet or companion, who would it be and why?

GS: I’d be Timmy the dog from Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. Loving and loyal and always keen to explore new places!

You can find out more about Write & Shine here: write-and-shine.com/ and connect with them on Instagram:  @writeandshine.ldn/

*****

Issue 23 is out now. You will find it in libraries and other outlets. Alternatively all current and previous editions can be found on our magazines page here. 

You can hear great new ideas, creative work and writing tips on Write On! Audio. Find us on all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Google Podcasts and Spotify. Type Pen to Print into your browser and look for our logo, or find us on Podcasters.Spotify.com.

*****

If you or someone you know has been affected by issues covered in our pages, please see the relevant link below for ​information, advice and support​: https://pentoprint.org/about/advice-support/