Write On! 29, sponsored by London Writers’ Salon is out today. Our Summer issue explores the theme of ‘Borrowed’: We inherit more than we realise: stories, traditions, languages, landscapes and ideas. Some are passed down deliberately; others arrive quietly through culture, community and experience. As writers, we constantly draw upon what has come before us, borrowing voices, influences and fragments of history as we seek to understand ourselves and the world around us.

Leading the issue is award-winning author, historian and journalist Tharik Hussain, whose work explores overlooked histories, cultural memory and belonging. In conversation with writer Nick Burdett, Tharik reflects on Muslim Europe, his latest book in terms of travel, identity and the stories that connect us across time and place. Discussing his approach to uncovering hidden histories, Tharik says:

“Proper history writing can be intimidating. I want it to be accessible. Because of the type of history I am revealing here – history people have been taught doesn’t exist – this is really important.”

On our sponsor page, we hear from Parul Bavishi and Matt Trinetti, co-founders of London Writers’ Salon, about the importance of showing up, for each other and our writing.

The issue also features:

• Spotlight: AI and Writers considers originality, creativity and voice in an increasingly automated age.
• Insight: Award-winning poet Jenny Mitchell and book marketeer Gila Moyal answer reader questions.
• The Big Debate: Borrowing vs Taking – Eithne Cullen explores where influence ends and appropriation begins.
• Showcase Special: Borrowed – writers reflect on the people, places, cultures and experiences that shape creative lives.

***

Write On! 30  is out on 16 September, 2026. Themed ‘Nostalgia,’with headliner, the bestselling thriller-writer Gillian McAllister is sponsored by LoveReading. Our issue theme will also inform content for the digital Write On! Extra (accessible through this website) and Write On! Audio. (This podcast can be accessed on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Just type pen to print into your browser. Alternatively, find us via our Spotify Podcast hosting site.