(Bluesky/Instagram: @madeleinefwhite)
As we come into February, I’ve been reflecting on the theme of Choices: the choices we make as writers, and how they shape the paths we take.
When I was speaking at London Writers’ Salon this week, I was asked what you need to do to become a writer, and what choices that involves. For me, one of the most important questions is not simply how to write, but what kind of writer you want to be. Are you drawn to journalism and reflecting the world as it is? Do you want to write with a particular purpose? Or are you working towards commercial storytelling and wider readership? These are not small decisions; they quietly influence how a writing life unfolds.
That conversation also made me think about my own choices: the communities I’ve been part of – the ones I’ve helped to build and how those and other spaces have supported my work finding its way into the world. Choosing to be a writer is never only practical: it’s a creative and emotional commitment, a decision to keep making space for your writing and to stay in conversation with others who are doing the same.
This links us nicely into the emotional roller-coaster month of February including Valentine’s Day month as it does and not forgetting it’s also LGBTQ+ History Month. As I look into my garden, I can also see first daffodils coming through. To me, this feels like a good moment to pause and think about the choices we are making to sustain our creative lives and what this means for our writing journeys. While you’re thinking about the shape of writer you are, you could, of course, put those thoughts down and share them with us…
Now back to our Write On! programme. As ever, there are lovely things to look forward to in February. Write On! Audio features writers’ tips from BookBrunch Editor-in-Chief, Natasha Poliszczuk. While this month’s Write On! Extra Showcase editor, Sarah Frideswide, explores the idea of Choices through the lens of healing. Just a taster of our wonderful digital pages in which we showcase new writers and old favourites.
Of course, the flagship winter print edition is out now, too. So, if you haven’t done so yet, do take a moment to explore Write On! (see issue 27 here).
As ever, it’s your work and ideas being featured: co-creation in action. So please do see our submissions guidelines here. and submit around our spring theme of Choices.
Write On! Audio, the podcast ‘For Writers Everywhere’ connects emerging and established writers to each other, the publishing industry and a wider audience in an audio celebration of diversity, originality and excellence. 
