If you get some time over the next few weeks apply for this!

'I spent 30 years searching for secret to happiness - the answer isn't what I thought' Fergal Keane - beautiful, frank and uplifting article so apt for this time of year.

A reminder that there's free things. Free! 📚📘👨🏻‍🏫👩🏼‍🏫📖📗📔 #ProjectGutenberg #Library #reading #bookclub #literature #classics #eBooks @oldladyhembrew.bsky.social 📚

Kit is an excellent teacher, leader, inspiration and hugely practical as well.

I’m very happy to announce the publication of BOOK of JOBS, a wry & philosophical memoir of the many many jobs I had between the ages of 16 and 42. It’s dedicated to @kitdewaal.com as she provided much encouragement to me in the writing. Thank you! My book is available on Amazon: amzn.eu/d/2FCjLZL

First book by a brilliant writer. You’ll love it

REMINDER - there is a fully funded bursary place available for my Six Month Writing Course in association with @gladlib.bsky.social The Deadline is 7th January. www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...

Job here at Bristol Refugee Festival Link here via IG www.instagram.com/bristolrefug...

HarperCollins Author Academy opens 8th January, a virtual, six-week, free programme for writers from underrepresented to have their manuscript considered across HarperCollins UK publishing divisions. Please share with anyone that might be interested. Find out more at harpercollinsacademy.co.uk

ITV in partnership with The Film and TV Charity, are looking for 20 people to take part in a new pilot in January at ITV bringing freelancers from different aspects of production to, receive an ITV mentor, attend events, training and workshops. To find out more or to apply go to thegreenroom.itv

📣Calling writers: Gladstone’s Library is offering one funded place on The Six-Month Writing Course with @kitdewaal.com. For writers who would benefit from the course but may otherwise be unable to access it. We especially welcome those who feel marginalised within the industry. 1/3

Please share :)

Apply by midday, Wednesday 7th January. Full T&Cs & how to apply via the link in our bio (or Website → Events → Writing Kit → Six-Month Writing Course). The bursary recipient will remain anonymous unless they choose otherwise. We can’t wait to hear from you! 3/3

You’ll receive: ▪️ 2 in-person + 4 online workshops with Kit de Waal ▪️ Small group experience (max 16 writers) ▪️ A night's accommodation for both in-person sessions ▪️ Meals & refreshments (full details on our site) 2/3

Free to enter retreat in Greece for emerging fiction writers. Please share :)

As some people are very keen to point out it’s not ‘all’ genres, just quite a few :) My bad.

"We are currently looking for: Crime & thrillers Psychological thrillers Cozy crime Historical fiction Romance & romantic comedies We currently don’t accept non-fiction, science fiction, YA, children’s books, literary fiction, poetry or short stories."

🌟 This winter, we have a chance to make something extraordinary happen - and we’re looking for 27 people to help us do it. 🌟 Join our Bursar Club 👉 bit.ly/4p6Xqrw

👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

Check it out!! Hodder & Stoughton have an open submission window for all fiction genres. Get in quick. Details in link. Please share :)

I’ve been on here about a year. Today I passed 20,000 followers. I wouldn’t have believed that possible when I started out, though my early connections, including the wonderful @regretteruane.bsky.social @kitdewaal.com @hanrahanistan.bsky.social supported me & helped me get going Thank you everyone🙏

Thread 👇🏽

kind of obsessed with this custom binding for Moby dick by Susan and Chaim Ebanks at Exeter Bookbinders

Looking for a Christmas present for that loved one who always has a story to tell? I will be delivering a memoir masterclass @gladlib on 30 May 2026.🎅🎄🎁 www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/memoir...

Word

If you have any questions on my 6 month writing course send them to @eanstruther.bsky.social and we will answer them over on Substack on the 5th December substack.com/@eleanoranst...

Today is #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay so why not pick up a copy of the FUEL anthology of prizewinning flash fictions - it's a great read and profits go to four #fuelpoverty charities, including @nea.org.uk. The brand new ebook has 75+12 bonus stories = 87 flash stories! Buy here: www.fuelflash.net

Ebook includes brilliant flash fictions by @maureenmcely.bsky.social, @sfreligh.bsky.social, @lunchontuesday.bsky.social, @emilyrinkema.bsky.social, @jaimegill.bsky.social, @sarahhilary.bsky.social, @kitdewaal.com, @jmgatford.bsky.social, @daraelerath.bsky.social and @zephyrax.bsky.social!

Via @afterdinnerconversation

Want to know more about my 6 Month Writing Course? Here's the lowdown. open.substack.com/pub/kitdewaa...

Smiley face, chuffed emoji

Through two in-person weekends at Gladstone’s Library and four online workshops, explore story essentials, character, research, voice, setting and editing. Starts 27 February 2026. I'd love you to join us! www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...

Morning.

I’ve been appointed a Fellow of The Society of Authors. Very nice :)

Introducing the Manderley Press subscription - the ultimate gift for readers who love rediscovered literary gems, distinctive titles and beautifully made books. A carefully curated collection elegant reprints brought back to life especially for the 21st-century reader. manderleypress.com #booksky

And finally I'm reposting my starter pack of Novelists. Some of my favourite people on BlueSky are in here @kitdewaal.com @regretteruane.bsky.social @drewgum.bsky.social @susannacrossman.bsky.social @jnraeside.bsky.social And many more. Please follow and repost if you can #writingcommnuity #booksky

Thanks to DCU Arts and Culture for another superb DCU Book Club session. Join us in January for @kitdewaal.com's discussion of her novel 'The Best of Everything'. Tickets are free but spaces are limited so book your ticket now! www.dcu.ie/dcuartsandcu...

I sure do!

Do you want to know the first thing I will be teaching on my six month writing course? kitdewaal.substack.com/p/things-i-w...

The outgoing chief exec Tom Riordan said a couple of years ago, "councils are no longer sufficiently funded to provide the services expected of them." Diabolical genius of austerity is a lot of folk don't know how LA's are funded so it's councils who are see as the bad guys when services disappear.

Today I’ll be doing the first proper day of photography for the Outsiders project since 2022, focusing on long term street homelessness and tent encampments. The situation is much worse than it was and the exhibition must reflect that. Nobody should be sleeping rough in a country as wealthy as ours.

I’m so looking forward to this evening’s Author Showcase at Kenilworth Books in Warwicks! I’ll be signing copies of my debut novel, ‘The Approval of Sheep’ & also recommending some of my favourite reads! If you’re local-ish, I hope to see you there! 12 Talisman Square, CV8 1JB Thurs 20 Nov 5-7pm

Memoir for Beginners Course, all day, in person? Sign up and learn how to craft your story into a compelling narrative with exercises, discussion, and lots of opportunity to write whatever your skill level and ambition. Please share:

Update - there are now only 9 places left!

This award gives emerging writers a free course, retreat and mentoring. You need to be unpublished but it closes on 30th November so get in quick. Details in link. Please share :)

Hey authors! Check to see if Anthropic stole your book to train their slop generator on. You’re entitled to $1500 per stolen Work. Look up your work, and if you’re in the database, file a claim secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup/

Also missing the point of stories. For most of us, the first stories we were learned were told to us orally. When someone tells me they love my writing or my stories, I never ask - oh, but did you read it on paper? No writer cares. The story is the thing, not the method of delivery

This will be terrific 👌