📚 RLF Fellows' News – July 2026 From new books to broadcasts, literary events and awards, discover the latest news from across the RLF community. Read the full roundup: Read the full roundup: https://www.rlf.org.uk/posts/rlf-writers-news-july-2026/

Reflecting on last week's celebration in Ashdown Forest with the RLF's Royal Patron, HM The Queen, marking 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh. 🍯 Joined by celebrated children's authors and illustrators, we honoured AA Milne's legacy.

To mark the National Year of Reading and 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, children's writer Jim Beckett reflects on AA Milne, Christopher Robin, and the enduring importance of sharing stories with children. Read more: https://bit.ly/4h09ute

RLF's Reading Round has brought adults together through shared experience of reading and poetry 📚 As part of the National Year of Reading, we're expanding the programme with groups launching in libraries, NHS settings, hospices and, for the first time, prisons. Read more: https://bit.ly/4f62CrE

Today we celebrated 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh and AA Milne's legacy with the RLF's Royal Patron, HM The Queen. Joined by Sita Brahmachari, Dame Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Jane Riordan, a game of Poohsticks crowned Axel Scheffler as this year's champion! Photography: Fernando Manoso Ltd

🎧 New episode of *Collected: The Podcast* 🎙 To mark 100 years of *Winnie-the-Pooh*, Sally Kindberg joins Julia Copus and Jonathan Tulloch to explore the enduring legacy of AA Milne, alongside stories from Sally's wonderfully varied career. Listen now: https://podcast.rlf.org.uk

📚 My Writing Life: Emma Thompson "Just sit there and do it. Don't worry about failing because you will fail often." Emma Thompson on writing, creativity and embracing failure. Read more: https://www.rlf.org.uk/posts/my-writing-life-emma-thompson/ Photography ©️ Nick Haddow.

WritersMosaic at Bradford Literary Festival 📚 This weekend, WritersMosaic presents two special events celebrating storytelling; featuring various RLF and WritersMosaic writers with live music from Rory A. Green. Find out more and book tickets: https://bit.ly/3Tb6Ir6 & https://bit.ly/4b5KvAX

This Pride Month, we're revisiting Straight Jacket, Matthew Todd's influential book on LGBTQ+ mental health, identity and the lasting impact of shame. Ten years on, Matthew reflects on the book's legacy and why its themes remain as relevant as ever. 📖 Read more here: https://bit.ly/4eCtyAu

📚 My Writing Life: Kerry Young ✍️ “I wish someone had told me that I showed promise as a writer.” The acclaimed author of Pao, Gloria and Show Me a Mountain reflects on perseverance, encouragement, writing routines and the advice that shaped her career. Read more: https://bit.ly/4uUToUW

On National Writing Day, we're highlighting the support available to writers. In our latest webinar, Justine Palmer (RLF) and Robyn Law (Society of Authors) discuss seeking help, supporting fellow writers, and accessing practical resources. Watch the full webinar on YouTube.

Last weekend, RLF writers Harry Man, Tahmina Ali and Bob Beagrie joined audiences at The Poetry Pharmacy in York for an evening of poetry and conversation, featuring work by fellow RLF writers Kate Worsley, Rebecca Goss and Stephanie Norgate. Next event tickets: https://bit.ly/4xQP4sQ

🎧 RLF's Collected: The Podcast 🎙 In this episode, award-winning translator, author and editor Daniel Hahn discusses his latest book on translating Shakespeare, and explores the role of translation in connecting readers with stories from around the world. Listen here: https://podcast.rlf.org.uk

How does the RLF support writers? In a recent webinar, Justine Palmer, Head of Grants, explains how our grants programme supports writers through difficult personal circumstances, with confidentiality and anonymity at its core. Watch the full webinar on YouTube and find out more on our website.

We're delighted to announce the return of RLF's Collected: The Podcast for a brand-new season! 🎙🎧 To kick off the latest series, music journalist, rock biographer and sports writer John Aizlewood shares stories from a varied writing career. Listen to the full podcast: https://podcast.rlf.org.uk

What does it really take to sustain a career as a writer today? In our most recent webinar, we explored the financial realities many writers face today ✍️ Watch the full webinar on YouTube and learn more about the grants programme on our website: https://www.rlf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/

📚 RLF Fellows’ News – June 2026 ✍️ Publishing highlights include new work from Rebecca Colby, Maisie Chan, and Martina Evans, plus launches, readings and events across June 📖 RLF Fellows feature in a packed month of festivals, panels, and live events in the UK. 📍 Read more: https://bit.ly/4fsNzdE

📚 My Writing Life: Ming Ho ✍️ In this article, Ming Ho reflects on the realities of sustaining a creative career. From learning the “hustle” behind the craft, to writing through procrastination and finding inspiration in personal history. Read more here: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/my-wri...

✍️ Abigail Avis takes us behind the scenes of editing her forthcoming novel Wet Ink in part two of our four-part series. From structural edits to final proofs, she reflects on balancing deadlines, family life, and drafts alongside insights from her agent & editors. Read more: https://bit.ly/3PpaPi4

Last week, we hosted Collected: Live at Middlesbrough Library: “Beating Writer’s Block”. With Harry Man, Bridget Deane and Tahmina Ali, the session explored poetry, screenwriting and creative habits that support writing. Thanks to everyone who joined us for such a lively conversation.

Last week RLF Fellow Ishy Din and beneficiary Penny Pepper – joined us at the Summer Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Penny Pepper presented a copy of her memoir, First in the World Somewhere, to our Royal Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, who was delighted to be handed her latest work in person.

📚 My Writing Life with Bill Bryson ✍️ As the author of 18 books including 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' –the biggest-selling popular science book of the 21st century – Bill Bryson knows a thing or two about writing and its critics. Read more: https://bit.ly/4eJoB9w

📚 RLF Fellows’ News – May 2026 ✍️ New books, prize wins, live events & Hay Festival appearances from RLF Fellows — including a Winnie-the-Pooh celebration with Emma Thompson & Paterson Joseph and WritersMosaic events. 🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4nnTkLC

📚 My Writing Life - Jill Dawson ✍️ “Waiting to hear back. Waiting to be paid. Waiting for a book to come out…” Poet, novelist and RLF Fellow who grew up in Durham. She is the author of 12 novels including her most recent, 'Pixie'. Here, she shares her writing life and advice: https://bit.ly/48twL1E

🎧 Collected Podcasts: 🎙 Episode 506: Sara Shaarawi; Interviewer: Ann Morgan; Work featured from Nicola Baldwin and Gabriel Gbadamosi 🎙 Episode 507: Hanif Kureishi; Interviewer: Paul Dodgson; Work featured from Marianne Colbran; Sonia Faleiro; Ian Ayris Listen here: https://bit.ly/4rWrWGb

As we celebrate World Book Night and the National Year of Reading, we are sharing reflections from RLF writers on the books that stay with them. From childhood discoveries to formative reading experiences, these are the stories that have left a lasting mark. Read more: https://bit.ly/4bePb74

As we mark Shakespeare’s birth and death day today, 23 April, Oladipo ‘Dipo’ Agboluaje’s shares the inspiration and process behind his Yoruba adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, which opened earlier this year. Read: https://bit.ly/4cCfG6U

Writer Ian Collins reflects on the life and legacy of Ronald Blythe - whose royalties now support writers through the Royal Literary Fund. Read more: https://www.rlf.org.uk/posts/blythe-spirit-ian-collins-on-ronald-blythe/

Introducing the RLF's grant categories, designed to support writers across various circumstances. From short-term need to long-term support, our aim is to provide stability when it is most needed. For more information on eligibility, please visit the RLF website: https://bit.ly/4cpeuoz

Balancing multiple roles isn’t easy. In our last Making Writing Work webinar, panelist Emily Itami discussed how she "code-switches" between teaching, admin, and creative work. Want to be a part of the conversation? Our next free webinar is tomorrow. Register now: https://www.rlf.org.uk/webinar

📚 My Writing Life with Jesse Armstrong ✍️ Creator of Succession and award-winning screenwriter, Armstrong reflects on his writing life. Read more: https://www.rlf.org.uk/posts/my-writing-life-jesse-armstrong/

In our recent webinar, Karen McCarthy Woolf discussed ongoing industry challenges, including inequality and fees that have not kept pace with inflation. Join the next session: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n604JWXZSnWD1eBkinFb7A#/registration

Some books don’t just entertain us - they stay with us 📚 As we celebrate the National Year of Reading, we’re reflecting on the stories that continue to inspire writers and readers alike. Read more: https://www.rlf.org.uk/posts/on-the-books-that-stay-with-you-reading-inspiration-from-rlf-writers/

In our first Making Writing Work webinar, Emily Itami spoke to host Nick Ahad about building a writing career and how Elizabeth Gilbert’s advice prepared her for the reality. Join our next session: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n604JWXZSnWD1eBkinFb7A#/registration

In part one of our Making Writing series, Derek reflects on being a children’s author and balancing writing alongside a 9–5 — where creativity brings fulfilment, even if it doesn’t replace a primary income. Join part two on Tuesday 21 April at 6pm GMT: https://www.rlf.org.uk/webinar

In our first webinar, Emily Itami shared her thoughts on the ups and downs of a writer's life, alongside host Nick Ahad and fellow writers Derek Keilty and Karen McCarthy Woolf. Watch the full webinar via our YouTube Channel or register our second FREE webinar here: https://bit.ly/4s41p8N

🎧 Collected Podcasts: 🎙 Episode 504: Katharine Quarmby is in conversation with Jonathan Tulloch. The episode also features work from Karl Whitney and Rosie Fiore-Burt. 🎙 Episode 505: Hugo Williams is in conversation with Julia Copus. Listen to both podcasts here: https://podcast.rlf.org.uk/

Our first Making Writing Work webinar unpacked the financial realities of being a writer 📚 With average incomes for writers around £7,000 and only around half of writers earn primarily from writing. Join our next webinar on 21 April, register here: https://bit.ly/4s41p8N

📚 My Writing Life with Dorothy Koomson ✍️ The award-winning author of 23 novels reflects on the moments that have shaped her writing journey. Her latest novel, The Quiet Girls, is out now ✨ Read more: https://bit.ly/47NDGCq

The UK government has today published a Copyright and Artificial Intelligence report outlining that it is moving away from the proposed copyright exception for AI training, widely rejected by the creative industries. Read more 👇

From first draft to final edits: Abigail Avis on writing Wet Ink ✍️ In this four-part series, Abigail Avis shares the behind-the-scenes story of writing 'Wet Ink', her debut book club novel (February 2027), while navigating deadlines and joys of early parenthood. 📖 Read more: https://bit.ly/4sk0Poo

📚 My Writing Life with Michael Symmons Roberts ✍️ Award-winning poet, novelist, and librettist Michael Symmons Roberts shares the books, mentors, and moments that have shaped his writing life. Read his full reflections via the link: https://bit.ly/4s7gqHS

🎧 Collected Podcasts 🎙 Ep. 502: Emma John in conversation with Paul Dodgson. 🎙 Ep. 503: Pat Cumper with Juliet Gilkes Romero. Featuring work from Martin Day, Jonny Wright, Ian McMillan, Deborah Chancellor, Marina Benjamin, Nicola Baldwin & Morgen Witzel. Listen here: https://podcast.rlf.org.uk/

Following last week's World Book Day celebrations, Karen McCombie reflects on one of the central challenges faced by children's authors today – how to balance making a living and get children reading. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4rqIkgU Photo Credit: Jennifer Tapias Derch 📷

World Book Day meets National Year of Reading 📚 Some stories stay with us forever, shaping how we see the world, sparking imaginations, and inspiring the way we create. Here, some of our RLF writers reflect on the books that they will never forget. Read more: https://bit.ly/4bePb74

📚 My Writing Life with Penny Pepper✍️ Award-winning author and poet Penny Pepper explores the disability narrative in fiction through her memoir, poetry, and short stories. She shares the books, mentors, and moments that shaped her writing life. Read more via the link: https://bit.ly/4qMYmBb

📚 My Writing Life with Mark Haddon✍️ Writer and illustrator Mark Haddon has written many books for children, including the 2003 bestseller The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. His latest book – Leaving Home: A Memoir in Full Colour – is out now. Read more: https://bit.ly/4tt1On8

🎧 Collected Podcasts: 🎙 Ep 500: Abigail Mann - comedy author on writing rituals, process, and producing her best work. 🎙 Ep 501: John Lewis-Stempel - bestselling nature writer and RLF Fellow on writing struggles and finding ideas while farming. Listen to both here: https://bit.ly/4rWrWGb

Next week, WritersMosaic presents Poets on Film live at the Conduit Club, London. Anthony Anaxagorou and Marjorie Lotfi perform and talk with filmmakers Rob Akin and Savannah Acquah, chaired by Colin Grant, plus poetry film screenings. You can register through the link here: https://bit.ly/4j9QDuX

RLF Fellows’ News – Feb 2026 ✍️ 📖 New: Ian Seed’s Forgetfulness & Jim Beckett’s children’s book 📜 Sanjida O’Connell’s ‘Meat’ in The Monster, Capital 📕 Wren James sells The Victors 🏆 Penny Boxall longlisted ✨ Maisie Chan named Storyteller in Residence 📍 Read the full roundup: https://bit.ly/4agPrlp