News Archives | London Writers Centre

Help shape our new accountability collective

Posted on October 7, 2026 by AliceLWC

Keep the Words Coming is a new accountability collective – a space to connect, create and grow together.

We plan to launch the collective in 2027, and will run a handful of pilot sessions beforehand. Keep the Words Coming will be for writers aged 18+ who live or work in Lewisham and who are currently working on a body of work (i.e. a book or a script). All genres are welcome, whether you write fiction, narrative nonfiction, poetry or scripts.

Sessions will likely provide an opportunity to write, share ideas, exchange constructive feedback, discuss the publishing and literary industry, celebrate progress, and help each other stay motivated. We will also run several masterclasses with award-winning writers, as well as in-person networking opportunities. All sessions will be free to join.

In order to create a supportive, productive, and inspiring writing community that meets its members’ needs, we need your help. If this sounds like a group you’d like to join, please take a couple of minutes to complete this short questionnaire.

Complete the questionnaire

Announcing the Winners of the Colwill & Peddle Literary Agency Feedback Opportunity

Posted on October 7, 2026October 9, 2026 by MaureenLWC

Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Award Winners Announced

Posted on September 30, 2026September 30, 2026 by AliceLWC

Pictured left to right: Omar Hallab, Amitava Banerjee, Gabriella Docherty, Hannah Partos, Emily Flannery, and Bahaa Attaallah.

At a time when maternity services are making headline news for all the wrong reasons, it feels more important than ever to bring this work to life and I’m incredibly grateful to the Wellcome Collection and the London Writers Centre for that opportunity. I can’t wait to learn from the other chosen writers and develop my craft through the wide variety of support and resources that the programme offers

Emily Flannery, 2026/27 Awardee

London Writers Centre and Wellcome Collection are delighted to announce the six writers awarded a place on the Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards 2026/27 development programme. The Awardees are all working on books on health and being human and will be taking part in an intensive ten-month programme to develop their ideas into a full-length non-fiction proposal and sample chapters. Awarded writers have a breadth of experience in health and medicine from the personal to the professional.

Our six writers are: a professor in clinical data science and cardiologist; a neuroscientist born and raised in Gaza; a midwife who specialises in trauma-informed care; a writer and former literary agent; an award-winning journalist and stem cell advocate; and a consultant in planetary health. Their projects cover a range of subjects from an examination of apathy in a time of war viewed through a neuroscientific lens, to a personal examination of the rare intersex condition, and an investigation into the scandal and trauma of the UK’s maternity system.

The programme offers each writer:

£2,000 bursary
travel and access fund
mentoring with an author
five masterclasses on writing non-fiction
insight and industry days
the opportunity to meet with agents.

The awarded writers and their projects are:

Amitava Banerjee, Wood for the Trees: Moving Health and Public Health Back to the Whole
Bahaa Attaallah, Autopsy of Apathy: On War, Medicine, and Lives that Do Not Count
Emily Flannery, Failure to Progress
Gabriella Docherty, Passing as Human: Diagnosis, Shame and the Performance of Normality
Hannah Partos, Lifegivers
Omar Hallab, All at Once: Planetary Health from a Collapsing State

Since launching the programme in 2022, twelve writers have participated with five book deals including Masud Husain’s Our Brains, Our Selves, winner of the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize 2025, Unheard by Rageshri Dhairyawan, How to Read Minds by Aimee Cliff, and Speculum by Shema Tariq, due to be published by Viking in 2028.

Fran Barrie, Publisher at Wellcome Collection said; “This year’s cohort of writers grapple with pressing questions of identity, empathy, care, climate collapse, and so much more. In different ways, they promise to illuminate what it is to be human. We’re excited to support them in turning their ideas into fleshed out book proposals over the coming year.”

Ruth Harrison, Director of London Writers Centre said: “We’re delighted to support these six exceptional writers and continue our partnership with Wellcome Collection with a programme which has already resulted in five book deals with more announcements to come. This year, alongside our development work, we will be continuing to run a public programme, opening up much needed free and accessible opportunities for aspiring non-fiction writers from across the UK to get support.”

Bahaa Attaallah, Awardee, said: “As a clinician and scientist, I study and write about many aspects of human cognition from the outside, mostly as an observer or experimenter addressing an academic audience. This project asks me to turn that inquiry inward: to write more personally, for a wider readership, and in a register that academic work does not allow. I am grateful to the Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards for the time, structure, and editorial guidance to develop this book, and for the chance to learn alongside a group of writers working at the intersection of health and being human.”

Hannah Partos, Awardee, said: “I’m delighted to have been chosen for this award for my work-in-progress book about organ and tissue donation, having been fascinated by the subject since my life was saved by a stem cell donor. As a longtime fan of the Wellcome Collection, it feels very special to have the organisation’s support, along with the London Writers Centre. I’ve already enjoyed doing research for my project in the Wellcome Library, delving into archives to investigate the grassroots 1970s women campaigners who fought to establish the world’s first ever bone marrow register.”

Click here for more details on the Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards.

Announcing the 2026/27 Developing Tutors programme

Posted on September 10, 2026September 10, 2026 by AliceLWC

Pictured left to right: Renay Richardson, Maddy Accalia, Leila Levy Gale, Lisa Smith, Zoe Adjonyoh, and Amii Griffith

Following an open call which received 31 applications, we are delighted to announce the six selected writers for the Developing Tutors programme.

Developing Tutors supports writers looking to run their first creative writing workshop. The chosen writers receive a paid teaching opportunity as well as enhanced support and feedback throughout the process.

The Workshops

The chosen writers will run their workshops from November 2026 to February 2027. These are as follows:

Maddy Accalia, The Art of Being Quiet: Listening Your Way to Great Dialogue

Tuesday 10 November 2026
6.30pm to 8.30pm
Idea Store Whitechapel, 321 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1BU

Click here to book

Leila Levy Gale, Capitalist Sex in the Modern Novel – Writing Intimacy Under Precarity

Tuesday 8 December 2026
6.30pm-8.30pm
Online

Click here to book

Amii Griffith, Pitching for the Screen: Setting the Scene to Sell Your Work

Tuesday 26 January 2027
6.30pm-8.30pm
Online

Click here to book

Lisa Smith, Earwigging, Observation and Finding Inspiration in Everyday Journeys

Saturday 6 February 2027
10am-11.30am
Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin St, London SE8 4RJ

Click here to book

Zoe Adjonyoh, Collective Memory Through Food Writing: Sensory Approaches to Memoir and Life Writing

Saturday 6 February 2027
11.45am-1.15pm
Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin St, London SE8 4RJ

Click here to book

Renay Richardson, Sparking the Conversation: When Stories Meet the World

Saturday 6 February 2027
2pm-3.30pm
Deptford Lounge, 9 Giffin St, London SE8 4RJ

Click here to book

Words from Bobby Nayyar, Senior Programme Manager at London Writers Centre:

‘It’s our third year of running an open call for Developing Tutors workshops. I’ve been impressed by the range of ideas on offer, which ultimately made the selection process incredibly competitive. We have chosen a range of workshops that push boundaries and explore new avenues for creative work and teaching styles. We look forward to working closely with each tutor.’

Quarterly Alumni News: July to August

Posted on September 9, 2026September 10, 2026 by AliceLWC

Many of the writers we support across our programmes, like the London Writers Awards and Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards, go on to have brilliant writing careers. Knowing how hard they’ve worked, we are so proud to see them getting the recognition and success that they deserve.

Here are some recent success stories from amongst our alumni.

Developing Tutors alumna Rachel Fung has signed a deal for her debut novel. Pushkin Press has acquired Homebody for publication on its ONE imprint.
Another London Writers Awards alumna, Susie Thornberrry, has been announced as part of London Library’s 2026/27 Emerging Writers Programme Cohort
Young Writers Collective member Yuwei Hua has been selected as one of Brooklyn Poets Fall 2026 Fellows
Two other members of the Young Writers Collective, Erwin Arroyo and Alison Tan, have been shortlisted for the Alpine Fellowship.
Tice Cin’s second novel Safe Spaces will be published by Granta on 10 September 2026. Tice is a London Writers Awards alumna.
The French edition of Tom Newland’s novel Only Here, Only Now (Ici, Maintenant) shortlisted for prestigious French writing price the Prix du Roman FNAC 2026. Tom is a London Writers Awards alumnus.
Carla Montemayor’s novel Islands of Forgotten Daughters was published by Penguin in August. Carla is a London Writers Awards alumna.
Suman Sandhu was longlisted for 2026 Blue Pencil Literary Agency First Novel Award for The Luxury of Choice. Suman is a London Writers Awards alumna.
Salma Ibrahim was longlisted for 2026 Diverse Book Awards for Salutation Road. Salma is a London Writers Awards alumna.

Announcing Our New Trustees

Posted on July 16, 2026July 21, 2026 by MaureenLWC

Michael Mann (he/him)

Michael is a writer, teacher and non-profit strategist based in East London. His debut children’s novel Ghostcloud won the East Sussex and Salford Book Awards and was named by Waterstones and BookTrust as one of the best children’s books of the year. As an LGBTQ+ dad of mixed British-Asian heritage, representation in children’s literature is something he cares about deeply – a thread that runs through his fiction, his school visits and his wider work. He is a trained primary school teacher who has taught in Tottenham and East London, and continues to run writing workshops with schools and organisations including Arvon, First Story and the Ministry of Stories. Alongside this, he has spent many years advising non-profits on strategy and revenue generation, working with education organisations to help them become more sustainable and inclusive.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the board of London Writers Centre. Having taught across London, I’ve seen first-hand the writers they reach and the difference they make. As someone who has spent years advising non-profits on strategy and sustainability, I’m also looking forward to contributing behind the scenes. It’s a privilege to support an organisation whose mission I believe in so deeply.”

Calissa Palmer (she/they)

Calissa Palmer is a Governance, Risk, and Compliance professional and writer working across poetry, screenwriting, theatre, and hybrid literary forms. Her work explores grief, Black British identity, memory, emotional survival, and power. She is an Obsidian Foundation Poetry Fellow, a Wild Seeds Writers Retreat alumna at the Center for Black Literature in New York, and a forthcoming resident at the Irish Writers Centre, where she is developing Around the World in 26 Wars: A Poetic Cartography of Conflict. Her poetry and screenwriting have been published and recognised internationally, including in Penumbra: Literary and Art Journal and across major international screenwriting competitions. Alongside her creative practice, she is a Director at Prime Data Compliance, bringing nearly two decades of experience in governance, risk, compliance, and data protection. Her expertise includes board-level governance, regulatory assurance, risk oversight, and information governance, supporting organisations in navigating accountability, compliance frameworks, and complex decision-making environments. Calissa joins the Board of Trustees in 2026, bringing strategic governance expertise and creative insight to support the Centre’s mission to champion writers and expand access to literary opportunity.

“I have long followed the work of Spread the Word, now the London Writers Centre, and deeply value its commitment to supporting writers from underserved communities. Having experienced some of those barriers personally, I am pleased to join the Board and contribute through both governance and insight from my creative practice to strengthening access, opportunity, and support for writers.”

Kester Brewin (he/him)

Kester Brewin is a writer of both fiction and non-fiction, and an Associate Director at the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW). A secondary school teacher for over twenty years, he now helps lead IFOW’s work exploring the impact of AI and automation technologies on UK workers, with a particular focus on young people, and the creative industries. A graduate of the Curtis Brown Creative novel-writing course, his fiction has been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize and Dinesh Alliraja Prize. His latest non-fiction book is Godlike: a 500-Year History of Artificial Intelligence in Myths, Machines, Monsters. He is part of a fantastic writing group that has met monthly for over six years, and lives in Crystal Palace.

“I’m delighted to be joining the London Writers Centre’s board. I have followed the work of London Writers Centre for many years, and – with my background in teaching in South East London for many years, and in writing – I’m passionate about widening access to writing to all, and supporting writers at this time when great storytelling is needed more than ever.”

Rukhsana Yasmin (she/her)

Rukhsana has worked across publishing, literary organisations and literary agenting. Throughout her career, she has championed underrepresented writers and mentored emerging talent entering a sector where improving diversity and inclusion remains an ongoing challenge.

She has a degree in Physics and is currently working on her first book, and like many writers, occasionally suspects it might be easier to build a particle accelerator.

“I’m delighted and deeply honoured to become a trustee of the London Writers Centre. Throughout my career, I have been committed to championing underrepresented voices and widening access to opportunities within the literary world. I look forward to supporting the Centre’s vital work in nurturing diverse talent, creating inclusive spaces for writers, and ensuring that stories from all communities are heard, valued, and celebrated.”

James Reeves (he/him)

James Reeves is a poet and campaigner from south London. He is the Campaign Manager at the 4 Day Week Foundation, where he leads their advocacy for a four-day, 32 hour working week. His career has spanned fundraising, communications and policy roles in climate, education and employment. James loves meditating, hiking in nature, writing, dancing with friends, and exploring food, arts and cultures of the world, but he’s never happier than when he has a football at his feet.

“I discovered Deptford Literature Festival when my partner was trying to impress me by taking me to interesting talks and cultural events on dates (it worked). I’ve been curious about London Writers Centre since. They curate learning experiences with some of the best writers and thinkers in London and make literature accessible for everyone. These moments are affordable and sometimes free. In a city where we’re squeezed daily, London Writers Centre offers inclusive spaces where what’s in your bank account doesn’t restrict your capacity to learn and explore. I’m excited to peel back the curtain, see what goes on behind the scenes and help the team create memorable moments for people.”

Jayne Desmond (she/her)

Jayne has a PhD in creative writing and is currently working on her first novel. She brings extensive experience in arts and heritage management alongside senior operational leadership in finance, HR and governance. She is co-founder of the Think Tank Operations Network, a cross-sector forum championing access to policy careers for under-represented groups, and co-founder and psychotherapist at Wild Counselling, a practice based in South East London specialising in walk-and-talk therapy.

“London Writers Centre has spent thirty years making space for writers who might otherwise never find their way in, and that work feels more urgent now than ever. I’m delighted to be joining the Board and look forward to contributing to what comes next.”

Alumni News Quarterly: May – June

Posted on June 10, 2026July 1, 2026 by MaureenLWC

London Writers Centre and Eve White Literary Agency Announce Survey Findings

Posted on April 22, 2026April 22, 2026 by ShirleyLWC

The route to publication needs to be more transparent and less mystifying to the new or emerging writer in order for the literary market to become less elitist and more inclusive. The stories of ordinary people who may have had extraordinary lives, memoirs from more marginalised groups are all needed in order to not only show different experiences and perspectives but also can encourage other minority groups to share their experiences too. And consequently, this makes for a more diverse, more illuminating, richer literary market – and readership.

Writer quoted from Survey

Announcing Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards 2026 Judges

Posted on February 25, 2026February 25, 2026 by ShirleyLWC

In a time when we need art more than ever, this collaboration between London Writers Centre and Wellcome Collection enables our most talented emerging writers to evoke different perspectives and insights about our society. The programme is immersive, comprehensive and truly the best ladder you could give to any writer and I’mdeeply proud to be a part of supporting new writing from the margins and to support London Writers Centre once again.

Kerry Hudson, 2026 judge

I’m very excited to be judging this year’s Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards. We need more underrepresented voices shaping narratives on health, but too many currently face barriers to access in the publishing industry. I’m keen to read interventions that feel unexpected, either in their subject, their tone or their approach to storytelling.

Micha Frazer-Carroll, 2026 judge

I’m hugely excited to be working with the Wellcome Collection and London Writers Centre teams on this prize – expert-led non-fiction that helps us all to understand the lives we lead and the bodies we inhabit has never been more important and I’m looking forward to discovering some essential new voices and making sure they’re heard.

Eli Keren, 2026 judge

We’re excited to run this programme again this year, to support a new cohort of writers with a big idea on health and human being. Particularly following the successes of 2025 – with all six awardees securing offers of representation in the autumn, and Masud Husain’s brilliant win of the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize with Our Brains, Our Selves. We can’t wait to be challenged, surprised and inspired by the entries that come in.

Fran Barrie, Publisher at Wellcome Collection

Wellcome Collection Non-Fiction Awards 2026 now open for applications

Posted on February 25, 2026February 25, 2026 by ShirleyLWC

Kerry Hudson, 2026 judge

Micha Frazer-Carroll, 2026 judge

Eli Keren, 2026 judge

Fran Barrie, Publisher at Wellcome Collection