“I had to take a leap of faith, sharing my work. But it was received with such generosity from Nikki and the other writers. Since we started, I've been writing EVERY DAY and can see the improvement already. I feel like I'm assembling a toolkit, whereas before I didn't know where to start.”
-Rachel
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WHAT IS MUMWRITE? MumWrite is an online writing community of writers who want to start writing or want to write more. It's for women writers, a lot of them mums, who want to dedicate more time to writing and themselves. Mums often feel guilty about having some time for their own interests but doing so can really boost your wellbeing, confidence and happiness. MumWrite is suitable for beginners and those with more experience. All the activities are layered and guided by mum of 2 and published writer, Nikki Dudley. MumWrite is an accessible and welcoming community, which began as a way in which for Nikki to find time to write as a mum herself during lockdown, and has grown into a wonderful initiative. WHAT WILL WE WRITE? We will generally write poetry and short fiction but lots of it is also applicable to novels. We will experiment with different techniques to develop your writing in new and exciting ways. I will guide writing activities using a variety of prompts and layered activities, suitable for all writing levels (from beginner), with ways to develop your work also suggested. WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR? -Those who have some form of writing experience, no matter how basic but if you are very new to writing, you are welcome here. We have a range of activities and excellent support -Those with a desire to experiment and are open to development -Women writers who want to feel more empowered and confident about their writing -Mums with babies, mums with older children, and anyone who identifies as a mum! -Those who haven't found a safe, supportive environment to write without judgement -Those who want to contribute to a friendly and supportive group of writers -Those who are 18 or over but there is no upper age limit! -Those who want to put their self-care first and look after their wellbeing through creativity -Those based anywhere in the world as workshops are all online! |
BUT I DON'T HAVE TIME TO WRITE... Making time to write, especially as a mum is challenging (I know!) but having a programme like this can actually make it easier to find time to write as you have accountability and support. Lots of writers who have signed up have found they created lots more and have been inspired to continue to do so! REMEMBER -Workshops are recorded so even if you can't make all of them live, you can watch them back when it suits you, but you can also follow along with your peers as you work through the tasks -If your baby/child interrupts the session, they are welcome to join in or you can come back whenever you're ready. You can breastfeed while we work and we'll try to help you catch up -You don't need to dress up or wash your hair -You don't have to always bring your A-Game - you can work on things in your own time -Prompts and guidance will be sent to you and I will support you if you're interrupted or can't attend for whatever reason QUERIES / COLLABORATIONS Please email: mumwrite [at] gmail.com ABOUT ME The programme will be led by me (Nikki Dudley), a mum of two and Managing Editor of streetcake experimental writing magazine. I also run the streetcake experimental writing prize, supported by ACE. I have led workshops with a range of writers to develop their work and give them new ideas. I have a poetry collection and chapbook out with Knives Forks and Spoons Press. I also have a published novel with Sparkling Books and have been published extensively online and in print. I am the winner of the Virginia Prize for Fiction 2020 and my second novel was published in 2021. In 2021, I also released a pamphlet and collection with Beir Bua Press. I have a forthcoming publication with Broken Sleep in 2022. You can read more about me on the ABOUT page. 
A big thank you to Arts Council England for enabling me to run the pilot programme, alongside my generous supporters.
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/ |
Testimonials:
"It totally exceeded all my expectations - it's been invaluable."
"The programme has been a reminder - a wake up call even - that I am not only allowed to have a little bit of time for myself, but that I actually need it." |
"It's been a judgement free, supportive, safe space and that has been so incredibly meaningful and important to me." |
"I had a poem of mine published as a result of the confidence I’ve gained from MumWrite to experiment more with my work. I’m submitting pieces I wouldn’t have even written before." |
"Being a mum isn't all about playdates and coffee mornings and sharenting. MumWrite is a great way to support women to find themselves and their voices during this time." |
