I can buy myself flowers
A summary of Women Who Write's Spring into Summer closing event, plus community events and open calls for writers & writing
Hello, hello, hello! Welcome to another edition of The Good Egg Project Newsletter!
This week’s newsletter title is borrowed from Flowers by Miley Cyrus
On Saturday, I was out celebrating all things writing at the Women Who Write Edinburgh’s closing event for their Spring into Summer writing challenge.
The Women Who Write community has been busy with 50 days of writing across March, April, and May, with each participant setting their own goals to finish projects, develop their works in progress, or just get words on paper.
From the stats we saw during Saturday’s presentation, it’s safe to say that the WWWE community absolutely smashed it as the challenge participants had collectively written over one million words, which shows us the impact writing in community can have.
There’s a lot of overlap between the motivations and visions behind WWWE and The Good Egg Project (and many other excellent writing communities). We’re here to make writing less lonely, to give people the time they need to get words on paper, and for some accountability, advice, and encouragement along the way, and we’re doing it one event, one shared resource, and one coffee and conversation at a time.
Is it the fastest transformation of an industry that perpetually underpays and overworks writers? No. But it’s a start, and small steps add up to big changes. We can already see it with more writers taking ownership of their dreams and goals, and asking for what they want and need to make them happen.
The day rounded out with WWWE’s Rage about the Page panel, which included writer and author Lily X, Radical Bookshop’s Lexie Angelo, Forest Publications’ Nadine Brito, author and editor Ruby Allen-Cadman, and Naomi Head (yes, me), writer, poet, and events organiser (freelancers and creatives have a million titles to juggle, it’s good to give them names). The panel was chaired by author and WWWE organiser Abigail Gibbs.
Abigail shared thoughtful questions with the panel on barriers that we have faced as women and non-binary writers, how we’ve faced those barriers, and what we would like to see improve in the future.
All of the panellists shared stories from their journeys and how their backgrounds have impacted their experiences. From low pay and long hours to overcoming classism, racism, sexism, and erasure, our paths and challenges have varied widely, and while the rage was real, there was a lot of hope and optimism in our answers as we each push for better in our own ways.
Overall, the conversation left me feeling energised and encouraged to push harder for the change that we need to see writers thrive.
If you’d like to know more about the panel, you should check out Rebecca Low’s newsletter, The Hot Desk, for a deeper dive into what the panel shared.
Women Who Write Edinburgh are planning to share their notes from the panel after a much-deserved break this month. Subscribe to their newsletter to be in the know.
It was a pleasure to join Women Who Write, to see the joy and pride of all the people who joined the challenge, to listen and speak to other amazing women who are also determined to improve the writing space for everyone. I love getting to know other communities, hearing about the spaces they’re creating, and learning about all the ways they help their community members to build confidence, get the support they need, and reach their goals.
We do need more. We do deserve better. But it’s equally important to stop for a moment to appreciate where we are now before we press on to what’s to come.
Community events
Words & Friends is back at August_21 in Newington tonight, Tuesday, May 13, from 6-8 pm for an evening of creative writing and meeting new friends. This month, we'll be focusing on creating collaborative stories using some super-secret and fun writing games. Come join us from 6-8 pm for a fresh new take on writing with community.
Book tickets on Eventbrite or drop in on the door
Edinburgh Socialist Feminist Book Club: A Short History of Transmisogyny
Join the Edinburgh Socialist Feminist Book Club tonight, Tuesday, May 13, from 6.30 pm at The Ventoux for a discussion of Jules Gill-Peterson’s book A Short History of Transmisogyny. The event is free and the book club can provide a PDF copy of the book to you, just email womensfightback@workersliberty.org.
Book a free ticket on Eventbrite
Join lead artist Anita Govan tonight, Tuesday, May 13, for the next session of the Scottish Poetry Choir’s pilot term at Greyfriars Charteris Centre in Edinburgh. They’re still welcoming drop-ins on the door from 7 pm. I was part of last week’s session as a participant (and the SPC’s marketing officer) and can safely say it’s a great opportunity to engage in spoken word and poetry if you’re not ready to try solo performance or slamming. There’s lots of room for creativity and Anita’s doing a great job of building a collaborative, creative environment.
Find out more about the Scottish Poetry Choir on their website
Join Palimpsest Magazine at The Alchemy Experiment in Glasgow tonight, Tuesday, May 13, for the launch of their third issue. They’ll be featuring poetry, short stories, photography, and more from artists including Gabrielle Tse, Q Manivannan, Laurie Broughton and many more.
Find out more on the Palimpsest Instagram
Head down to August_21 this Wednesday, May 14, for an evening of music, poetry, storytelling, and more, from 6.30 pm. Sign ups are open on the door, but slots go quickly so get there ASAP to snag one. The cafe is open with its usual selection of beverages and delicious cakes throughout the evening so go to enjoy the performances and the atmosphere!
Stay up to date with the August_21 open mic on Instagram
Everyone’s favourite place to celebrate sadness is back at Sketch Beats in Leith on Wednesday, May 14. Join host, performer, and creative good egg, Dan Collins, from 7 pm. Dan welcomes performers of all kinds, including poets, storytellers, clowns, musicians, and spoken word artists, to bring their saddest works to the mic. Sign ups are open on the door.
Find out more on Eventbrite
Join hosts Emma Dee and Cee Smith at McChuills Bar in Glasgow on Wednesday, May 14, for an evening of poetry, spoken word, and music. Slots are available ahead of time, just message Emma and Cee on Instagram or flourishpoetrynight@gmail.com to secure one!
Stay up to date with Florish on Instagram
Seanchoíche: My Love for… UK series
Seanchoíche is in Glasgow on Wednesday, May 14, at Mono, and in Edinburgh on Thursday, May 15, at Leith Arches. This is the tail end of their My Love for UK tour, which has taken this storytelling night across the country to London, Brighton, and Manchester. Each night will be dedicated to the place you call home and the line-ups will share their stories of each place and why they love it.
Find out more on the Seanchoíche Instagram
A Night of Creative Networking
Join actor and organiser William Stewart at 56 North in Edinburgh on Thursday, May 15, for an evening of networking, conversation, and collaboration with other like-minded creatives. Whether you're just starting out, have 10 years of experience, or work as a performer, writer, teacher, fundraiser, crew, composer, etc, you're welcome! This event is open to all creatives over the age of 18, regardless of experience, or background.
Get a free ticket on Eventbrite
BULB! Readings are back this Friday, May 16, for another stacked line-up of writers and poets, including Louise Welsh, Callum McSorley, David Ross Linklater, and Leilani Taneus-Miller. Join the BULB! community at Lilybanks Gardens in Glasgow from 2.30 pm for this free outdoor event in their lush literary paradise hosted by Colin J Herd and Claire Reynolds.
Follow BULB! on Instagram to stay up to date with their events
Grassroots Community Scotland is holding a protest outside the Scottish Parliament on Saturday, May 17, at 1 pm to denounce the UK Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v Scottish Ministers, and to confront the Scottish Government’s failure to respond with strength and solidarity. GCS asks that you join them with friends and make your voices heard for the Scottish trans community. Given the rise in topless protesters at these events, they advise against bringing children along to this one. The protest is due to last for 1 hour with an estimated finishing time of 2 pm.
Get more details on the Grassroots Community Scotland Instagram
Third Space Poetry and Open Mic Night
Artists’ Collective The Q Canvas is holding an open mic on Saturday, May 17. They’re welcoming poets, writers, musicians, and performers to take part in this open mic as part of their Third Space exhibition at the New Glasgow Society on Argyle Street in Glasgow. New and seasoned performers alike are welcome to join, and sign-ups will be open on the night. This event is free and unticketed with a bring-your-own-bottle policy.
Learn more on The Q Canvas Instagram
Join hosts Q and Pip on Sunday, May 18, for the next installment of Fill This Space at One More Sip in Marchmont, Edinburgh. These wonderful and varied line-ups feature poets and musicians set in a cosy space. The evening finishes with an open mic section, so if you’d like to perform, you can sign up by messaging Q and Pip on Instagram.
Get more updates about Fill This Space on Instagram
Tales at the Lighthouse Open Mic
Join the magnificent Niall Moorjani at Lighthouse Books in Edinburgh this Sunday, May 18, for the next Tales at the Lighthouse storytelling open mic. Slots have been filled in advance, but Niall is accepting names to be pulled in a random draw for some additional slots as well. If you’re keen to perform, email them at niall.moorjani@gmail.com. Otherwise, head down early to snag a seat as this event packs out quickly!
Get more Tales at the Lighthouse updates on Instagram
Head down to Anniesland Mansions in Glasgow this Sunday, May 18, to join Scowth’s first-birthday celebrations. They’re welcoming feature poets Nazaret Ranea and Hadley James Hoyle, as well as a smattering of open micers from Glasgow’s vibrant scene and beyond.
Find out more by following Scowth on Instagram
Join yoga teacher and writer, Spencer Mason, at Finn’s Place in Glasgow for their weekly yoga for creative writing class on Monday, May 19. The morning is a 90-minute yoga session divided between a comprehensive movement sequence for unblocking creative energy, followed by a creative writing workshop. Participants will be invited to explore writing in any medium they choose, using prompts set by award-winning poet and storyteller Spencer Mason.
Learn more on the Finn’s Place website
Join Living Rent Edinburgh and Lighthouse Books at the University of Edinburgh on Monday, May 19, for the book launch of Abolish Rent: How tenants can end the housing crisis by Tracey Rosenthal. They’re welcoming Tracey from the LA Tenant’s Union, and she’ll be joined in conversation by Dr Hamish Kallin and Living Rent’s City Chair Eilidh Keay.
This discussion will draw on the international experience of the two organisations, their key successes and lessons. There is no better time to discuss these issues in Scotland as Living Rent is on the precipice of winning rent controls after bringing tenant’s struggles to the streets for the past 10 years.
RSVP to this event on the Living Rent website
The Humor Mill open comedy writing group is at Dram in Glasgow on Monday, May 19. Pop along to this free event to network, get feedback, write new jokes, and test your material. New and seasoned performers are welcome!
For more information follow The Humour Mill on Instagram
Host and Time For One Poem organiser Annie Muir is back at Sweeney’s on the Park in Glasgow on Wednesday, May 21, for the next TFOP open mic. Join Annie from 7.30 pm for this free event, which welcomes new and experienced performers to the mic. Each slot is 5 minutes, and you can sign up on the door.
Stay up to date with the TFOP open mic on Instagram
Join host and poet Lloyd Robinson at The Hub at 531 in Juniper Green on Sunday, May 25, for this new poetry and storytelling open mic. Entry is free, and you can sign up for a slot on the door. This is the first of 3 monthly events being hosted in May, June, and July on the last Sunday of the month.
Find out more about Speak Your Mind on Facebook
Icebreaker Dundee is launching this new monthly queer spoken word night at Blend in Dundee. Join them for their first event on Tuesday, May 27, for an evening of poetry and performance with feature act Gray Crosbie and support from Fiona Jane and Morgan Black.
Get PWYC tickets on the Icebreaker website
Anorag x U Belong Present: Inside Voices
Anoraq is teaming up with U Belong Scotland to bring you this monthly evening of ambient music and poetry on Wednesday, May 28. Join them for this free at King Tut’s Bar in Glasgow. Run by Esraa Husain, U Belong Glasgow is a multilingual community platform that features BPOC, Queer, and disabled creatives. Anoraq and U Belong are welcoming artists Amanda, Chisom Okoronkwo, Ciaran Shadow, Peilin Shu, and Diljeet Kaur Bhachu to the stage. Don’t miss out!
Get more information on the King Tut’s website
Open calls for writers & writing
Typewronger Books is open for submissions for the summer edition of Wrong Directions. You can submit up to 300 words of poetry or flash fiction for consideration. Submissions must be emailed to print@typewronger.com with the heading “Wrong Directions Summer 2025”. The deadline for submissions is midnight, Friday, May 30.
Read the guidelines on the Typewronger website
Artists Against Apartheid is open for submissions of poetry for Palestine. They welcome submissions that center solidarity with Palestine, that speak with outrage against the atrocities of the last 17 months, and that call for the full liberation of Palestine. In the vibrant spirit of revolutionary struggle and solidarity, Artists Against Apartheid calls upon poets and all people of conscience to submit poems dedicated to the liberation of Palestine and which stand with the students in the US facing threats of deportation and all those facing repression for demanding the end to the genocide.
Poetry has always been a tool of resistance. From the defiant verses of apartheid South African freedom fighters, to the writing in solidarity with Vietnam, to the lyrical poetry of the Cuban revolution, to the unbreakable words of Palestinian poets under occupation — the poets have always borne the responsibility of bolstering revolutionary spirit. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 30.
Submit your work to info@againstapartheid.art
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Words of the Wild competition is back in association with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival. Words of the Wild is currently open to submissions in English, Scots, and Gaelic of up to 1,000 words written in any form: poem, letter, short story, essay, song lyrics, or whatever your heart desires. They’re looking for memorable moments in the outdoors or at one of Scotland’s amazing wildlife sites. There are plenty of prizes up for grabs for adults over the age of 18, including a selection of nature books from Canongate, a year’s membership to the Wildlife Trust, and more. There’s also a selection for junior winners under the age of 18. The deadline for submissions is Saturday, July 12.
Read the submission guidelines on the Scottish Wildlife Trust website
Gothic Aberdeen Short Story Competition
Submissions are open for WayWORD Aberdeen's ‘Gothic Aberdeen’ short story competition. Writers are invited to compose a gothic story inspired by the city of Aberdeen, with the chance to win £300. The competition winner and runners-up will be announced at the 2025 WayWORD Festival in October, and the winning short story read by competition judge Heather Parry. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, July 31.
For more details go to the WayWORD website
Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2025 Writing Competition
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival is open for submissions for the 2025 Writing Competition. You can enter the competition with new writing inspired by mental health on the theme of ‘Comfort & Disturb’. They are accepting work in three categories: fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction. The writing competition is one of SMHAF’s most enduring successes, providing an opportunity for first-time writers to be published alongside established names. Shortlisted writers will be invited to read their entry at the awards ceremony. The shortlisted and winning pieces will also be published in an illustrated print and digital book. The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 4.
Read the guidelines on the SMHAF website
Thank you for reading!
A lot is going on in our little country with new open mics and creative spaces opening up each month. It’s wonderful to see so many writers and creatives with opportunities to share their work. I hope you find a new space to get your words down, meet other writer friends, or start reading your work out loud.
If you’re an event organiser or a community member who wants to share something with our growing community of writers and creative people, please fill out this form so I can include your listings in future newsletters.
Thank you for all of your support as our community grows and evolves. It means so much to me that you’re here.
Until next time, take care of each other,
Naomi
P.s. Your support is helping this newsletter reach more people week by week, so share it far and wide and help other writers connect with a curious and creative community and new opportunities to get their writing out into the world!
I get a bit overwhelmed just reading all the amazing resources you’ve collated, thank you so much sharing 💚