The New Mothers’ Writing Circle is a unique project which centres the experience of the mother and her transformation in motherhood.
Set up at the start of 2020, The New Mothers' Writing Circle ran for 12 weeks (predominately online, due to the first COVID lockdown). From 2022 - 2023, 6 more in-person groups took place across Glasgow, each running for 8 weeks. The current programmes are being taught online.
The groups nurture small cohorts of 10 - 15 mothers, drawing on diverse narratives of motherhood from Rachel Cusk to Toni Morrison to empower women, build community and elevate voices.
Using the fundamentals of creative non-fiction and lifewriting, each 8-week programme uses key themes (from Love & Wonder to Rage & Shame) to allow mothers to access their unique voice and stories. No experience is necessary. Take a look at our Testimoni-Wall to read about the project's impact.
The workshops bring in working authors, playwrights and editors who co-lead alongside Founder & Director Catrin Kemp.
You can read some writing by the 2020 mothers here.
Online workshops (on Zoom) - starting again January 2025
If you are a mother with a baby under 2 or child aged 2 - 5 (whether biologically, through adoption, fostering, surrogacy, or are the non-birthing mother within a Queer partnership) and you are interested in taking part in the online workshops, read more here.
In-person workshops (Glasgow)
Currently the in-person groups are paused.
Thank you to Creative Scotland who funded The New Mothers' Writing Circle between 2019 and 2023, making the project accessible. The team are seeking funding to take forward the subsidised, in-person workshops in Glasgow. If you are a funder or investor who is interested in supporting the project, please email newmumswriting@gmail.com
*On this website, the use of the word ‘woman’ is intended as inclusive of any person who ‘births’ or identifies as a ‘woman’, ‘mother’ or ‘gender non-conforming parent’.
What's new?
The New Mothers' Writing Circle 2024
Although our 2022-23 programme has come to a close, there's still lots happening here at The New Mothers' Writing Circle.
New Online Course
We're excited to offer an online version of The New Mothers' Writing Circle, PLUS a new group for mothers of children aged 2 - 5, from September 2024 . Read more and sign up here.
A Village Gathering, Cove Park Micro-Residency & two films!
We've been busy! Thanks to everyone who came along to the fantastic event at Glasgow Women's Library and our magical weekend at Cove Park. Read more about these and watch both BBC and Creative Scotland's short films about the project here.
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Inspiration. Reflection. Motherhood.