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.
*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 2025
Online Courses
The New Mothers' Writing Circle core 8-week programme will run again online from January 2025, with groups for mothers of babies 12 weeks - 2 years, and mothers of children aged 2 - 5.
Read more and sign up here.
Ongoing Community - The Held Space
Thanks to the success of recent groups, alumni of the 8-week programme are invited to continue working together. Learn more here.
A Village Gathering, Cove Park Micro-Residency & two films!
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.
Day RetreatOn Sunday 24th November, alumni & graduates of the programme gathered in Glasgow for an immersive day of writing, reading and learning. Read about the day here.
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Inspiration. Reflection. Motherhood.
Thank you to Creative Scotland who funded The New Mothers' Writing Circle between 2020 and 2023.