The New Mothers’ Writing Circle is a unique project which centres the experience of the mother and her transformation in motherhood.

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 the Testimoni-Wall to read quotes from over 150 participants.

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"Quietly life-changing."

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The New Mothers' Writing Circle improves mental health, builds confidence and combats loneliness by building community between mothers in the trenches of early motherhood. Participants leave with a new sense of connection not just with their cohort but with themselves. The project treats mothers as the intelligent beings they are, not "just a mum," sparks ambition and nurtures talent. It is deeply feminist at its core and has a profound affect on women from all walks of life.

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"It's not a course, it's a movement."

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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 in-person groups took place across Glasgow, each running for 8 weeks. The current programmes for mothers of children aged 12 weeks - 5 years old are being taught online. 

The workshops bring in award-winning authors, journalists, playwrights and editors who co-lead alongside Founder & Director Catrin Kemp. ​

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Online workshops (on Zoom) - running autumn 2025

If you are a mother with a baby or child under 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.

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In-person workshops (Glasgow)

Currently the in-person groups are paused.

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​You can read some writing by the 2020 mothers here.

Sign up to the project's Substack to hear the latest news.

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*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’. All people who are gender diverse and identify as 'mother' are welcome to participate.