Join poet and writer, Matt West, for a light-hearted look at how to write a book review, followed by writing time and sharing.

Be prepared to talk about a book you love, why it’s important to you, and why someone else should give it a go. This workshop is open to anyone who cares about books, or a book, and who would like to champion the joys of reading to other people.

This workshop is delivered in partnership between Southampton Libraries and ArtfulScribe. The session is free but advanced booking is required. 

Click here to find out more or to book.

Have you just recently started writing, or come back to it after a break, or do you know someone else who is interested in exploring what they might be able to do with words?

This introductory session for the keen and curious will explore writing’s potential to enrich and deepen the experiences of life.

The session will explore motivating factors for creating new work, questions that might be helpful to consider before setting out, and advice for new writers looking to take first steps. There will be some straightforward writing prompts to encourage new writing, and opportunities for connecting and sharing with others in the room in a safe and supportive environment. There is no obligation to share.

Click here to find out more or pass this on to someone you know.

Join writers from around the Solent for a facilitated day of connecting, creating and sharing together at Mayflower Studios.

The day will include talks, creative writing workshop activities and an open-mic style platform for presentations, with specific time set aside to hear from Isle of Wight writers. If you’d like to talk about and share some of your writing as part of the day, please complete the form you’ll receive once you have registered and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

This event is delivered in partnership between Creative Island, Mayflower and ArtfulScribe.

Click here to find out more or to book. 

Creative writing workshops offering a writing space for Asian women who are new to writing as well as those with more experience. If this sounds like you and you'd like to develop your skills, share ideas, tell stories and celebrate your voice, come along!

Workshops will be led by Judith Heneghan, writer, lecturer and creative writing mentor. Judith has been teaching creative writing in a range of settings for over twenty years. Judith writes novels for adults and has also written extensively for young readers.

Friday group: 20 and 27 November
Saturday group: 21 and 28 November 

Click here to find out more or to book. 

Play on Words is the New Forest's festival dedicated to creative writing, reading and spoken word. Led by a steering group of local writers, residents and cultural organisations, the festival is currently produced by ArtfulScribe CIC. In recent years, Play on Words has attracted over 2,000 people annually to more than 40 events, activities and exhibitions across the New Forest. Now, with your help, it’s time to look to the future.

Whether you're a writer, a reader, a festival regular or a first-timer, everyone is welcome to the Ideas Cafe. Come and share your thoughts about what you would like to see in future festivals, and also what you might like to contribute.

The Ideas Cafe will be an informal and friendly afternoon - accompanied by refreshments and cake!

Click here to find out more or to book. 

Join author and Gothic enthusiast Yarrow Townsend for an atmospheric coastal walk around Lymington Harbour and Normandy Marsh. Discover haunting excerpts from The Woman in Black, Great Expectations, Frankenstein and Dracula's we explore the world of Gothic literature at sunset.

Bring a notebook, camera or sketchbook if you wish, and wear sensible walking shoes.

The No Run Club is a walking group for people in their 20s and 30s looking to connect with the world around them. Rescheduled following the cancellation of the original walk due to bad weather, this event is part of the Play on Words Festival, with support from Culture in Common.

Free, but booking is required. Meet at the top of the cobblestones at Quay Hill, Lymington.

Click here to find out more or to book.

No Name For My Loss is inviting people to take part in a poetry workshop exploring experiences of child loss. The online session will provide a supportive space to write, reflect and connect with others through poetry.

There is also an opportunity to contribute to the No Name For My Loss Poetry Anthology, which is looking for poems about child loss.

The poetry workshop takes place online on 22 November at 2pm, and the deadline for anthology submissions is 1 February 2027.

Click here to find out more or get involved.

Beneath the Camouflage Tree - Free ticket offer | 5 November | 7:30pm | Forest Arts Centre Old Milton Rd New Milton Hampshire BH25​ 6DS

The Hidden - a T'Articulation Spoken Word Event - Live poetry | 6 November | 7pm-10pm
The Barley Mow, 39 Castle Road, Portsmouth PO5​ 3DE

And There It Was...For the Curious - Free monthly creative writing group | 2nd Wednesday of the month | 7:30pm - 8:45pm | InFocus Network Eagle Lab, Portland Terrace, Southampton SO14​ 7SJ

October Books Poetry Open Mic Night  - Open Mic | 13 November  | 7:00pm - 9:00pm | October Books, Portswood Road, SO17​ 2NF

New SaRhyme - Open Mic | 24 November  | 7:30pm | Upstairs at the Pheasant Inn, 19 Salt Ln, Salisbury SP1​ 1DT

Lemon Jelly Press Women's Writing Group  -  Tuesdays | 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Online | Free 

Author Events - Author meetups and events in the BCP area 

Salisbury Stanza Poetry Group - Poetry | Third Friday of the month | 6:30pm-8:30pm | tickets £5 | Salisbury Arts Centre Bedwin Street, Salisbury SP1​ 3UT

BSK - Open Mic | First Thursday of the month | 7:00pm | The Bounty Inn, Basingstoke, RG21​ 2BZ | No booking required