About

Flourish is a new Edinburgh-based creative writing community. Welcome!

Picture this: you love writing, but you often don’t make time for it. In the bustle of busy adult life (working a 9-5, trying to fit a gym session in and of course the never ending quest to find a time your whole friend group can meet up), writing can easily fall by the wayside.

This was my experience at least. And talking to some writer friends I realised I wasn’t alone.

So I decided it’s time we all stop playing small (‘it’s time to get up off our knees!’, as one pal proclaimed). It’s time to start building an intentional writing practice – and more importantly, a community – that truly nourishes, supports and inspires us. A place where we can, ahem – flourish.

We’ll be running a variety of events, including all day writing sessions, themed workshops, longer residential writing retreats, author talks, book groups and more.

Grow as writers

Flourish aims to help you meet your writing goals – whether that’s finally finishing that manuscript, or simply building a regular writing routine that brings you joy.

Rooted in community

No man (or person of any gender identity) is an island. Flourish aims to cultivate a sense of community in writing, as it can often be such a solitary activity. We know writers want to make other writer pals! We’re sometimes just a little shy, but that’s okay.

Flourish aims to be accessible to all, and always welcome to feedback on how to make this happen. We are strictly good vibes only – everyone welcome, always. ❤ (Except for TERFS and racists).

We will be supporting local businesses in the community, and offering a proportion of tickets for events for people on lower incomes.

Feel deeply nourished, supported and inspired

Writing should feel good. Putting words down on the page is scientifically proven to be a powerful tool for wellbeing. A core goal of Flourish is to help make writing a part of your life that really sustains you and has a positive impact on your mental health.

About the organiser

Hi, I’m Alice! I have an MLitt in Creative Writing from the University of Glasgow and write poetry/creative non-fiction. My publication credits include Last Stanza Poetry Journal, Querencia, Wet Grain and From Glasgow to Saturn.  My work has been shortlisted for the Briefly Write Poetry Prize, and longlisted for the Bridport Prize.  I am currently working on a book about the sea & storytelling & women’s narratives.

However, I am by no means a full-time professional author. I’m just a regular gal working a 9-5 job, who wants to create community and grow as writers together. When I’m not writing you can find me paddling in the sea at Portobello, hiking or cuddling up to read with my cat, Luna.