"It's been so fun getting to know everyone and feeling safe to be vulnerable together. I have never before felt so open in sharing my poetry and this course has really given me the courage to do - thank you!" - workshop participant

"The variety of writing prompts and the laidback atmosphere have been really inspiring. A relaxed environment and interesting challenges can really get the creative juices flowing!" - workshop participant

...so you want to get into writing? I can help!

There’s a common misconception with creative writing that causes many people to view it as some impossible feat that only the select few can accomplish or succeed at. In reality, it’s just like any other skill: it takes time, practice, and study. In other words, anyone can write.

This is what my workshops are all about. In my classes, you are encouraged to take the time and space you need to learn and to grow. I want to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where you feel free to explore, to experiment, and to make mistakes along the way. My favourite things about writing are how it allows you to find joy and fulfillment through creativity, to explore and analyse human truths, and to develop and share your own voices. If that all sounds good to you, I'd love for you to join me!

Sign up here to receive regular updates and news about workshops. I will also soon be launching a newsletter, including writing prompts, book suggestions, and news about literary events happening in London, so stay tuned for news about that.

Who am I?

My name is Darby Brown. I'm a writer myself with a love for poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction. My two specialisations are poetry-prose hybrid forms and fiction with a fantasy or speculative element, but I am also an avid reader of literary fiction. To learn more about my writing interests, check out my publications and my about page.

In terms of qualifications and experience, I hold an MA in Creative Writing and a BA in English with a focus in Creative Writing. I have been trained in workshop facilitation with Skaped, a creative arts charity based in London, and have ample experience running creative writing workshops, from working at a creative writing camp for secondary school students to being a teaching assistant for university-level classes.

In terms of teaching style, I aim to be kind, encouraging, and patient with my students. This will be our space, and I want to be flexible to meet participant needs. I also want these workshops to be fun - a place to relax, unwind, and enjoy creativity and community together.

Upcoming Courses
Get into Writing: Poetry (8 weeks)

• About:
  • This 8-work course is designed for adults who want to get into writing poetry. Participants learn about various writing techniques (including rhythm, structure, and figurative language), practise writing different types of poetry (from lyrical to visual to abstract), and receive feedback on their work through communal workshops.
• Information:
  • Dates and Time: Tuesdays 19 March - 14 May (with a week off on 30 April) 7:00 - 8:30 PM
    • Location: The Bedford pub and my home (depending on the session)
    • Price: £150 (option to pay monthly at £75)
      • If you sign up before 1 March, you'll receive a discount to £130 (£65/month).
    • Note: The capacity will be capped at 15 to ensure that the participants receive individual attention and that everyone has the chance to share their work.
  • Sign up here.​

I plan to reinstate my creative non-fiction course and my fiction course soon. Please register your interest here.

The things that should be implied, but we're going to say anyway...

I will not tolerate any discrimination, hateful language or actions, or intolerance - both within the workshop context and within the writing itself. Writing often contains sensitive content; however, if you are approaching a subject in a way that honours or upholds hate, harmful stereotypes, or discrimination of any kind, then you will be asked to leave.

My workshops will be a welcoming space to all identities and lived experiences. I want to welcome all genders, sexes, skin colours, nationalities, religions, and any other identities that you hold close. I want these workshops to be accessible and inclusive. If you have any concerns or require accommodations, please let me know, and I will do my best to assist.