SOLD OUT IN 24 HRS! Let me know if you’d like to join the waitlist for 2027.

It’s not that you don’t have ideas…

It’s not that you can’t write a book…

It’s that you’re finding it hard to keep going…. and finish….

Me too.

That’s why I created the Writers Circles, and why I’ll be one of the writers in the cohort with you.

The London Writers Circle Cohort 2026

Starting on Saturday 17 October 2026.

Six months, six Saturday Circles and five online weekend retreats for a small group of up to seven writers.

We’ll meet at nine o’clock in a yellow coloured library room on a quiet West London street as the leaves turn brown.

I’ll have the kettle on for a morning brew as we gather round a hefty wooden table, ready to share our words, and be each other’s writing companions until Spring comes.

Each writer will share their latest chapter before we meet. We’ll read an extract and then get feedback from the group.

Each time we meet, we’ll not only deepen our insight into our own work, but our understanding of and connection to each other’s projects will grow too. There’s a special power that comes from sharing this experience in a small group.

Sharing my work in a regular monthly circle has transformed my writing, but now is the time to go all in. By committing to a cohort we’ll see each other’s stories take shape and deepen our writing practice.

That’s why places are limited, because that level of energy and attention is maximised this way. At university, even in critique circles of 12 or more, you didn’t really know who everyone was or what they were working on. You’d get cliques, people who didn’t speak, people who never stopped talking. Here, everyone gets an equal share of attention and reflection.

This is a six-month writing cohort for writers who want to keep their work moving in a small group that gets to know each other’s work and champions what we see as special in each other’s writing, as well as our own.

And because we’ll need to get down words to share, we’ll meet regularly online to help maintain protected writing time so you can keep the writing flowing.

This isn’t a drop-in workshop.

This is a cohort experience to deepen your connection and commitment to your work.

This is your protected writing time over the next six months.

What’s Included

Saturday cohorts

• Saturday 17 October 2026

• Saturday 14 November 2026

• Saturday 5 December 2026

• Saturday 16 January 2027

• Saturday 13 February 2027

• Saturday 13 March 2027

I’ll bring tea, coffee and biscuits to keep us going. Bring your own lunch to have in the break, and enjoy all the writerly chats and strolls in the garden when the weather is crisp.

Online Weekend Writing Retreats

These are included in your cohort membership and are optional to attend.

• 31 October & 1 November 2026

• 21 & 22 November 2026

• 9 & 10 January 2027

• 30 & 31 January 2027

• 27 & 28 February 2027

These are an exclusive Zoom writers room for cohort members only. Protected time to get your head down and write alongside the other writers in the group.

The Investment

Six-month £390

(£360 for paid subscribers of I Need To Finish This Before I Die community). There’s a three-month payment plan available.

You can reserve your spot with a deposit and pay by BACS transfer or Apple Pay via invoice if you want to use a card.

Want to know more? Email me and I’ll send you all the information about how the cohort works and the options available.

Email Me

If you’re thinking… YES… this is exactly what I want. DM, comment or email to get all the info before you book if you’ve not been to a writers circle before.

I’d love to know what you’re planning on writing during our time together but you don’t have to tell me any time soon.

I’m looking forward to all the autumn and winter book chats over a cuppa. I’ll be back from Writing Retreat and eager to maintain the momentum.

Places are limited to keep the cohort intimate. If you’d like to join us in the library this October, I’d love to hear from you.

Amy x

Amy I Beeson 🐝 is a British mixed-race author and memoirist based in London who grew up in a Staffordshire country village. She facilitates writing practice through workshops, retreats and monthly Writers’ Circle and Meet Ups, supporting writers to develop voice, confidence, creative momentum and community.

Her work explores memory, identity and belonging, often returning to questions of motherhood, class, race and family.

Have you got a question about WRITE UP London 2026? Yes, hurrah!

Here’s your chance to find out more and ask any questions before submissions close at midnight on Sunday 6 September 2026 during Substack Lives over the next week.

Substack Lives with Amy and…

7pm Tuesday 1 September - with selection panel and alumni (set reminder)

1pm Wednesday 2 September - with WRITE UP alumni (set reminder)

11am Thursday 3 September - with and WRITE UP alumni (set reminder)

11am Friday 4 September - with selection panel and alumni and and Host (set reminder)

What is WRITE UP?

WRITE UP started in 2025 with a simple idea, to crowdfund a new writing event that pays writers fairly and on time. It’s a space for new writing to be seen, heard and valued. Where writers at every stage can share their work, find their people and grow in confidence.

WRITE UP is a writer-led platform building new spaces for underrepresented voices in literature. It is free to enter, and we pay the writers selected to read their original stories to a live audience at a literary event in London.

You have until midnight on Sunday 6 September 2026 to enter 500-1000 words of original writing in prose, poetry or dramatic monologue on the theme of VOICE. It can be something you’ve written for WRITE UP or a piece you’ve already completed, as long as it fits the criteria.

Be part of this London writing community event by submitting to read, becoming a sponsor and coming along to the main event in London on 7 November 2026.

Submissions Theme for 2026: VOICE

Submissions for WRITE UP 2026 are now open and we’re inviting you to share a piece of work inspired by the theme of VOICE.

We’re looking for pieces that explore what it means to find your voice, lose your voice, reclaim your voice, or listen to the voices of others to showcase diversity of story and storytellers.

Submissions should be between 500 and 1,000 words, although poetry may vary in length. When you think of why VOICE matters what excites you?

• A moment a voice was heard above the noise

• Revealing an untold story or forgotten history

• A space within the silence

• The melodrama of identity, family or belonging

• Discovering place through the senses

• Stepping into a magical, mystical or spooky experience

• Reworking an old tale from a new point of view

• Exchanging words spoken or written between adversaries

• Satire or uncovering a political dilemma

The choice is yours. These are a few prompts if helpful.

We welcome memoir, personal essay, poetry, short fiction and dramatic monologue from new writers, emerging writers and professional writers. Work can be original work or extract ideally around 6-8 minutes long.

Writers are also invited to choose a piece of music that sets the tone for their piece to share with the audience after their reading.

We are looking for words that come alive when read to an audience. Writers should consider how well their piece will work in a medium-sized venue.

Judging Criteria

We know choosing work is a responsibility. Our aim is not to find one “perfect” piece, but to create a night that celebrates a rich mix of voices and experiences.

WRITE UP aims to create a platform for a diverse range of writers in background, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, age and access to writing education. We’ll select a mix of established, emerging and new voices to create a rich and varied line-up.

Selection panel will consider:

• Voice and originality

• Emotional and intellectual impact

• Clarity and coherence

• Relevance to theme

• Performance potential

We’ll also consider how each piece fits within the overall night with attention to diversity, inclusion and community engagement.

Entry Form

Please only submit your original work and not AI generated content.

WRITE UP is created and funded by writers for writers. Please respect the time, cost and energy writers put into their submissions, the selection panel, and the donors and audiences who attend.

The theme is voice. We want to hear your unique voice, your point of view on the world. WRITE UP is founded on the principle that writing has value, please ensure your participation aligns with that belief.

Chat soon!

Amy x

I’m so excited for our back-to-school Substack London Writers Meet Up because autumn is the season of my soul.

We’ll be meeting at 7pm on Monday 7 September at a new West London hotel that is opening its doors to creatives. We’ll have more space, privacy and comfort.

I’m pleased the loos are nearer, the bar is nearer, there’s a restaurant that’ll bring up delicious meals and snacks if you’re feeling a bit peckish.

After drinks and chat we’ll move into a private room where everyone will have an armchair as we settle down to listen to the evening’s readings. As the light fades and the hum of a city that loves literature turns up the volume, it’ll be a soulful time to come together.

Whether you’ve been to a Meet Up before or this is your first time, you’ll be so welcome. You might be regularly writing on Substack, dipping your toe in, or Substack curious. All writers are welcome at any stage of their writing journey.

One of the reasons I’m trying a new venue is I’ve been searching for somewhere that offers a private space for the group. This new venue nestled between Shepherd’s Bush and Kensington Olympia offers more travel options too. Writers can travel on the Central, Hammersmith & City and District Underground lines to the hotel as well as the overground, which should make it much easier for writers coming from south of the river.

It’ll be the same format; we’ll meet for drinks and then have up to four open mic readings. As we’ve got more privacy, I can also do more group discussions for people who want an intro into talking about their work and hearing more about others. It also means I’ll have a little more flexibility on numbers.

We had such fun at our July Meet Up. Thank you, and for reading, and for and for the writerly chats.

Joining us for the first time was who shared the beginning of her funny novel on the human resources nightmare that emerges when a civil servant starts questioning her department.

Takbir, also reading for the first time, shared his gossipy Lady Whistledown account of being in a company of actors from which we all enjoyed.

What Happens at the Meet Ups

7:00 PM – I’ll introduce you to everyone (I’m good with names). Grab a drink at the bar and join us, we’ll be upstairs. There’s a lift and the loos are nearby.

8:30–10:00 PM – Optional Open Mic
Up to four writers read short excerpts of their work (memoir, fiction, poetry, essays). This part always feels intimate and generous; perfect if you’re thinking about sharing your work for the first time.

Email me if you’d like to read something. We have published authors through to new writers sharing for the very first time.

It’s £15 (or if you’re one of my paid Subscribers it’s £10).

Book now Eventbrite or Luma. I’ll email with all the details before the event.

Book Substack Writers Meet Up

Can you make it at seven on Monday 7 September?

Love

Amy x

Amy I Beeson 🐝 is a British mixed-race author and memoirist based in London who grew up in a Staffordshire country village. She facilitates writing practice through workshops, retreats and monthly Writers’ Circle and Meet Ups, supporting writers to develop voice, confidence, creative momentum and community.

Her work explores memory, identity and belonging, often returning to questions of motherhood, class, race and family.

Alongside her writing, she works as a brand language creative and communications strategist at Wordsby and is the founder of WRITE UP, leading creative projects, campaigns and public conversations that connect people, ideas and culture.

A shared stage for new and emerging voices

WRITE UP started in 2025 with a simple idea, to crowdfund a new writing event that pays writers fairly and on time. It’s a space for new writing to be seen, heard and valued. Where writers at every stage can share their work, find their people and grow in confidence.

Diversity of human voices matters now more than ever

Humans have shared stories for millennia, like us, do you believe human authored storytelling still has huge value in today’s digital age? If your answer was YES, here’s the exciting thing, everyone who attends is part of the magic of WRITE UP. Let me tell you more.

WRITE UP is a writer-led platform building new spaces for underrepresented voices in literature. It is free to enter, and we pay the writers selected to read their original stories to a live audience at a literary event in London.

You have until midnight on Sunday 6 September 2026 to enter 500-1000 words of original writing in prose, poetry or dramatic monologue on the theme of VOICE. It can be something you’ve written for WRITE UP or a piece you’ve already completed, as long as it fits the criteria.

Be part of this London writing community event by submitting to read, becoming a sponsor and coming along to the main event in London on 7 November 2026.

If you know a writer who’d fit right in, please share this post and encourage them to get involved.

Submissions Theme for 2026: VOICE

Submissions for WRITE UP 2026 are now open and we’re inviting you to share a piece of work inspired by the theme of VOICE.

We’re looking for pieces that explore what it means to find your voice, lose your voice, reclaim your voice, or listen to the voices of others to showcase diversity of story and storytellers.

Submissions should be between 500 and 1,000 words, although poetry may vary in length. When you think of why VOICE matters what excites you?

• A moment a voice was heard above the noise

• Revealing an untold story or forgotten history

• A space within the silence

• The melodrama of identity, family or belonging

• Discovering place through the senses

• Stepping into a magical, mystical or spooky experience

• Reworking an old tale from a new point of view

• Exchanging words spoken or written between adversaries

• Satire or uncovering a political dilemma

The choice is yours. These are a few prompts if helpful.

We welcome memoir, personal essay, poetry, short fiction and dramatic monologue from new writers, emerging writers and professional writers. Work can be original work or extract ideally around 6-8 minutes long.

Writers are also invited to choose a piece of music that sets the tone for their piece to share with the audience after their reading.

We are looking for words that come alive when read to an audience. Writers should consider how well their piece will work in a medium-sized venue.

Judging Criteria

We know choosing work is a responsibility. Our aim is not to find one “perfect” piece, but to create a night that celebrates a rich mix of voices and experiences.

WRITE UP aims to create a platform for a diverse range of writers in background, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, age and access to writing education. We’ll select a mix of established, emerging and new voices to create a rich and varied line-up.

Selection panel will consider:

• Voice and originality

• Emotional and intellectual impact

• Clarity and coherence

• Relevance to theme

• Performance potential

We’ll also consider how each piece fits within the overall night with attention to diversity, inclusion and community engagement.

Entry Form

Please only submit your original work and not AI generated content.

WRITE UP is created and funded by writers for writers. Please respect the time, cost and energy writers put into their submissions, the selection panel, and the donors and audiences who attend.

The theme is voice. We want to hear your unique voice, your point of view on the world. WRITE UP is founded on the principle that writing has value, please ensure your participation aligns with that belief.

Ask Questions

The WRITE UP team will be hosting Q&A chats. Please ensure you’re signed up to the newsletter to get the dates and times. You can submit a question in advance or ask live, and a replay will be available.

Over the coming week’s and will be hosting events and Substack Live to explain what the selection panel is looking for, what to expect at WRITE UP 2026 and answer your questions.

Want to enter but having doubts?

WRITE UP is run by writers, and we understand. We know the fear of putting your words out into the world, the frustration of trying to find time to write, and the courage it takes to share something personal, especially when you’re stepping into something new.

Writer to writer, we get it.

If you’re unsure whether WRITE UP is for you, reach out to someone from the team or a previous writer and ask about their experience.

This isn’t about creating a space where writers are reduced to winners and losers. It’s about creating rooms where people come together to listen, encourage and value writing.

You don’t need to be on Substack to take part. But Substack is a place where writers connect, share ideas and find community — so if you’ve found yourself here, use it. Join a LIVE, ask a question in Notes, leave a comment, or start a conversation.

We’d love to hear from you.

Subscribe now

Show your support

Crowdfunding will open soon so please help spread the word and show your support if you believe in the value of shared stages, new writing, and that writers should get paid.

If you’d like to make a donation directly, please get in touch. Donations made before crowdfunding opens don’t have platform fees deducted.

If you have ideas on funding or sponsors for WRITE UP, we’d love to hear from you. The more people involved the more we can shape this into something writers want and need.

Submit to WRITE UP 2026

WRITE UP is a writer-led movement creating new spaces for stories, voices and writers to increase their power by coming together. Rooted in London, WRITE UP is a welcoming literary home for all writers to who want to be part of a diverse community that models fairness and values creative ambition.

We’d love you to be part of it. You’ve got until midnight on Sunday 6 September to submit.

Love

Amy x

is a British mixed-race author and memoirist based in London who grew up in a Staffordshire country village. She facilitates writing practice through workshops, retreats and monthly Writers’ Circle and Meet Ups, supporting writers to develop voice, confidence, creative momentum and community.

Her work explores memory, identity and belonging, often returning to questions of motherhood, class, race and family.

Alongside her writing, she works as a brand language creative and communications strategist at Wordsby and is the founder of WRITE UP, leading creative projects, campaigns and public conversations that connect people, ideas and culture.

We’re hosting a Summer Party in London, and you’re invited.

It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been before, there’s always room for one more person. WRITE UP brings together new writers, emerging writers, published writers and people who love stories.

This time last year we were gearing up to do our first ever WRITE UP. This year I wanted to host a WRITE UP Summer Salon but work, family and trying to figure out how to fund it were proving barriers. Then inspired me by saying why don’t we have our own event that anyone can come to in a park.

Immediately I contacted and who are doing so much to help me keep WRITE UP going and evolving.

This is your invitation to

a summer gathering in Kensington Gardens at 4pm on Saturday 1 August

BYOB with a picnic blanket and some snacks

We’ll play some tunes, chat, listen to a few readings and enjoy spreading out on the grass for a relaxed summer evening.

RSVP on LUMA

Book your ticket now on Luma. It’s pay what you can, and the suggested donation is £10.

Once you’re booked on we’ll send you details of where to meet us. The sooner everyone books the better, to help us plan and ensure we are meeting safety guidance.

I’ll email with plans the afternoon before we meet. I’ve been working with to create Community Guidelines for all gatherings, which apply.

When is WRITE UP though, Amy?

I’m so glad you asked. This year’s WRITE UP event will be on Saturday 7 November in West Kensington, London.

By coming along to the Summer Party on 1 August you’ll be helping us kick off crowdfunding and off platform donations that aren’t subject to fees, so it means even more of the money goes towards paying the writers.

Coming to the picnic?

Whether you’ve been to a community writing event before or not, we’d love to see you in London on Saturday 1 August.

It’s a great way to connect with people and, if you have any questions about submitting and getting involved with WRITE UP, it’s a good opportunity to ask,

Find out what writers’ experiences have been like, as we welcome back alumni, a few of whom, I’ll ask to share some readings from previous WRITE UPs.

It’s such a friendly vibe, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve been with old friends.

Book Your Ticket

It’ll be lovely to see you.

Amy x

WRITE IN: One Day Writing Retreat

9.45am-3pm Wednesday 15 July 2026, Hammersmith

These writing retreat days weren’t even my idea. and suggested it would be great addition to our regular writers’ circles, to have a day to do the work, that way we’d always have something to critique. Clever them.

Each month I book the same yellow library room on a quiet tree lined West London Street, close to Hammersmith Broadway or Ravenscourt Park depending on where you’re coming from.

Each writer has a large desk to themselves; an island in an island community of writers. We can comfortably fit in six large desks, I’m an only child, I like my own space. I fetch the chairs that have arms and double up on the cushions, why not make it as comfy as possible? I bring extension leads for laptop cables and phone chargers, and next week I must remember to pack some desk fans, so we aren’t thwarted by the soporific heat of a July afternoon.

Depending on who’s coming I pop some biscuits, tea, coffee, milk into my wicker shopping basket, sometimes we need a gluten free cake or oat milk, which is easy enough to pick up from Marks & Sparks on the way.

We like to have long writing sprints, timed with my glass sand timer. Something really special happens in the hush, the power of focus whilst writing in community is more than productive, it’s joyous. You don’t end up putting on a wash, or popping to the shops or losing a half an hour scrolling. I don’t even look at my phone in the tea breaks, because whilst I’m sticking the kettle on it’s much more fun to chat to the other writers.

It’s a recipe for a perfect day. We each bring a packed lunch (there’s a fridge and a microwave). Words are written and I feel present in my body, in my writing, in my life from ten o’clock in the morning to three o’clock in the afternoon and that really doesn’t happen that often. I’m truly out of the office, doing something for me.

We’ve got three desks available next week. Want to join us?

It’s £46 for paid subscribers and £57.41 (Eventbrite fees) for everyone else.

There’s always room for one more person. Drop me a line and book your place.

Book Now

Love

Amy x

We had fantastic June Meet Up. It sold out really fast.

Who’s ready to come and join us for the Substack Writers Meet Up in West London on Monday 13 July at 7pm in Hammersmith?

It’s £15 (or if you’re one of my paid Subscribers it’s £10.

Subscribe now

What Happens at the Meet-Ups

7:00 PM – I’ll introduce you to everyone (I’m good with names). We sit at a long table overlooking the twinkly lights of Hammersmith Bridge. Grab a drink at the bar and join us.

8:30–10:00 PM – Optional Open Mic
Up to four writers read short excerpts of their work (memoir, fiction, poetry, essays). This part always feels intimate and generous; perfect if you’re thinking about sharing your work for the first time.

Email me if you’d like to read something. We have published authors through to new writer’s sharing for the very first time.

Thank you to June’s Substack Writer’s for such a fun night of literary chat and community.

was celebrating the paperback publication of Breaking Waves and the announcement of book two Chasing Ice. We were lucky enough to get a sneak preview of an early chapter from Emma’s follow up book… safe it say it will not disappoint. Find out more on

was reading and signing copies of her new book The Rule of Three. I’ve been watching the development of this book in our London Writers’ Circles, so I’m excited to have bought it on Audible and will be listening to Jenny read it to me. Any readers of will know as well as being a great gardener, Jenny is also a talented actress, so I know it’ll be such a treat.

author of Demons to Champions from read a beautiful poem The Bridge of Grief. It reflected on loss, memory, love and the continuing relationships we have with those who’ve died.

shared a fab piece of flash fiction on emotional weather called Surrendering. It was an evocative and sensory piece in which the weather was the mirror to the protagonist’s internal and external journey. You can enjoy more of Eva’s writing in her publication .

I am so grateful for these Meet Ups. Finding this community has been life changing and there’s always room for one more.

So, come along on Monday 13 July.

Book Now

It was my birthday so thank you to for the coffee mug and for the tea mug. So kind, and hugely appreciated.

Love

Amy x

June’s Branding 101 is Free on Zoom Today at 1pm

Register now to join today’s Zoom lunch & learn with Creative Brand Designer from on What Does Your Industry Look Like?

Divya’s also generously shared this colour psychology wheel she put together for mission-driven organisations and initiatives. It explores how colour can signal trust, urgency, care and transformation.

It shapes how people feel about a cause before they’ve read a single word.

Subscribe now

Ask Your Questions

I’ve worked with Divya for twelve years on many brands and campaigns, from global environmental change to female founded start ups. She’s got a wealth of experience.

So, this is a great chance to ask about where she starts with putting together a brand’s colour palette, there is so much to learn.

She’s also the creative behind the gorgeous WRITE UP branding.

Get your questions ready.

Keep Cool And Carry On

My children’s school announced they are closing at 1pm and 1.30pm. So will do my best to dial in once I have got home, or will pull over with the air conditioning on in the car. It’s giving me homeschooling nightmares.

Please come along and make the most of this free opportunity. This colour consult would usually cost £200.

1pm (UK time) Wednesday 24 July 2026.

Love

Amy x

I’m a little hot from a school run in a heat wave but ready and excited for Monday Morning Pages at 11am (UK time) today.

It’s free on Zoom and all subscribers are welcome. I’m going to a party at the newly reopened Olympia tonight (going to see what their thoughts are on community spaces for writers).

Zoom Link

See you later to write at 11am (UK time) Monday 22 June 2026 open to all subscribers.

Love

Amy x

It’s our monthly WRITE IN day next week 10am-3pm on Thursday 24 June in Hammersmith London and I cannot wait.

I’m working on my fourth book, it’s a memoir. Having a day when I do just this is rare and very needed.

Would you like to join us?

Book Now

“Writing with like-minded others in person unlocks something very special.”

What is it?

A monthly day retreat of up to six writers in London.

Enter a library room on a quiet tree-lined West London street, where writers come together to focus on their work in progress. No distractions, no pressure to share, and no need to perform. Just dedicated time to write.

We’ll be writing from 10am-3pm in Hammersmith, London, W6 on Thursday 25 June.

Book Now

All that is required is to arrive, set up your own spacious writing desk and begin.

The day is gently structured through sustained writing sprints and short pauses, creating momentum without pressure. Oodles of tea, biscuits and literary chat refuel us between sessions.

Writers end the day with pages written, work moved forward and a rekindled desire to continue towards completion.

Leave feeling like a writer who is writing.

£56 for the day (includes your own work space, tea, coffee, cake and biscuits.)

£46 for paid subscribers

Subscribe now

WRITE IN began with a simple request from writers in our London community…

“I need somewhere to go where I will finally write.”

Not because they lacked creativity, discipline or ideas, but because life is full of interruptions and writing in isolation is hard.

“A whole day cleared in my diary dedicated solely to writing.”

“An absolute treat.”

“The most productive writing session I’ve had for a good while.”

“Dedicated time to really focus on getting on with my writing.”

“I felt I had travelled to a protected space.”

“Focused time to work on Draft 8.”

What you’ll get

• Dedicated time to finally focus on your writing

• A beautiful, quiet writing space in West London

• Your own desk to spread out and settle into your work

• Gentle structure through sustained writing sprints and pauses

• Tea, biscuits and companionable literary conversation

• The motivating presence of other writers working alongside you

• Space to think, write and make meaningful progress

• A calmer nervous system around writing

• Renewed momentum for your work in progress

• The feeling of being a writer who is writing again

Book Now

Come and write with us and drop me a line if you’ve any questions.

Amy x

Missed our Branding 101 session for writers and creatives?

The replay, slides and downloadable resources are now available below.

Brand consistency doesn’t mean becoming a content machine

In our May Branding 101 tutorial we discussed how for writers and creatives, consistency is often less about rigid routines and more about creating emotional trust through tone, values, visuals and presence with a working rhythm that evolves with you. We explored how:

• People connect with recognisable energy, not perfection

• Competition isn’t just that author with a new book deal

• One of the biggest branding mistakes writers make is thinking competitors are only other authors

• Sometimes your real competition is Netflix, burnout, doomscrolling, noise and distraction

• Branding is about understanding attention, emotion and behaviour — not just aesthetics.

• Your brand like you is a living thing

The goal is recognisability, trust and resonance.

What did writers think?

Branding 101: Who’s your real competition?

In this bite-sized tutorial with branding experts Amy Beeson and from Wordsby Communications explored:

• What a brand actually is (beyond logos and marketing)

• Competitive landscape mapping and finding gaps in the market

• The difference between brand consistency and rigid content schedules

• Sustainable branding for creatives with real lives, fluctuating energy and evolving work

Get the replay

Paid subscribers can now access:
✓ Full replay audio recording
✓ Slides and workshop notes
✓ Competitive landscape prompts and axes

Subscribe to access the replay and downloads.

Get your questions in for June

We’re excited for the next live online tutorial at 1pm on Wednesday 24 June.

will be helping you get started with your visual brand identity, looking at colour psychology and typography in Branding 101 Lunch & Learn What does your industry look like?

Listen Again

Missed it? Don’t worry it’s available below to listen to with the slides to download and work your way through, along with some handy worksheets.

Thank you to and who joined us and asked such fantastic questions.

Branding 101 Lunch & Learn: Who’s your real competition? Listen to the audio.

Downloads

Workshop slides

Competition landscape understanding your edge

Competition landscape blank worksheets

Register for June Tutorial

Register your place for our next bite-size tutorial 1pm on Wedneday 24 June.

Register

Enjoy and send us any questions.

Amy & Divya

Hello, thanks for stopping by. I’m Amy Beeson an author, and I host in-person and online events for our writing community

June In-Person Events

Substack Writers West London Meet Ups (Fully booked)

Monday 1 June at 7pm in Hammersmith. A friendly place to connect with Substack writers and optional open mic. (£15 or £10 to subscribers). The June Meet Up sold out really fast. Here’s a link to the next one on 13 July. Only 12 places available.

Writing in Progress - London Writers’ Circle

Tuesday 9 June 10am-12pm in Hammersmith. (£65 standard £55 subscribers). Get feedback on up to 2000 words on your work in progress. Book your place at the June Writers Circle. Only five places available. The June and July sessions will be the last of the drop-ins at this price. We’ll be moving to cohorts in the autumn.

WRITE IN: One Day Co-working Retreat

Thursday 25 July 10am-3pm in Hammersmith. Get your word count up on you WIP in the company of other writers. Only five places available. (£55 Standard and £46 Subscribers). Book now to get a whole day of writing in the diary.

Free Online Events

Monday Morning Pages

Weekly in term-time join Amy for FREE morning pages session on Zoom. Link is sent to all subscribers each week. 11am-12pm (UK time) on Monday 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 June.

15 Minute Writing Bursts on Substack Live

All subscribers will get a link to these free daily live writing sessions to keep us connected with our work in progress.

Branding 101 Substack Live

Join experts Amy Beeson and at 1pm on Thursday 4 June as we discuss each month’s branding and communications theme.

Members Only Online Events

Included within the subscription to I Need To Finish This Before I Die.

Friday Writers’ Room

Fridays in term-time join Amy 10.30am-12pm for dedicated writing time. The Zoom link is emailed to all paid members before each session. 10.30-12pm (UK time) on Friday 12, 19 and 26 June.

Branding 101 Lunch & Learn Online Tutorials

June’s tutorial and Q&A will be at 1pm on Wednesday 24 June with Amy Beeson and on Zoom. This month reserve your spot for What does your industry look like?

Anything take your fancy? Email me back with any questions.

Love

Amy x

Do you want a clear, authentic brand so the right readers, clients and collaborators understand your work and keep on choosing it?

Branding 101 Lunch & Learn are a live bite-sized 1hr online tutorial series for writers, creatives and purpose-led practitioners who want to build a professional identity they can be proud of that evolves with them.

Each month brand experts from Wordsby Communications and will share how to blend storytelling and design with strategy.

Because we’re on a mission to show how clear identity and consistency can help more diverse voices be heard and more meaningful work be seen. We believe brand clarity is not cosmetic, it determines whether you are understood, trusted and able to reach the people your work is meant for.

Reserve your spot for 1-2pm Wednesday 20 May 2026 on Zoom for Branding 101: Who’s your real competition?

Find out who’s your real competition

Do you ever feel like you don’t know what makes you different?

In this first session of BRANDING 101 led by Brand Strategist and Language Creative we explore on the first half of the call what’s really getting in the way of your work being seen, understood and chosen.

Come to rethink how you position yourself and get started with self-guided strategy and writing development.

As well as recently putting those comms skills to good use to create WRITE UP, Amy has worked with household names like the Royal Navy, NHS, WWF, LSE, The National Archives, the Labour Party and O2. Her branding know-how was a huge factor in getting a three-book deal with HarperCollins too.

Your Questions Answered

Know what you want to do but don’t know how to do it?

Divya and Amy will answer your questions during the call too. It’s an opportunity to get some professional brand design, language and communications strategy advice.

You might recognise the designs did for WRITE UP. Her clients also include WWF International, the UN and the Commonwealth Foundation.

Divya will be leading the June session on visual competitor analysis using colour and typography psychology.

Why does branding matter?

Research show that consistent and authentic branding directly effects how much people trust you, how professional they think you are and how confident they are to buy from you.

From positioning and messaging to visual identity and copy, Amy and Divya are here to guide you on how to present yourself and your work confidently and consistently.

There’s a lot to learn but we can do it together at a gentle pace that reframes how you see yourself and show up in the world.

Join the Live Call

1-2pm Wednesday 20 May 2026 on Zoom.

Free to all paid subscribers of I Need To Finish This Before I Die. Here’s the link…

Read more

• Who are you

• What do you do

• How do you do it

• Competition landscape moodboards

• Brands vs campaigns

We’ll be creating a tutorial and taking questions from subscribers later this month.

Got a question?

Let us know.

Amy & Divya xx

Thank you , , and many others for tuning into my live video with ! Join me for my next live video in the app.

Get more from Amy I Beeson 🐝 in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app

“It felt really special, especially with such an intimate group. The combination of breath and writing was powerful. A great way to access my inner voice. The time just flew by.” Charlotte

Your notebook and pen...

long peaceful breaths...

an unwinding of body and mind...

Come back to yourself at The Soul Pages.

Book Now

We’ve one place left.

Welcome to Soul Pages Mini Retreats

Our next escape is 12.30-2.30pm on Saturday 9 May 2026 in London, W6.

A 90 minute mini-retreat in a sunny yellow book lined room on a quiet tree lined street. A chance to slow down, release and reconnect.

No experience needed.
No need to share.
Nothing to do but arrive.

Author Amy Beeson and Homeopath and Holistic Health & Pilates Coach Athena Bray-Mucha are looking forward to welcoming to the next Soul Pages mini retreat.

Book Now

What happens…

We begin with breath work, rest and relaxation to help your body fully unwind.

From there, you’ll be gently guided into writing prompts — a way to reconnect with your thoughts, feelings and imagination.

There is no sharing required at any point. You can stay completely private in your writing.

We close with tea, snacks, homeopathy advice and relaxed conversation (if you feel like it), plus a small gift to take home.

Book Now

“Transformative… I could be honest with myself in my writing.” Nirja

Take the Quiz

Not sure if this is what you need right now?

We’ve created a short “What do you need right now?” quiz — a quiet moment to check in with yourself.

Just reply QUIZ and we’ll send it to you.

“I felt safe, warm and welcomed.” Helena

What’s included in your mini ritual…

• Breathwork to calm your nervous system

• Gentle restorative poses (with cushions, bolsters and blankets)

• Guided writing prompts

• Herbal tea and nourishing snacks

• Introduction to homeopathy

• A small homeopathy remedies gift

“A peaceful and inspiring atmosphere. I could just be in my own space.” Holly

What you’ll leave with…

• A calmer, more grounded body

• Space in your mind

• Reconnection with your creative self

• A sense of what you require

• The feeling of having truly paused

“I left feeling deeply energised, refreshed and grateful.” Elizabeth

This is for you if…

You feel any of the following:

• Overwhelmed or mentally busy

• Wanting to use writing to explore

• You’re craving rest without having to “do” anything

• You like the idea of a retreat but don’t have the time for a full day or weekend

• You want gentle connection without pressure to share

  Book Now

Guest Expert - Athena Bray-Mucha

Athena is a Homeopath RSHom LCHE & CHEK Holistic Health & Pilates Coach.

She supports many women and families, from babies to elderly. Addressing hormonal imbalances, all stages of menopause, and chronic conditions such as eczema and asthma.

Amy first met Athena in her fantastic Pilates class, and then went to see her for natural remedies to release grief, heal from injury. Amy always has Athena’s coughs and colds remedies in the cupboard for the whole family to take at the first hint of a sniffle.

Writing Guide - Amy Beeson

Amy Beeson is an author with three books published by HarperCollins. She runs regular writing spaces focused on community, craft and connection.

Soul Pages is part of her own creative practice — using writing and rest to reconnect, restore and re-energise.

There is no productivity, performance or pressure.
Just space to return to yourself.

“I could just be in my own space. I didn’t feel any pressure to share.” Di

Cranio Sacral Massage Head holds

former editor of The Luxury Channel is a registered craniosacral therapist. Her work explores the relationship between nervous system regulation and creativity - how, as the body settles, clarity and inspiration can return.

“I’m drawn to enter this space because it offers something rare - time to slow down, think and reconnect.” Antonia

She’ll be offering optional, gentle craniosacral holds to support deeper rest and allow the body to settle into its own rhythm.

Antonia said, “I met Amy as new mothers over a decade ago, and our friendship has been shaped by a shared love of ideas and reflection. I’m deeply inspired by Amy’s writing, and I always leave her presence feeling more myself - clearer, steadier and galvanised.”

Book Now

If you’re reading this and thinking… yes, I need this — trust that feeling.

Cost £65 (or £55 for paid subscribers contact Amy).

Saturday 9 May 12.30-2.30pm in Hammersmith, London W6.

Book Now

Hammersmith and Ravenscourt Park are nearest tubes and there is free on street parking.

No experience is needed. Spaces are limited to six participants (and we’ve already taken some reservations). Tea and light refreshments will be provided. Please bring:

• Water

• A yoga mat

• Any props you like to use

• Notebook and pen

A final note

You will not be asked to share.
You will not be asked to perform.

You’ll simply be welcomed into a calm, supportive space and given permission to pause.

Love

Amy and Athena xx (And Antonia)