“Writing, publishing, and poetry have a strong community in York, traditionally stemming from the steadfast academic community.

Both universities offer academic literature and strong creative writing courses, bolster writers in residence, and offer access to the creative industries with ties to New Writing North, York Centre for Writing Poetry, Writers at York, and the Centre for Modern Studies across the respective institutions. 

Outside academia, creative writing and poetry flourish in so many spaces across the city. Keep an eye out across our social media for performance opportunities, such as quirky one-off-student-led open mic nights at Spark, or wander along to York Howler’s Poetry Nights regular slot for performing new writing at the Blue Boar on Castlegate, or even book a ticket to the new Rise Up! Poetry Night Series at Bluebird Bakery in Acomb. 

Regular writers can join feedback groups, usually separated by local area, such as ‘Say ‘Owt’, or if you’re a member of The Poetry Society, join the very successful and infinitely welcoming York Stanza, and tap into their wealth of poetic knowledge.

York is also home to countess book clubs, I’d especially recommend the St Nick’s reading group if you’re interested in Nature Writing, or the female-only York Girl Book Club, who meet at Howl for wine and book talk.

There’s plenty of support and opportunity happening right now in York, but if you ever feel a bit nervous sharing work, contact us and we will always endeavour to point you in the right direction.”