Kit de Waal
@kitdewaal.com
Optimist, writer, swearer. common person. Co-founder Big Book Weekend with @MollyFlatt. Proud Primadonna. Professor, University of Leicester. FRSL. Photo by Paul Chambers. No DMs please. To email use [email protected]
If you have any questions on my 6 month writing course send them to @eanstruther.bsky.social and we will answer them over on Substack on the 5th December substack.com/@eleanoranst...
Eleanor Anstruther (@eleanoranstruther)
5th Dec 1pm @Kit de Waal will be on Substack LIVE with me to answer your questions. Send them to me in advance!
substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:35 PM
If you have any questions on my 6 month writing course send them to @eanstruther.bsky.social and we will answer them over on Substack on the 5th December substack.com/@eleanoranst...
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Today is #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay so why not pick up a copy of the FUEL anthology of prizewinning flash fictions - it's a great read and profits go to four #fuelpoverty charities, including @nea.org.uk. The brand new ebook has 75+12 bonus stories = 87 flash stories! Buy here: www.fuelflash.net
November 26, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Today is #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay so why not pick up a copy of the FUEL anthology of prizewinning flash fictions - it's a great read and profits go to four #fuelpoverty charities, including @nea.org.uk. The brand new ebook has 75+12 bonus stories = 87 flash stories! Buy here: www.fuelflash.net
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Ebook includes brilliant flash fictions by @maureenmcely.bsky.social, @sfreligh.bsky.social, @lunchontuesday.bsky.social, @emilyrinkema.bsky.social, @jaimegill.bsky.social, @sarahhilary.bsky.social, @kitdewaal.com, @jmgatford.bsky.social, @daraelerath.bsky.social and @zephyrax.bsky.social!
Today is #FuelPovertyAwarenessDay so why not pick up a copy of the FUEL anthology of prizewinning flash fictions - it's a great read and profits go to four #fuelpoverty charities, including @nea.org.uk. The brand new ebook has 75+12 bonus stories = 87 flash stories! Buy here: www.fuelflash.net
November 26, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Ebook includes brilliant flash fictions by @maureenmcely.bsky.social, @sfreligh.bsky.social, @lunchontuesday.bsky.social, @emilyrinkema.bsky.social, @jaimegill.bsky.social, @sarahhilary.bsky.social, @kitdewaal.com, @jmgatford.bsky.social, @daraelerath.bsky.social and @zephyrax.bsky.social!
Via @afterdinnerconversation
After Dinner Conversation (@afterdinnerconversation)
substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Via @afterdinnerconversation
Want to know more about my 6 Month Writing Course? Here's the lowdown.
open.substack.com/pub/kitdewaa...
open.substack.com/pub/kitdewaa...
The lowdown
The 6 Month Writing Course
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Want to know more about my 6 Month Writing Course? Here's the lowdown.
open.substack.com/pub/kitdewaa...
open.substack.com/pub/kitdewaa...
Smiley face, chuffed emoji
We are delighted to welcome bestselling novelist Kit de Waal (@kitdewaal.com ), literary translator Vineet Lal, pioneering writer Maggie Gee and literary biographer and head of Persephone Books Nicola Beauman, to the SoA’s honorary body of 56 existing Fellows.
buff.ly/zeYJ4fC
buff.ly/zeYJ4fC
November 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Smiley face, chuffed emoji
Through two in-person weekends at Gladstone’s Library and four online workshops, explore story essentials, character, research, voice, setting and editing. Starts 27 February 2026. I'd love you to join us!
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
The Six-Month Writing Course with Kit de Waal - Gladstone's Library
Join Kit de Waal for a six-month journey into the art and discipline of storytelling, with two visits to the UK’s finest residential library.
www.gladstoneslibrary.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Through two in-person weekends at Gladstone’s Library and four online workshops, explore story essentials, character, research, voice, setting and editing. Starts 27 February 2026. I'd love you to join us!
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Reposted by Kit de Waal
I’ve been appointed a Fellow of The Society of Authors. Very nice :)
Kit de Waal, Vineet Lal, Maggie Gee and Nicola Beauman appointed Society of Authors fellows
The Society of Authors has appointed four new fellows: Kit de Waal, Vineet Lal, Maggie Gee and Nicola Beauman.
www.thebookseller.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:23 AM
I’ve been appointed a Fellow of The Society of Authors. Very nice :)
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Introducing the Manderley Press subscription - the ultimate gift for readers who love rediscovered literary gems, distinctive titles and beautifully made books. A carefully curated collection elegant reprints brought back to life especially for the 21st-century reader.
manderleypress.com
#booksky
manderleypress.com
#booksky
November 22, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Introducing the Manderley Press subscription - the ultimate gift for readers who love rediscovered literary gems, distinctive titles and beautifully made books. A carefully curated collection elegant reprints brought back to life especially for the 21st-century reader.
manderleypress.com
#booksky
manderleypress.com
#booksky
Reposted by Kit de Waal
And finally I'm reposting my starter pack of Novelists. Some of my favourite people on BlueSky are in here @kitdewaal.com @regretteruane.bsky.social @drewgum.bsky.social @susannacrossman.bsky.social @jnraeside.bsky.social And many more. Please follow and repost if you can #writingcommnuity #booksky
November 22, 2025 at 10:27 AM
And finally I'm reposting my starter pack of Novelists. Some of my favourite people on BlueSky are in here @kitdewaal.com @regretteruane.bsky.social @drewgum.bsky.social @susannacrossman.bsky.social @jnraeside.bsky.social And many more. Please follow and repost if you can #writingcommnuity #booksky
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Thanks to DCU Arts and Culture for another superb DCU Book Club session. Join us in January for @kitdewaal.com's discussion of her novel 'The Best of Everything'. Tickets are free but spaces are limited so book your ticket now! www.dcu.ie/dcuartsandcu...
November 20, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Thanks to DCU Arts and Culture for another superb DCU Book Club session. Join us in January for @kitdewaal.com's discussion of her novel 'The Best of Everything'. Tickets are free but spaces are limited so book your ticket now! www.dcu.ie/dcuartsandcu...
Reposted by Kit de Waal
I sure do!
Do you want to know the first thing I will be teaching on my six month writing course?
kitdewaal.substack.com/p/things-i-w...
kitdewaal.substack.com/p/things-i-w...
Things I wish I'd known
The first talk I give to creative writing students is called ’Things I wish I’d Known…’.
kitdewaal.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
I sure do!
Do you want to know the first thing I will be teaching on my six month writing course?
kitdewaal.substack.com/p/things-i-w...
kitdewaal.substack.com/p/things-i-w...
Things I wish I'd known
The first talk I give to creative writing students is called ’Things I wish I’d Known…’.
kitdewaal.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Do you want to know the first thing I will be teaching on my six month writing course?
kitdewaal.substack.com/p/things-i-w...
kitdewaal.substack.com/p/things-i-w...
Reposted by Kit de Waal
The outgoing chief exec Tom Riordan said a couple of years ago, "councils are no longer sufficiently funded to provide the services expected of them."
Diabolical genius of austerity is a lot of folk don't know how LA's are funded so it's councils who are see as the bad guys when services disappear.
Diabolical genius of austerity is a lot of folk don't know how LA's are funded so it's councils who are see as the bad guys when services disappear.
I wrote in @prospectmagazine.co.uk at the start of last year that 2025/6/7 was going to be a bloodbath for what's left of the UK's public services. LCC is one of the more financially responsible authorities in the UK so if it's this bad here christ knows how it is everywhere else.
“since the start of 2010 the authority had seen reductions equating to a real terms decrease in funding of £465.9m - 70% of its overall budget”
and people are wondering why the UK is “broken”
it’s not “boats” it’s austerity
“Leeds City Council plans £101m of savings”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
and people are wondering why the UK is “broken”
it’s not “boats” it’s austerity
“Leeds City Council plans £101m of savings”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
November 20, 2025 at 9:12 AM
The outgoing chief exec Tom Riordan said a couple of years ago, "councils are no longer sufficiently funded to provide the services expected of them."
Diabolical genius of austerity is a lot of folk don't know how LA's are funded so it's councils who are see as the bad guys when services disappear.
Diabolical genius of austerity is a lot of folk don't know how LA's are funded so it's councils who are see as the bad guys when services disappear.
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Today I’ll be doing the first proper day of photography for the Outsiders project since 2022, focusing on long term street homelessness and tent encampments. The situation is much worse than it was and the exhibition must reflect that. Nobody should be sleeping rough in a country as wealthy as ours.
November 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Today I’ll be doing the first proper day of photography for the Outsiders project since 2022, focusing on long term street homelessness and tent encampments. The situation is much worse than it was and the exhibition must reflect that. Nobody should be sleeping rough in a country as wealthy as ours.
Reposted by Kit de Waal
I’m so looking forward to this evening’s Author Showcase at Kenilworth Books in Warwicks!
I’ll be signing copies of my debut novel, ‘The Approval of Sheep’ & also recommending some of my favourite reads!
If you’re local-ish, I hope to see you there! 12 Talisman Square, CV8 1JB
Thurs 20 Nov 5-7pm
I’ll be signing copies of my debut novel, ‘The Approval of Sheep’ & also recommending some of my favourite reads!
If you’re local-ish, I hope to see you there! 12 Talisman Square, CV8 1JB
Thurs 20 Nov 5-7pm
November 20, 2025 at 7:36 AM
I’m so looking forward to this evening’s Author Showcase at Kenilworth Books in Warwicks!
I’ll be signing copies of my debut novel, ‘The Approval of Sheep’ & also recommending some of my favourite reads!
If you’re local-ish, I hope to see you there! 12 Talisman Square, CV8 1JB
Thurs 20 Nov 5-7pm
I’ll be signing copies of my debut novel, ‘The Approval of Sheep’ & also recommending some of my favourite reads!
If you’re local-ish, I hope to see you there! 12 Talisman Square, CV8 1JB
Thurs 20 Nov 5-7pm
Memoir for Beginners Course, all day, in person?
Sign up and learn how to craft your story into a compelling narrative with exercises, discussion, and lots of opportunity to write whatever your skill level and ambition.
Please share:
Sign up and learn how to craft your story into a compelling narrative with exercises, discussion, and lots of opportunity to write whatever your skill level and ambition.
Please share:
Memoir with Kit de Waal (Beginner) - Gladstone's Library
Join Kit de Waal for an inspiring day devoted to bringing your memories to life on the page.
www.gladstoneslibrary.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Memoir for Beginners Course, all day, in person?
Sign up and learn how to craft your story into a compelling narrative with exercises, discussion, and lots of opportunity to write whatever your skill level and ambition.
Please share:
Sign up and learn how to craft your story into a compelling narrative with exercises, discussion, and lots of opportunity to write whatever your skill level and ambition.
Please share:
Update - there are now only 9 places left!
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
Want to do a six month writing course with me? Or looking for a great Christmas present for the writer in your life?
Sign up quickly as there are only 15 places.
I would love to see you there!
Want to do a six month writing course with me? Or looking for a great Christmas present for the writer in your life?
Sign up quickly as there are only 15 places.
I would love to see you there!
The Six-Month Writing Course with Kit de Waal - Gladstone's Library
Join Kit de Waal for a six-month journey into the art and discipline of storytelling, with two visits to the UK’s finest residential library.
www.gladstoneslibrary.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Update - there are now only 9 places left!
This award gives emerging writers a free course, retreat and mentoring. You need to be unpublished but it closes on 30th November so get in quick.
Details in link.
Please share :)
Details in link.
Please share :)
Emerging Writer Award - The Bridge Awards
The Emerging Writer Award is run in partnership with The Bridge Awards. The award winner receives a package including courses, retreat time and mentoring.
www.moniackmhor.org.uk
November 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
This award gives emerging writers a free course, retreat and mentoring. You need to be unpublished but it closes on 30th November so get in quick.
Details in link.
Please share :)
Details in link.
Please share :)
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Hey authors! Check to see if Anthropic stole your book to train their slop generator on. You’re entitled to $1500 per stolen Work.
Look up your work, and if you’re in the database, file a claim
secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup/
Look up your work, and if you’re in the database, file a claim
secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup/
Submit a Claim
secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Hey authors! Check to see if Anthropic stole your book to train their slop generator on. You’re entitled to $1500 per stolen Work.
Look up your work, and if you’re in the database, file a claim
secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup/
Look up your work, and if you’re in the database, file a claim
secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup/
Also missing the point of stories. For most of us, the first stories we were learned were told to us orally. When someone tells me they love my writing or my stories, I never ask - oh, but did you read it on paper? No writer cares. The story is the thing, not the method of delivery
People who dismiss e-books or audiobooks as being somehow less worthy or less meaningful than physical books are missing the point of books. Books are not ink and paper, just as human beings are not defined by their physicality. Books are connections; emotions; ideas; just like their creators.
November 18, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Also missing the point of stories. For most of us, the first stories we were learned were told to us orally. When someone tells me they love my writing or my stories, I never ask - oh, but did you read it on paper? No writer cares. The story is the thing, not the method of delivery
Reposted by Kit de Waal
This will be terrific 👌
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
Want to do a six month writing course with me? Or looking for a great Christmas present for the writer in your life?
Sign up quickly as there are only 15 places.
I would love to see you there!
Want to do a six month writing course with me? Or looking for a great Christmas present for the writer in your life?
Sign up quickly as there are only 15 places.
I would love to see you there!
The Six-Month Writing Course with Kit de Waal - Gladstone's Library
Join Kit de Waal for a six-month journey into the art and discipline of storytelling, with two visits to the UK’s finest residential library.
www.gladstoneslibrary.org
November 17, 2025 at 6:05 PM
This will be terrific 👌