Penny Pepper
@penpep.bsky.social
UK true socialist by seaside. Author, poet, disability activist whose work explores our stories through provocation, wit, kindness. Opinion journo. Novel on subs & new poetry almost. Saucy old punk gal. Cat mum. Wobbly health at moment. Grr.
Gloomy sunset looming. Cheering myself up with this happy memory – first on the bill at the launch of the Hastings anthology, Poet Town, Sept 2025. Here’s me with my wonderful pal, the writer Jake Arnott, as my ever faithful page turner! Believe me, he does it perfectly. #writerlife #tuesdaythoughts
January 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Gloomy sunset looming. Cheering myself up with this happy memory – first on the bill at the launch of the Hastings anthology, Poet Town, Sept 2025. Here’s me with my wonderful pal, the writer Jake Arnott, as my ever faithful page turner! Believe me, he does it perfectly. #writerlife #tuesdaythoughts
Thank you! I hope 2026 brings me more readers and juicy publishing contracts 🙂
The way you describe the world holding its breath really resonates. What are you hoping 2026 brings, even in a small way?
January 17, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Thank you! I hope 2026 brings me more readers and juicy publishing contracts 🙂
Saturday Caturday Haiku:
Dull games, letterings!
Dismissive she looks askance.
Yet, she's a beauty!
#catlady #writerlife #poem #haiku
Dull games, letterings!
Dismissive she looks askance.
Yet, she's a beauty!
#catlady #writerlife #poem #haiku
January 17, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Saturday Caturday Haiku:
Dull games, letterings!
Dismissive she looks askance.
Yet, she's a beauty!
#catlady #writerlife #poem #haiku
Dull games, letterings!
Dismissive she looks askance.
Yet, she's a beauty!
#catlady #writerlife #poem #haiku
My health is wobbly & I remain in hermit mood. Here by the coast there's been torrential rain. Black ice - grumpy unhelpful weather. Still, I sense the world holding its breath. Sharing one of my 'babies'. Reminding myself of what I've done. Do share your plans and hopes for 2026. #writerlife
January 16, 2026 at 9:00 PM
My health is wobbly & I remain in hermit mood. Here by the coast there's been torrential rain. Black ice - grumpy unhelpful weather. Still, I sense the world holding its breath. Sharing one of my 'babies'. Reminding myself of what I've done. Do share your plans and hopes for 2026. #writerlife
New year, gentle hopes. Today I'm in London. Earlier I was caught in a snow storm on Tottenham Court Road. A sudden shiver of snowflakes that coated me in my black teddy coat. If I hadn't been so cold I would have relished this magical moment. Living through the dark & light. #Writerlife #poet #icy
January 7, 2026 at 11:55 AM
New year, gentle hopes. Today I'm in London. Earlier I was caught in a snow storm on Tottenham Court Road. A sudden shiver of snowflakes that coated me in my black teddy coat. If I hadn't been so cold I would have relished this magical moment. Living through the dark & light. #Writerlife #poet #icy
The Penny Pepper tree is coming down now. Yes I always like to put my mark on the mid winter celebrations. But I like to be a bit ahead in knowing it's time to move on. Happy New year friends. What do you hope for the New year? #hny #2026 #writer #disabledwriter #poet #author #untoldstory
December 28, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The Penny Pepper tree is coming down now. Yes I always like to put my mark on the mid winter celebrations. But I like to be a bit ahead in knowing it's time to move on. Happy New year friends. What do you hope for the New year? #hny #2026 #writer #disabledwriter #poet #author #untoldstory
We've reached the final installment/last door to open on my DIY Advent Calendar!
I leave you with a little tale I hope you'll enjoy.. - Date in the Strand
buff.ly/9QCy3hk
#disabledwriter #shortstory #writerslife #adventcalendar
I leave you with a little tale I hope you'll enjoy.. - Date in the Strand
buff.ly/9QCy3hk
#disabledwriter #shortstory #writerslife #adventcalendar
December 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM
We've reached the final installment/last door to open on my DIY Advent Calendar!
I leave you with a little tale I hope you'll enjoy.. - Date in the Strand
buff.ly/9QCy3hk
#disabledwriter #shortstory #writerslife #adventcalendar
I leave you with a little tale I hope you'll enjoy.. - Date in the Strand
buff.ly/9QCy3hk
#disabledwriter #shortstory #writerslife #adventcalendar
I'm loving all the amazing feedback and responses to my piece in The Bookseller @_thebookseller. Thank you everyone!
buff.ly/ARuI0i1
#disabledwriter #writerslife #thebookseller #disabledfiction
buff.ly/ARuI0i1
#disabledwriter #writerslife #thebookseller #disabledfiction
“Against this backdrop, I wrote and I wrote”
A look at the fight for the disability narrative in fiction.
tinyurl.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:55 AM
I'm loving all the amazing feedback and responses to my piece in The Bookseller @_thebookseller. Thank you everyone!
buff.ly/ARuI0i1
#disabledwriter #writerslife #thebookseller #disabledfiction
buff.ly/ARuI0i1
#disabledwriter #writerslife #thebookseller #disabledfiction
You know as a writer (and reader), I support this down to my marrow. I've written about our exclusion from literature so many times, most recently in The Bookseller and I'm exhausted. But still, the words keep coming. They must. @thebookseller.com @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social #untoldstories
If you see this please share (i.e. repost, not just like)! The Barbellion Prize is a unique award for writers with disabilities. We need to raise £20k to secure its future, so please make a donation, no matter how large, no matter how small, here: barbellionprize.org/donate/ Thank you!
donate | The Barbellion Prize
barbellionprize.org
December 21, 2025 at 9:24 AM
You know as a writer (and reader), I support this down to my marrow. I've written about our exclusion from literature so many times, most recently in The Bookseller and I'm exhausted. But still, the words keep coming. They must. @thebookseller.com @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social #untoldstories
It's the next part of my DIY Advent Calendar!
It's a little teasy taster of my Desires Reborn 21st Anniversary edition - enjoy!
buff.ly/A4he70j
#writerslife #disabledwriter #eroticfiction
It's a little teasy taster of my Desires Reborn 21st Anniversary edition - enjoy!
buff.ly/A4he70j
#writerslife #disabledwriter #eroticfiction
December 19, 2025 at 11:55 AM
It's the next part of my DIY Advent Calendar!
It's a little teasy taster of my Desires Reborn 21st Anniversary edition - enjoy!
buff.ly/A4he70j
#writerslife #disabledwriter #eroticfiction
It's a little teasy taster of my Desires Reborn 21st Anniversary edition - enjoy!
buff.ly/A4he70j
#writerslife #disabledwriter #eroticfiction
UK Disability History Month is almost over. As the winter solstice draws close, here's some thoughts on my wintering. What do you do in these darker days? #writer #disabilityhistorymonth #storiestotell #whatnext #wintersolstice #longestnight #solstice
"The moving towards the darkest time together and looking further to when the light returns."
In my latest Substack piece 'Lost in The Allure of Winter' I'm talking all things cosy, keeping out the cold and creaky houses.
Come and join me over there, I'd love you as as a subscriber
In my latest Substack piece 'Lost in The Allure of Winter' I'm talking all things cosy, keeping out the cold and creaky houses.
Come and join me over there, I'd love you as as a subscriber
Lost in the Allure of Midwinter
And I don't think I'm alone
buff.ly
December 19, 2025 at 8:12 AM
UK Disability History Month is almost over. As the winter solstice draws close, here's some thoughts on my wintering. What do you do in these darker days? #writer #disabilityhistorymonth #storiestotell #whatnext #wintersolstice #longestnight #solstice
"The moving towards the darkest time together and looking further to when the light returns."
In my latest Substack piece 'Lost in The Allure of Winter' I'm talking all things cosy, keeping out the cold and creaky houses.
Come and join me over there, I'd love you as as a subscriber
In my latest Substack piece 'Lost in The Allure of Winter' I'm talking all things cosy, keeping out the cold and creaky houses.
Come and join me over there, I'd love you as as a subscriber
Lost in the Allure of Midwinter
And I don't think I'm alone
buff.ly
December 18, 2025 at 11:55 AM
"The moving towards the darkest time together and looking further to when the light returns."
In my latest Substack piece 'Lost in The Allure of Winter' I'm talking all things cosy, keeping out the cold and creaky houses.
Come and join me over there, I'd love you as as a subscriber
In my latest Substack piece 'Lost in The Allure of Winter' I'm talking all things cosy, keeping out the cold and creaky houses.
Come and join me over there, I'd love you as as a subscriber
Calling all Hastings locals...
Wednesday 17th December from 12.30pm to 4.00pm at the Hastings Museum.
As Event’s Coordinators, myself and Theresa Hodge, who runs Crafting Connections, invite you along for a fun friendly afternoon, as we celebrate of UK Disability History Month.
It's FREE too!
Wednesday 17th December from 12.30pm to 4.00pm at the Hastings Museum.
As Event’s Coordinators, myself and Theresa Hodge, who runs Crafting Connections, invite you along for a fun friendly afternoon, as we celebrate of UK Disability History Month.
It's FREE too!
December 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Calling all Hastings locals...
Wednesday 17th December from 12.30pm to 4.00pm at the Hastings Museum.
As Event’s Coordinators, myself and Theresa Hodge, who runs Crafting Connections, invite you along for a fun friendly afternoon, as we celebrate of UK Disability History Month.
It's FREE too!
Wednesday 17th December from 12.30pm to 4.00pm at the Hastings Museum.
As Event’s Coordinators, myself and Theresa Hodge, who runs Crafting Connections, invite you along for a fun friendly afternoon, as we celebrate of UK Disability History Month.
It's FREE too!
My latest Substack piece is up!
Lost in the Allure of Winter - And I Don't Think I'm Alone
The darkening days seem to create an atmosphere of community, at least here by the sea, as nature makes itself the centre of attention.
#writerslife #midwinter #newsubstack
Lost in the Allure of Winter - And I Don't Think I'm Alone
The darkening days seem to create an atmosphere of community, at least here by the sea, as nature makes itself the centre of attention.
#writerslife #midwinter #newsubstack
Lost in the Allure of Midwinter
And I don't think I'm alone
buff.ly
December 12, 2025 at 11:55 AM
My latest Substack piece is up!
Lost in the Allure of Winter - And I Don't Think I'm Alone
The darkening days seem to create an atmosphere of community, at least here by the sea, as nature makes itself the centre of attention.
#writerslife #midwinter #newsubstack
Lost in the Allure of Winter - And I Don't Think I'm Alone
The darkening days seem to create an atmosphere of community, at least here by the sea, as nature makes itself the centre of attention.
#writerslife #midwinter #newsubstack
Thank you for share. Even a new photo of actual me now up @thebookseller.com and thanks @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social UK Disability History Month on till 20th Dec. I'm (trying hard) to do an almost Penny Pepper advent calendar to links to my work out there.
Honouring the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December by sharing @penpep.bsky.social’s powerful reflection on a lifetime of writing against the grain ✨
www.thebookseller.com/comment/copy...
www.thebookseller.com/comment/copy...
“Against this backdrop, I wrote and I wrote”
A look at the fight for the disability narrative in fiction.
www.thebookseller.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Thank you for share. Even a new photo of actual me now up @thebookseller.com and thanks @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social UK Disability History Month on till 20th Dec. I'm (trying hard) to do an almost Penny Pepper advent calendar to links to my work out there.
I often get asked ‘why do we need disability history month? What’s it for?’ This reflects the wearisome concept that disability is something to be ‘cured’, rather than something embedded within human experience. One day, we may live in a society that does not keep creating barriers.
December 5, 2025 at 11:55 AM
I often get asked ‘why do we need disability history month? What’s it for?’ This reflects the wearisome concept that disability is something to be ‘cured’, rather than something embedded within human experience. One day, we may live in a society that does not keep creating barriers.
It's UN #internationaldayofdisabledpersons TODAY. And I'm beyond proud to be in @thebookseller.com yearning for a bookshelf with the disability narrative in fiction stacked high. My novels there too, naturally. Please share dear friends. #disabledwriter #untoldstory #royalliteraryfund
December 3, 2025 at 6:31 PM
It's UN #internationaldayofdisabledpersons TODAY. And I'm beyond proud to be in @thebookseller.com yearning for a bookshelf with the disability narrative in fiction stacked high. My novels there too, naturally. Please share dear friends. #disabledwriter #untoldstory #royalliteraryfund
It's UN #internationaldayofdisabledpersons TODAY. And I'm beyond proud to be in @thebookseller.com yearning for a bookshelf with the disability narrative in fiction stacked high. My novels there, naturally. Please share dear friends. #disabledwriter #untoldstory #royalliteraryfund
Literature is the poor cousin of other art forms in terms of disability, reflecting the slow and all too often profit-driven nature of the mainstream publishing world, says Penny Pepper 👇 #BookSky
“Against this backdrop, I wrote and I wrote”
ebx.sh
December 3, 2025 at 6:23 PM
It's UN #internationaldayofdisabledpersons TODAY. And I'm beyond proud to be in @thebookseller.com yearning for a bookshelf with the disability narrative in fiction stacked high. My novels there, naturally. Please share dear friends. #disabledwriter #untoldstory #royalliteraryfund
Today I share exciting news! In connection with the UN Day of Persons with Disabilities, I am beyond proud to share a commission that is in The Bookseller, telling the story of my life as a writer since the 80s and the barriers I've come up against. Enjoy!
buff.ly/p2irtgn
buff.ly/p2irtgn
December 3, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Today I share exciting news! In connection with the UN Day of Persons with Disabilities, I am beyond proud to share a commission that is in The Bookseller, telling the story of my life as a writer since the 80s and the barriers I've come up against. Enjoy!
buff.ly/p2irtgn
buff.ly/p2irtgn
Calling all Hastings and St Leonards friends..
Let’s not forget that 20th Nov-20th Dec is UK Disability History Month! On 17th December, myself and my friend and collaborator, Theresa Hodge, will be hosting an event at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, to bring the local disabled community together!
Let’s not forget that 20th Nov-20th Dec is UK Disability History Month! On 17th December, myself and my friend and collaborator, Theresa Hodge, will be hosting an event at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, to bring the local disabled community together!
December 3, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Calling all Hastings and St Leonards friends..
Let’s not forget that 20th Nov-20th Dec is UK Disability History Month! On 17th December, myself and my friend and collaborator, Theresa Hodge, will be hosting an event at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, to bring the local disabled community together!
Let’s not forget that 20th Nov-20th Dec is UK Disability History Month! On 17th December, myself and my friend and collaborator, Theresa Hodge, will be hosting an event at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, to bring the local disabled community together!
My latest Substack piece is up...
They Call Me Resilient
UK Disability History Month (and a Juicy News Teaser) Others often tell me my middle name is ‘resilient’. I’m also known for my optimism, which I inherited from my mother. The sort where you just keep going!
buff.ly/H3OUFBH
They Call Me Resilient
UK Disability History Month (and a Juicy News Teaser) Others often tell me my middle name is ‘resilient’. I’m also known for my optimism, which I inherited from my mother. The sort where you just keep going!
buff.ly/H3OUFBH
December 1, 2025 at 1:12 PM
My latest Substack piece is up...
They Call Me Resilient
UK Disability History Month (and a Juicy News Teaser) Others often tell me my middle name is ‘resilient’. I’m also known for my optimism, which I inherited from my mother. The sort where you just keep going!
buff.ly/H3OUFBH
They Call Me Resilient
UK Disability History Month (and a Juicy News Teaser) Others often tell me my middle name is ‘resilient’. I’m also known for my optimism, which I inherited from my mother. The sort where you just keep going!
buff.ly/H3OUFBH
I wonder if you've read my piece in this Month's Byline Times?
I'm charting my journey from when I decided to spread my wings and move from the family home.
It's shocking, often farcical and I can't see how it improving for the disabled under this government any time soon.
buff.ly/kzIyI50
I'm charting my journey from when I decided to spread my wings and move from the family home.
It's shocking, often farcical and I can't see how it improving for the disabled under this government any time soon.
buff.ly/kzIyI50
November 24, 2025 at 11:55 AM
I wonder if you've read my piece in this Month's Byline Times?
I'm charting my journey from when I decided to spread my wings and move from the family home.
It's shocking, often farcical and I can't see how it improving for the disabled under this government any time soon.
buff.ly/kzIyI50
I'm charting my journey from when I decided to spread my wings and move from the family home.
It's shocking, often farcical and I can't see how it improving for the disabled under this government any time soon.
buff.ly/kzIyI50
Reposting as it's time to remind everyone it's UK Disability History Month - watch this space for shares and activities. We have culture & the right to thrive! @dis-ppl-protest.bsky.social @disrightsuk.bsky.social #ukdhm #untoldstories #writer
Calling all Hastings and St Leonards friends..
Have you been in to my Living Archive at Crafting Connections? It's the wonderful accessible space.Please do drop in and have a look at my books, music, memorabilia and more.
We are at 59 Kings Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6DY.
Come and have a visit!
Have you been in to my Living Archive at Crafting Connections? It's the wonderful accessible space.Please do drop in and have a look at my books, music, memorabilia and more.
We are at 59 Kings Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6DY.
Come and have a visit!
November 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Reposting as it's time to remind everyone it's UK Disability History Month - watch this space for shares and activities. We have culture & the right to thrive! @dis-ppl-protest.bsky.social @disrightsuk.bsky.social #ukdhm #untoldstories #writer
Calling all Hastings and St Leonards friends..
Have you been in to my Living Archive at Crafting Connections? It's the wonderful accessible space.Please do drop in and have a look at my books, music, memorabilia and more.
We are at 59 Kings Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6DY.
Come and have a visit!
Have you been in to my Living Archive at Crafting Connections? It's the wonderful accessible space.Please do drop in and have a look at my books, music, memorabilia and more.
We are at 59 Kings Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6DY.
Come and have a visit!
November 21, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Calling all Hastings and St Leonards friends..
Have you been in to my Living Archive at Crafting Connections? It's the wonderful accessible space.Please do drop in and have a look at my books, music, memorabilia and more.
We are at 59 Kings Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6DY.
Come and have a visit!
Have you been in to my Living Archive at Crafting Connections? It's the wonderful accessible space.Please do drop in and have a look at my books, music, memorabilia and more.
We are at 59 Kings Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6DY.
Come and have a visit!
Did you realise you can become on of my beloved Substack subscribers for less than the price of a coffee and cake? Would you please consider supporting me in this way? To grow my support on Subscribers is one of my main goals to continue proudly working.
This keeps me going as a working writer x
This keeps me going as a working writer x
November 18, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Did you realise you can become on of my beloved Substack subscribers for less than the price of a coffee and cake? Would you please consider supporting me in this way? To grow my support on Subscribers is one of my main goals to continue proudly working.
This keeps me going as a working writer x
This keeps me going as a working writer x