Welcome to The Writers' Room, Margate
The Writers' Room at Marine Studios is a new space for writers to read, write and connect in Margate, supported by Arts Council England. Read on for First Friday info, news, opportunities and events.
First Friday, 1 December, 6-8.30pm
Join us for the launch of the Writers’ Room at Marine Studios, this First Friday!
Explore the theme of Journeys with Travis Elborough talking about his latest book, The Writer's Journey, and a reading from local author Gavin Boyter. Experience Three Tenses in One from Dan Thompson Studio, reimagine Thanet’s streetscapes with Transit Collective, and get creative with D&D map making. Plus, there’s a Margate Bookshop pop-up so you can get hold of Travis’ books.
First Fridays at Marine Studios offers an opportunity for the writing and creative community to gather around a particular theme, with exhibits, talks, games, demonstrations and more.
For more details, visit our events page.
Introducing the Writers’ Room
Housed at Marine Studios in Margate, the Writers’ Room provides a hub for writers of all backgrounds and means. It’s a space designed to bring together writers and members of the wider creative community, supporting the local literary ecosystem to grow alongside Margate’s vibrant art scene.
A collaboration born in Marine Studios
The Writers’ Room is a partnership between Co-relate Communication CIC, Kent Poetry CIC and HKD, which founded Marine Studios in 2009 as Margate’s first co-working space.
It’s home to a mix of local literary organisations, writers and creatives. Current residents include Margate Bookie lit fest and Babeslam founder Ellie Ward.
Making space for writers of all means and backgrounds
The Writers’ Room includes subsidised desks for low-income writers who may not otherwise be able to access a regular work space. Offering an antidote to the often isolating experience of being a writer, the Writers’ Room is a welcoming hub where writers can be part of a community while having space to focus on their work.
Going beyond co-working
More than a desk in a co-working space, the Writers’ Room offers a poetry library, regular development and support programming, including prose and poetry critique groups. Writers have the opportunity to attend talks by and network with industry professionals as part of the monthly Marine Studios First Fridays. They also have access to bookable meeting rooms and peer support.
Find out more on our web page.
Join the Writers’ Room
Whether you want to use the libraries and meeting rooms, find a permanent desk space, or just come and say hi, contact info@marinestudios.co.uk.
Opportunities for writers
We’re hiring!
Studio assistant, Marine Studios
We’re looking for a studio assistant to join us on a one-year contract for 16 hours/week to support with running the studio. We're seeking someone with an interest in books and literature to help with the smooth running of our co-working spaces, events and activities. We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as being from any underrepresented background.
Marine Studios is a friendly and inclusive workplace. The office is accessed via stairs and the role will include some moving of furniture and equipment. Please read the job description and apply by email with your CV and short cover letter to jess@co-relate.co.uk by Friday 8 December. Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 11 December. Please let us know with your application if you have any access needs.
For more details, see our current vacancies.
TLC Free Reads scheme
The Literary Consultancy (TLC) has helped thousands of writers to develop their work, with many receiving major book deals, theatre tours, poetry prizes and more. TLC Free Reads offers free manuscript assessments for talented writers on low incomes. You can submit your application through New Writing South until 31 January 2024.
For more information on how to apply, visit TLC Free Reads.
Mslexia submissions & poetry competition
Mslexia, the magazine for women who write, is open for submissions for issue 101 and has a poetry competition running too. Gather the best of your poetry for a chance to be included in one of their regular slots.
Submit before 8 January 2024 for inclusion in Issue 101.
Competition: Mslexia’s 2023 poetry competitions are open! Any length and style, win the top prize of £2,000, plus publication in Mslexia. Do you have a poetry collection? The winner of the Pamphlet Competition will be published by Bloodaxe Books, and receive £250.
Closing date for both categories: 4 December 2023
Submit your writing to Mslexia.
Bridport Prize
Entries are now open for the acclaimed Bridport Prize competitions, seeking to find the best of international creative writing talent. Submissions for short stories, poetry, flash fiction, and novels are welcomed from writers all over the world. Visit Bridport Prize Competitions for more information.
Upcoming events
Margate Mercury Winter Edition Launch
Thurs 30th Nov, 6-9pm / Streets
Join Margate Mercury for an evening of merriment at the launch of their Winter 2023 issue, with live music from Gunga Din and a DJ set ‘til late, hosted by Streets.
FREE / Drinks deals from Streets
First Fridays
Fri 1st Dec, 6-8.30pm / Marine Studios
Immerse yourself in the world of Journeys with talks from acclaimed author Travis Elborough, experience Three Tenses in One from Dan Thompson Studio, re-imagine Thanet's streetscapes with Transit Collective, and get creative with D&D map making.
FREE / Space is limited so arrive early. Talk starts 7pm.
Something Borrowed
Tue 5th Dec, 7.30-9pm / Forts Coffee
World poetry slam champ Harry Baker and special guest Mark Grist join forces for an evening of conversation and performance in one of Margate’s favourite coffee jaunts.
£10-£11.55 / Book tickets
All I Want 4 Xmas is U, Babeslam
Weds 13th Dec, Doors open 7pm / WhereElse
A sexy little poetry slam with a festive twist. 10 performers, 3 minutes to compete for the BABESLAM title. Supported by Harry Baker, UK and world grand slam champion. Get your tickets quick, this is going to be a good one!
£5 / Book tickets
Winter Wasteland
Fri 15 Dec - Sun 16 Dec, Doors open 6pm / The Wasteland Bar
Join a talented bunch of folks for a festive feasting banquet with spoken word, comedy and lots of other surprises for a three night run. All proceeds go to Margate Independent Foodbank.
£54.88 / Book tickets