In 2023, author Sophie Buchaillard (This Is Not Who We Are, Assimilation) partnered with Penarth Library to deliver inclusive creative writing workshops in the community, thanks to the support of Literature Wales’ Communities Fund, which made it possible to offer the sessions free at the point of delivery.
The classes ran monthly and offered participants from every walks of life an opportunity to try their hand at writing creatively, in a supportive and friendly environment. It quickly became obvious that beyond the writing, these workshops acted as a community-building platform. Friendships were made, confidence boosted, stories brought to life.
For Sophie Buchaillard, growing people’s writing is a passion. She has taught creative writing at Cardiff University and partnered with many organisations to deliver bespoke sessions, always with community-building in mind. Offering the sessions in a public library was the next natural step.
Sophie says: “I would never have become a writer without the support of my local library. Access to free reading is a powerful gift, and so is access to free creative writing workshops. It is the combined vision of my local library and Literature Wales which made the Penarth workshops possible. What was most staggering to me, is the number of adult participants who came to the workshops with equal amount of curiosity and fear, convinced they, in fact, ‘couldn’t write’. Many talked about negative experiences of writing at school. Yet, with a little encouragement and the support of the other participants, they tried poetry and prose, wrote in different genres, and a few of them are now working on projects they hope to have published in the near future.
I would love to work with libraries to help develop similar workshops around Wales. It is very likely that your town has a handful of local authors and poets living nearby. Bring them in, let them share their experience, and watch the magic happen.”
Workshop participant, Harriet Bradshaw said:
“Every library should have an opportunity such as this. Personally, it’s given me the space to not only develop my creative writing skills, but I’ve met and made friends with people from my community through the love of learning who are from all walks of life. Our tutor’s expertise and creative delivery of workshops is impressive and engaging. It shows the value of funding quality teaching and explains why the course is so popular.
Each workshop has positively stretched me and made me a better writer for it. The fact that it is free at the point of entry is brilliant and a great leveller. As someone from a single income family who has to budget carefully, this affordability is key. It also means the range of people present is far more representative of society – it’s not just a course for people with disposable income, it’s a course for everyone whatever background you’re from. This is exactly the spirit of what libraries are about – there are no financial barriers to borrowing books, there should be no financial barriers to creative writing. Therefore, what a wonderful setting the library is for such an excellent writing course. Every library should have a course like it.”
Jordan Forse, Libraries and Cultural Services Manager, said:
Since 2023, the Creative Writing Classes in Penarth have transformed the library into a vibrant hub of storytelling, connection, and creativity. These sessions go beyond writing – they empower individuals, support wellbeing, and foster inclusion. Led by Sophie, participants find their voices, share their experiences, and build confidence, creating a ripple effect that strengthens our wider community.
Working with an author like Sophie has been invaluable, bringing professional insight, encouragement, and a fresh energy that has inspired new and returning library users alike. For other libraries and teams considering this collaboration, the impact speaks for itself—creative writing isn’t just about words on a page; it’s about belonging, expression, and the shared stories that bring people together.
The social return on investment is clear. These sessions align beautifully with the Well-being of Future Generations Act, promoting cultural engagement, lifelong learning, and social cohesion. Libraries are at the heart of our communities, and by investing in creative initiatives like this, we are investing in stronger, more connected futures.
If I had one tip, it would be to embrace flexibility and creativity in how these sessions are structured—every community is different, and tailoring activities to participants’ needs makes a huge difference of which, Sophie is our expert!”
Feedback from Rhodri Matthews, Senior Librarian at Penarth Library:
“The role of the public library is to improve and enhance the lives of it’s citizens. The creative writing classes certainly does this. The participants get to write, explore, be expressive, share and create. Sophie guides, encourages, teaches which leaves them eager for more. To have this class available to the community of Penarth free of charge is fantastic and the demand is certainly there with all classes full to capacity. It shows that Penarth Library is at the heart of creativity and well being within our community and we feel the gratitude from those attending. We are grateful to Sophie and Literature Wales for enabling us to host these classes on behalf of the community.
As a librarian to be able to work with an author and host these classes gives me great satisfaction. It allows the author to teach, share and be part of the community. Sophie has worked with us on many occasions and each session has been exemplary and we have had such comments as ‘that’s the best thing I’ve ever done’. Whether it has been sessions with new mothers, author talk or classes the attendees always show great appreciation. This is true of so many local authors and speakers we have had visit Penarth Library and it really does enhance the service we can offer as they share their expertise and experiences.
Penarth Library
We have learnt in the past few months especially (due to funding) that there is a great demand for creative sessions within our community. We have old and new faces attend and everyone leaves with a smile on their face, well being restored. My tip would be it’s worth the hard work to apply for the funding and arrange the sessions, even if it can get a bit hectic!
The Literature Wales Inspiring Communities Fund which was used to fund the Penarth Library creative writing workshops funds literature events, and offers financial support of up to 75% of the fees and expenses paid to writers for literary events including talks, lectures, creative writing workshops and more. These events can take place anywhere in Wales, in community halls, libraries, schools, youth clubs and more – and also on virtual platforms for groups who are meeting online. More information about the Inspiring Communities Fund on the Literature Wales website.