Open Call for Dhanakosa Retreat Centre Poetry Anthology

One meaning of Dhanakosa is ‘storehouse of treasure’ and it lives up to its name as a precious and significant place for all those who have stayed there on retreat, many of whom keep returning. Some people arrive with the specific intention to write poetry, others find themselves inspired and writing it anyway, even if they’ve never put pen to paper before. As a result of a generous offering, a small but beautiful print anthology of poems will be published in early summer 2027 to coincide with Dhanakosa’s 35th anniversary – and you are warmly invited to submit your poems to be considered for inclusion. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Dhanakosa charity. For more details: https://www.dhanakosa.com/open-call-dhanakosa-poetry-anthology

Here’s a short film about Dhanakosa

The Poet’s Way Saturday 8th August from 5:15 to 9pm

Doors open at 5:15pm for a prompt start at 5:30 – ending around 9pm and with one short comfort break and a longer 30 to 40 minute break for refreshment and writing time. Please bring vegan food to share.
Venue: Glasgow Buddhist Centre: 72 Berkeley St (G3 7DS), sharing space with the Glasgow Unitarian Church. Bring a poem to share, your own or a favourite published poem. Please bring 4 copies of one poem you want appreciated.
The Poet’s Way awakens to the power of poems to compliment & enhance our spiritual practice.

Linda France‘s New Moon Writing Hour

Wednesday 12th August 4 to 5pm & Startlings

I find the New Moon Writing Hour with Linda on zoom a boost to my commitment to free-write everyday. I also recommend Linda’s Startlings, which are rich with ideas, books, and reflections on her life as a writer. She reaches out to other writers and readers inviting comments and seeking mutual inspiration. Her Startlings are startling, treasures to be savored and stored. Her July post is poignantly topical: “I’m drawn to what Báyò Akómoláfé says about many things but this keeps returning: Perhaps how we respond to the crisis is part of the crisis.”Finally, the drama-addicted mainstream media have ‘a climate change story’, almost as provoking as the World Cup and Wimbledon, although perhaps less interesting than the changing of the guard at No.10.”

Autumn Voices July Newsletter

Seahorse Publications

Graham Fulton “Snuff Bus” 25th August Avant Garde King Street G15QT

Provisional date for There Are Others by Sukhema 8th September Avant Garde 9th September in Stirling Library

Tell it Slant – Friday 31st July 2026 7 p.m. to 9.30 ish

Open mic with Carla Woodburn and Christie Williamson. Share your poems, new or old. It’s a relaxed night, with a byob policy and tea and coffee available to buy from Locavore. Cake too! All welcome. Save tell it slant! We want to be able to stay in our lovely new home at Locavore Govanhill. Come to the fundraiser 31st July or donate here!

Revel with Company-Chordelia Dance Theatre

A 60+ coming-of-age story, Revel is a funny and moving new show fusing dance, physical theatre, dialogue and music. Ten performances throughout Scotland during September and October.

I Am Because We Are

This substack is slowly growing and will eventually become a book with your help – please post your comments.

Poem of the Month

Each month at the end of my newsletter, I would like to publish a poem or flash fiction related in some way to writing for well-being. For September please send me your writing on a theme of Living with the Reality of Uncertainty

Circumstances Beyond Our Control

Ex Nothing by Cecilia Vicuña

Leave the womb
Leave the fear
Leave the nest

Hit the road
Hightail it
Head the hell out

Live hidden
Without a sound

Not seen
Nor heard

Be not
From this earth
But from nothing.

translated from the Spanish by Rosa Alcalá