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katiewardwriter.bsky.social
Katie Ward
@katiewardwriter.bsky.social
6.3K followers 910 following 480 posts
Neuroscience novel PATHWAYS, Fleet (UK 2024). Art novel GIRL READING, Virago (UK 2011). Award-winning author. katieward.co.uk

#WolseyWriters creative writing at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, Suffolk wolseytheatre.co.uk/whats-on/
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katiewardwriter.bsky.social
Katie Ward @katiewardwriter.bsky.social · Nov 9
I wrote this feature in the Guardian a few weeks ago:

'Hilary Mantel was my mentor. Here are seven things she taught me about writing – and life'

by Katie Ward

www.theguardian.com/books/2024/s...
Hilary Mantel was my mentor. Here are seven things she taught me about writing – and life
In 2007, after my manuscript had been rejected for the 44th time, a colleague offered to introduce me to a published novelist. It turned out to be Mantel – and I was fortunate enough to soak up her wi...
www.theguardian.com
Reposted by Katie Ward
audioandrea.bsky.social
As ever, had a fab time at #WolseyWriters earlier, this time talking #RomeoAndJuliet
Thanks to all who came 🎭
If you want more on the play, I can recommend:
#InOurTime www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Radio R&J www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
#ShakespeareOnTheRadio 💀🎧
#Shakespeare #RadioDrama #AudioDrama
February 7, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
audioandrea.bsky.social
If you were planning to come along tomorrow and haven't booked a ticket, it looks like you might be too late.
However, Katie always runs a great session, so you might like to get in quick for next month instead: www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse...
#WolseyWriters #WritingCommunity #Ipswich
February 6, 2026 at 4:10 PM
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
THANK YOU @audioandrea.bsky.social for a sensational #WolseyWriters today. Andrea led us through the most iconic scenes in Romeo & Juliet and read from her brilliant new book #Shakespeare On The Radio. Thank You #NewWolsey @dougrintoul.bsky.social for hosting us too. Happy Valentine's Day 💘 #ipswich
Dr Andrea Smith mid-way through her talk at Wolsey Writers. She speaks on the mic without notes and gestures dramatically. She wears a blue dress and cardigan, and has her phone ready to play audio clips of Romeo & Juliet. Two paperback books on a table: Shakespeare on the Radio, a Century of BBC Plays by Andrea Smith; and Romeo & Juliet. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers. The writers are listening to Andrea Smith. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, on a damp, grey day. The room is decorated with fairy lights. The writers are busy writing on notebooks.
February 7, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
audioandrea.bsky.social
If you're coming along, you might like to listen to this in advance: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
But no prior knowledge of #RomeoAndJuliet required. You don't even need to like #Shakespeare 🎭
See you Saturday!
#WolseyWriters #Ipswich #Suffolk
#ShakespeareOnTheRadio 💀🎧
#RadioDrama #AudioDrama
February 3, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
#WolseyWriters is this time next week!

🥀 Creative Writing theme ROMEO & JULIET w/ @audioandrea.bsky.social author of Shakespeare on the Radio
💔 SAT 7 FEB, 10:30am-12pm
🗡️ New Wolsey #Ipswich #Suffolk IP1 2AS

Pay what you feel £0-£25 ⤵️
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse... #writingcommunity
A collage style poster, it reads: ‘Wolsey Writers. Meet. Write. Share. Saturday 7 February, 10:30am-12pm. Creative writing theme Romeo & Juliet. Pay what you feel. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS.’ The background image is a painting of Romeo and Juliet having a passionate kiss as Romeo descends from the balcony. By Frank Dicksee, 1884. Book cover: Shakespeare on the Radio: A Century of BBC Plays by Andrea Smith. The cover is purple and in a comic-book style, of skull wearing headphones, being held aloft in one hand. Photo of Dr Andrea Smith, an academic at University of Suffolk, and author of Shakespeare on the Radio. She is wearing glasses and a navy blue dress, smiling into the camera. The background in brand-yellow.
January 31, 2026 at 10:30 AM
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
#WolseyWriters is this time next week!

🥀 Creative Writing theme ROMEO & JULIET w/ @audioandrea.bsky.social author of Shakespeare on the Radio
💔 SAT 7 FEB, 10:30am-12pm
🗡️ New Wolsey #Ipswich #Suffolk IP1 2AS

Pay what you feel £0-£25 ⤵️
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse... #writingcommunity
A collage style poster, it reads: ‘Wolsey Writers. Meet. Write. Share. Saturday 7 February, 10:30am-12pm. Creative writing theme Romeo & Juliet. Pay what you feel. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS.’ The background image is a painting of Romeo and Juliet having a passionate kiss as Romeo descends from the balcony. By Frank Dicksee, 1884. Book cover: Shakespeare on the Radio: A Century of BBC Plays by Andrea Smith. The cover is purple and in a comic-book style, of skull wearing headphones, being held aloft in one hand. Photo of Dr Andrea Smith, an academic at University of Suffolk, and author of Shakespeare on the Radio. She is wearing glasses and a navy blue dress, smiling into the camera. The background in brand-yellow.
January 31, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Reposted by Katie Ward
tadethompson.bsky.social
Apropos of nothing, you should read some Hilary Mantel.
January 26, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
Exciting times for Ipswich! SO much creativity is here, on the page and in performance.
#WolseyWriters is in our 11th year at New Wolsey Theatre.
Meet. Write. Share.
And #BacktheBid
Ipswich 100% deserves to be #cityofculture2029

More info: www.ipswich2029.com
#teamipswich2029. #cityofculture2029 💙
Poster in Ipswich Town FC blue: 'Ipswich City of Culture, we're backing the bid'. The asset has been adapted with a Wolsey Writers logo (a black cat on a turquoise background), and a photo that has been sticky taped on of a Wolsey Writers workshop in progress. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, busy writing in notebooks. This was taken November 2025. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, busy writing in notebooks and reading printed handouts. Taken January 2026. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, busy writing in the winter sun. Taken December 2025.
January 20, 2026 at 4:36 PM
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
Exciting times for Ipswich! SO much creativity is here, on the page and in performance.
#WolseyWriters is in our 11th year at New Wolsey Theatre.
Meet. Write. Share.
And #BacktheBid
Ipswich 100% deserves to be #cityofculture2029

More info: www.ipswich2029.com
#teamipswich2029. #cityofculture2029 💙
Poster in Ipswich Town FC blue: 'Ipswich City of Culture, we're backing the bid'. The asset has been adapted with a Wolsey Writers logo (a black cat on a turquoise background), and a photo that has been sticky taped on of a Wolsey Writers workshop in progress. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, busy writing in notebooks. This was taken November 2025. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, busy writing in notebooks and reading printed handouts. Taken January 2026. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, busy writing in the winter sun. Taken December 2025.
January 20, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
Join us for an audio dive into ROMEO & JULIET w/ Shakespeare on the Radio author @audioandrea.bsky.social

🥀 #WolseyWriters Creative Writing Workshop
💔 SAT 7 FEB, 10:30am-12pm
🗡️ New Wolsey #Ipswich #Suffolk IP1 2AS

Pay what you feel £0-£25 ⤵️
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse... #writingcommunity
A collage style poster, it reads: ‘Wolsey Writers. Meet. Write. Share. Saturday 7 February, 10:30am-12pm. Creative writing theme Romeo & Juliet. Pay what you feel. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS.’ The background image is a painting of Romeo and Juliet having a passionate kiss as Romeo descends from the balcony. By Frank Dicksee, 1884. Book cover: Shakespeare on the Radio: A Century of BBC Plays by Andrea Smith. The cover is purple and in a comic-book style, of skull wearing headphones, being held aloft in one hand.
January 16, 2026 at 3:15 PM
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
Join us for an audio dive into ROMEO & JULIET w/ Shakespeare on the Radio author @audioandrea.bsky.social

🥀 #WolseyWriters Creative Writing Workshop
💔 SAT 7 FEB, 10:30am-12pm
🗡️ New Wolsey #Ipswich #Suffolk IP1 2AS

Pay what you feel £0-£25 ⤵️
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse... #writingcommunity
A collage style poster, it reads: ‘Wolsey Writers. Meet. Write. Share. Saturday 7 February, 10:30am-12pm. Creative writing theme Romeo & Juliet. Pay what you feel. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS.’ The background image is a painting of Romeo and Juliet having a passionate kiss as Romeo descends from the balcony. By Frank Dicksee, 1884. Book cover: Shakespeare on the Radio: A Century of BBC Plays by Andrea Smith. The cover is purple and in a comic-book style, of skull wearing headphones, being held aloft in one hand.
January 16, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
Our first 2026 #WolseyWriters was fabulously busy. Thank You to all the amazing writers who braved the cold to join our theme A Room of One’s Own. You worked incredibly hard. And Thank You to #NewWolsey @dougrintoul.bsky.social for the warm welcome. A sprinkle of snow added a touch of magic #ipswich
Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, with crisp winter sunlight streaming in. The room is decorated with paper snowflakes and fairy lights. The writers are deep in conversation. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, with crisp winter sunlight streaming in. The room is decorated with paper snowflakes and fairy lights. The writers are busy writing on notebooks. Book cover: A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf. Penguin edition, embossed with a picture of a window with decorative curtains. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, with crisp winter sunlight streaming in. The room is decorated with paper snowflakes and fairy lights. The writers are deep in conversation.
January 3, 2026 at 5:08 PM
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
Our first 2026 #WolseyWriters was fabulously busy. Thank You to all the amazing writers who braved the cold to join our theme A Room of One’s Own. You worked incredibly hard. And Thank You to #NewWolsey @dougrintoul.bsky.social for the warm welcome. A sprinkle of snow added a touch of magic #ipswich
Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, with crisp winter sunlight streaming in. The room is decorated with paper snowflakes and fairy lights. The writers are deep in conversation. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, with crisp winter sunlight streaming in. The room is decorated with paper snowflakes and fairy lights. The writers are busy writing on notebooks. Book cover: A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf. Penguin edition, embossed with a picture of a window with decorative curtains. Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing community at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich. A full upstairs lounge bar filled with writers, with crisp winter sunlight streaming in. The room is decorated with paper snowflakes and fairy lights. The writers are deep in conversation.
January 3, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
apkeedle.bsky.social
Vignettes of Ipswich

The gift that keeps on giving. The "crappy" end of the Waterfront.

#photography
A stark, high-contrast black-and-white photograph captures a cluster of industrial and modern buildings under a clear sky. In the foreground, a low brick warehouse sits behind a metal fence. Behind it, a weathered, multi-story concrete factory with numerous grimy windows shows signs of decay. To the left, a tall, windowed structure bears the faint text "R & W PAUL LTD." To the right, a taller, contemporary building with sleek paneling and air conditioning units provides a sharp architectural contrast. A single white seagull flies centrally in the sky, adding a sense of movement to the still, urban landscape.
December 16, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
This time next week!

🪑 #WolseyWriters theme A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN.
🕰️ SAT 3 JAN at 10:30am-12pm
📓 New Wolsey Theatre #ipswich #suffolk IP1 2AS

How can we make the spaces where we write more conducive to creativity?

Pay what you feel ⤵️
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse...

#writingcommunity
A collage style poster, it reads: ‘Wolsey Writers. Meet. Write. Share. Saturday 3rd January, 10:30am-12pm. Creative writing theme: A Room of One's Own. Pay what you feel. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS.’ The background image is an expressionist painting by Matisse of a simple room with a chair, table, pot plant, radiator and open window. A sepia photo of Virginia Woolf from NPG collection. She wears a dark jacket and pussy-bow blouse. She has short cropped hear, is looking over her shoulder and raising her hand mid-sentence. Expressionist painting by Henri Matisse called 'Flowers In Front of a Window' 1922. There is a dish of grapes on the table and a view of the sea horizon outside.
December 27, 2025 at 10:31 AM
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
This time next week!

🪑 #WolseyWriters theme A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN.
🕰️ SAT 3 JAN at 10:30am-12pm
📓 New Wolsey Theatre #ipswich #suffolk IP1 2AS

How can we make the spaces where we write more conducive to creativity?

Pay what you feel ⤵️
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse...

#writingcommunity
A collage style poster, it reads: ‘Wolsey Writers. Meet. Write. Share. Saturday 3rd January, 10:30am-12pm. Creative writing theme: A Room of One's Own. Pay what you feel. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS.’ The background image is an expressionist painting by Matisse of a simple room with a chair, table, pot plant, radiator and open window. A sepia photo of Virginia Woolf from NPG collection. She wears a dark jacket and pussy-bow blouse. She has short cropped hear, is looking over her shoulder and raising her hand mid-sentence. Expressionist painting by Henri Matisse called 'Flowers In Front of a Window' 1922. There is a dish of grapes on the table and a view of the sea horizon outside.
December 27, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Reposted by Katie Ward
tadethompson.bsky.social
BBHMM.
December 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
🪑 Our first #WolseyWriters theme of 2026 is A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN.
🕰️ SAT 3 JAN at 10:30am-12pm
📓 New Wolsey Theatre #ipswich #suffolk IP1 2AS

How can we make the spaces where we write more conducive to creativity?

Pay what you feel £0-£25 ⤵️
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse...

#writingcommunity
A collage style poster, it reads: ‘Wolsey Writers. Meet. Write. Share. Saturday 3rd January, 10:30am-12pm. Creative writing theme: A Room of One's Own. Pay what you feel. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS.’ The background image is an expressionist painting by Matisse of a simple room with a chair, table, pot plant, radiator and open window.
December 10, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
🪑 Homework: Read or listen to A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf (1929).

Online gutenberg.net.au/ebooks02/020...

Audio open.spotify.com/album/3Z6eGo...
A Room of One's Own
gutenberg.net.au
December 10, 2025 at 11:56 AM
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
🪑 Our first #WolseyWriters theme of 2026 is A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN.
🕰️ SAT 3 JAN at 10:30am-12pm
📓 New Wolsey Theatre #ipswich #suffolk IP1 2AS

How can we make the spaces where we write more conducive to creativity?

Pay what you feel £0-£25 ⤵️
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/events/wolse...

#writingcommunity
A collage style poster, it reads: ‘Wolsey Writers. Meet. Write. Share. Saturday 3rd January, 10:30am-12pm. Creative writing theme: A Room of One's Own. Pay what you feel. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk. The New Wolsey Theatre, Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS.’ The background image is an expressionist painting by Matisse of a simple room with a chair, table, pot plant, radiator and open window.
December 10, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Reposted by Katie Ward
purrinink.bsky.social
December 8, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
💜 THANK YOU so much to the amazing team at #NewWolsey Theatre @dougrintoul.bsky.social who gave us a wonderful welcoming space to meet all year inc box office, tech & cafe.

💜 And THANK YOU to every single writer who contributed ‘what you feel’ to keep our #writingcommunity sustainable. 2/2 #suffolk
Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing group that meets in the upstairs bar at the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich. People busy writing in their various notebooks or on devices. Mirror selfie in an arch window, with other pictures and fairy lights. Katie Ward, wearing a stripy jumper and holding the phone in front of my face. A reader on the mic sharing ‘the end’ of a story, possibly of a longer WIP: a woman with a Christmas jumper. A reader on the mic sharing ‘the end’ of a story, possibly of a longer WIP: a man wearing a blue jumper and blue trousers.
December 6, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
The end of our creative writing year and our theme was Endings, a substantial topic and a proper study day. My goodness, you all rose to the occasion magnificently! #WolseyWriters 2025 was ONLY possible because of the good will and ongoing support of this fabulous community 1/2 #ipswich #suffolk
Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing group that meets in the upstairs bar at the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich. People busy writing in their various notebooks or on devices. Copy of a genuine 1975 New York Times obituary, headline reads 'Hercule Poirot Is Dead; Famed Belgian Detective,' with a photo of Poirot looking dapper. An extraordinary accomplishment for a fictional character. A reader on the mic sharing ‘the end’ of a story, possibly of a longer WIP: woman with a checked top and purple skirt. A reader on the mic sharing ‘the end’ of a story, possibly of a longer WIP: a man with a Christmas jumper.
December 6, 2025 at 4:05 PM
katiewardwriter.bsky.social
The end of our creative writing year and our theme was Endings, a substantial topic and a proper study day. My goodness, you all rose to the occasion magnificently! #WolseyWriters 2025 was ONLY possible because of the good will and ongoing support of this fabulous community 1/2 #ipswich #suffolk
Wolsey Writers in progress, a creative writing group that meets in the upstairs bar at the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich. People busy writing in their various notebooks or on devices. Copy of a genuine 1975 New York Times obituary, headline reads 'Hercule Poirot Is Dead; Famed Belgian Detective,' with a photo of Poirot looking dapper. An extraordinary accomplishment for a fictional character. A reader on the mic sharing ‘the end’ of a story, possibly of a longer WIP: woman with a checked top and purple skirt. A reader on the mic sharing ‘the end’ of a story, possibly of a longer WIP: a man with a Christmas jumper.
December 6, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Reposted by Katie Ward
jenniferbeworr.bsky.social
Good morning!

Nature’s ink well has your back.

May your inspiration never run dry❣️

Best wishes for our words #booksky
#5amwritersclub #amreading
Steel blue grey river, green moss brightening tree roots, leaves covering a far bank.
December 3, 2025 at 4:53 AM