Why So Many Authors Love Writing in Their Favourite Wetherspoon Pub

For countless writers across the UK, inspiration often strikes far from the desk. Some prefer a cosy armchair at home, others thrive in bustling coffee shops, but there’s a growing number who swear by an unlikely creative haven: their local Wetherspoon pub.

It might seem an unusual choice at first glance, yet once you look a little closer, it makes perfect sense. Wetherspoon pubs offer the kind of atmosphere, affordability and reliable routine that many authors crave when settling down to write.

Here’s why the nation’s wordsmiths are increasingly turning to ’Spoons as their unofficial office.

A Comfortable Buzz That Sparks Creativity

Writing in complete silence doesn’t work for everyone. Many authors prefer a gentle background hum, enough activity to feel part of the world, but not so much that it breaks concentration. Wetherspoon pubs are perfect for this.

The low chatter, clinking glasses and steady flow of customers create a pleasant ambience that feels alive without being chaotic. It’s a kind of white noise that can actually help writers settle into the rhythm of their work.

Spacious Tables and Reliable Layouts

Practicality matters when you’re setting up for a writing session. Wetherspoon locations typically offer:

wide tables with room for laptops, notebooks and drinks

comfortable booths for longer writing stints

predictable layouts, making it easy to find a favourite corner

Authors quickly adopt “their spot” in their local pub, a corner table by a plug socket or a booth with a perfect view—which becomes a little creative sanctuary.

Affordable Fuel: Coffee, Breakfasts and Refills

Let’s be honest: writing can be a long (and caffeine-heavy) process.

Wetherspoon’s budget-friendly menu is a big attraction for writers:

endless free refill coffees or teas, ideal for long writing sessions

affordable breakfasts to start the day right

reliable and free Wi-Fi for research and uploads

low-cost snacks and meals that don’t break the bank (And you can keep the receipts for claiming against tax, if appropriate.)

In cities where cafés can be pricey, ’Spoons offers an accessible alternative for writers on a budget—particularly freelancers and students.

A Sense of Belonging and Routine

Writing can be a solitary endeavour, and many authors find comfort in familiar surroundings. Wetherspoon pubs often become a kind of community hub where regulars recognise each other and enjoy nodding acquaintance.

A daily or weekly writing session in the same pub gives:

structure

a sense of purpose

a reason to leave the house

a break from loneliness

Some authors even treat their favourite pub like a workplace with set “office hours”.

People-Watching Heaven

Characters, dialogue, interactions, overheard conversations, pubs are treasure troves for writers.

Wetherspoon pubs, with their wide range of patrons, offer endless inspiration:

locals chatting at the bar

students debating life

families sharing meals

older regulars offering pearls of wisdom

commuters unwinding after work

Many authors admit their best fictional characters begin with a detail seen at a table across the room.

Historic Buildings and Inspiring Surroundings

One of the most charming quirks of the Wetherspoon chain is its choice of buildings. Former cinemas, theatres, churches, banks and libraries all feature among their premises.

This gives writers something unique:

a creative environment steeped in character and history.

Writing in a converted theatre or old courthouse is far more evocative than a plain coffee shop table, and many authors say the architecture itself sparks ideas.

Freedom to Stay for Hours

Unlike smaller cafés that may need table turnover, Wetherspoon pubs are spacious enough that nobody rushes you out. Writers can settle in, spread out their notes, and stay until the chapter is done.

A single coffee and a quiet corner can easily turn into:

three pages of a novel

a polished article

a finished poem

a well-planned outline

The lack of pressure helps the creativity flow.

It’s a Place That Feels Like Home

When all is said and done, many writers choose their local Wetherspoon because it simply feels right. Familiarity, comfort, affordability and a steady stream of human activity create a unique blend that countless authors find energising.

It’s not just a pub—it’s a creative cocoon.

Final Writing Thoughts

Whether you’re working on a novel, a blogpost, a screenplay or a memoir, writing in a Wetherspoon pub offers a refreshing change of pace. It combines atmosphere, practicality and affordability in a way few other places do.

So next time you're looking for inspiration, grab your notebook or laptop, head to your nearest ’Spoons, and see if the words start flowing. You might just find your new favourite writing spot.

And, of course, I wrote this blogpost at my local 'Spoons, over two pints of Mad Squirrel IPA, although other writers might prefer tea or coffee!

How to Launch Your Own Online or Print Writing Magazine

Do you dream of creating a magazine dedicated to showcasing new writing? 

Whether it’s poetry, short stories, essays, or experimental forms, launching your own publication can be both exciting and daunting. 

With careful planning, creativity, and persistence, you can turn your idea into a platform that nurtures and shares fresh literary voices. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started—along with tips on where to seek funding.

1. Define Your Vision and Niche

Every great magazine begins with a clear purpose. Ask yourself:

What kind of writing do you want to publish—poetry, fiction, essays, or a mix?

Who is your target audience?

How will your magazine stand out from the many literary publications already out there?

Your niche might be experimental poetry, emerging regional voices, themed issues, or work by underrepresented writers. Having a strong identity will help you attract readers, contributors, and funders.

2. Choose Your Format: Online or Print?

Online magazines are easier and cheaper to set up, with lower distribution costs and global reach.

Print magazines offer a tangible, collectible product and often feel prestigious—but they require higher investment and logistics for printing and mailing.

Some editors start digital-only and introduce a print-on-demand option later. Hybrid models are also popular, offering both web-based and physical editions.

3. Build Your Team

Even small magazines benefit from collaboration. Consider recruiting:

Editors (fiction, poetry, features, etc.)

Designers (for layout and covers)

Social media managers (to promote content)

Proofreaders

If you’re starting out solo, keep things simple, but plan to grow your team as the magazine develops.

4. Set Up Your Infrastructure

For an online magazine, you’ll need:

A website (WordPress, Squarespace, or platforms like Substack or Medium).

A submission system (Submittable is popular, but Google Forms or email can work initially).

Social media channels to connect with your audience.

For print magazines:

Secure a printer (local printers, or online services like Mixam in the UK).

Decide on distribution (direct sales, indie bookshops, events, or subscription-based).

5. Plan Your First Issue

Decide on a theme or open submissions.

Set clear submission guidelines and deadlines.

Reach out to writers—through social media, writing groups, or universities.

Curate carefully: the first issue sets the tone for your magazine’s identity.

6. Consider Your Budget

Running a magazine involves costs: website hosting, domain names, design software, printing, postage, and possibly submission fees. A detailed budget will help you know what funding you’ll need to seek.

7. Finding Sources of Funding

Funding is often the trickiest part of launching a writing magazine. Options include:

Grants and Arts Funding

Arts Council England and equivalents in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer grants for literary projects.

Local councils sometimes provide small cultural grants.

Charities or foundations that support literacy and the arts may be open to funding applications.

Crowdfunding

Platforms like Kickstarter or Patreon can help you build a community of supporters willing to fund your project in exchange for perks (e.g. copies of the magazine, name credits, or exclusive content).

Sponsorship and Partnerships

Approach local businesses, bookshops, or universities to sponsor an issue or advertise in your magazine.

Partner with writing groups, festivals, or cultural organisations who may contribute financially or promote your work.

Subscription Models

Offer a subscription service where readers pay a fee (monthly, quarterly, or annually) to access exclusive content or guaranteed copies.

Advertising

Though small literary magazines often avoid heavy advertising, selective ads from publishers, writing courses, or independent bookshops can generate modest income.

8. Marketing and Building a Community

Use social media to share calls for submissions, teasers, and writer spotlights.

Engage with writing communities on platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook.

Attend (or host) literary events, open mics, and festivals to raise your profile.

A loyal community of readers and writers will be your magazine’s strongest asset.

9. Keep Growing

Once your first issue is live, reflect on what worked well and where you can improve. Stay consistent with your publishing schedule, seek feedback from contributors and readers, and adapt as you go. Over time, your magazine can grow into a recognised and respected literary platform.

Final Writing Thoughts

Launching a new writing magazine is no small feat, but with vision, determination, and the right support, it’s entirely possible. Start small, focus on quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—from collaborators, funders, or your community of writers and readers.

Your magazine could be the launchpad for the next great literary voice—why not make that journey happen today?

How to Perfectly Craft the Characters in Your Fictional Writing

Creating a compelling plot is important. Of course it is! But it’s your characters who truly bring your story to life. 

They’re the ones your readers laugh with, cry over, root for (or love to hate). 

Whether you’re writing a sweeping fantasy, a gritty crime thriller, or a quiet contemporary drama, believable characters are what make your world feel real.

Here’s how to craft characters that feel like living, breathing people—flawed, fascinating, and unforgettable.

Start With the Core: Who Are They?

Before you get into hair colour and wardrobe choices, ask yourself:

What drives this character? What do they want—and why can’t they have it?

Motivation and conflict are the heartbeat of any character. Try building a simple profile:

Goal: What are they actively trying to achieve?

Fear: What are they afraid of losing?

Flaw: What gets in their way (internally or externally)?

Backstory: What past experience shaped them into who they are today?

A character who wants something but struggles to get it is instantly more compelling.

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of saying “Maria was bossy,” show Maria taking charge in a meeting, steamrolling everyone’s ideas, then wondering why people are avoiding her. Actions, dialogue, and choices are where personality lives.

Let readers discover your characters the way we do in real life—through what they do, not just what they say about themselves.

Let Them Talk Like Real People

Dialogue is one of the best tools for showing character. Ask yourself:

Do they speak formally or casually?

Do they ramble or get straight to the point?

Do they use humour, sarcasm, swearing, filler words?

Each character should have a distinct voice. If you stripped away all the tags, could readers tell who was speaking?

Give Them Internal Worlds

What are they thinking that they’d never say aloud? What do they believe about themselves or the world? Even the most action-driven characters benefit from internal conflict, doubts, and contradictions.

A stoic detective might secretly believe they’re a failure. A social butterfly might fear abandonment. These layers add richness and resonance.

Make Relationships Matter

Characters don’t exist in a vacuum. They bounce off each other, challenge each other, change because of each other. Use relationships to reveal aspects of your characters that wouldn’t otherwise come out.

How do they behave with:

A sibling who still sees them as a teenager?

A new friend who questions their old beliefs?

A romantic partner they’re afraid to open up to?

The way they relate to others adds emotional depth.

Let Them Grow

A great character arc shows a change—subtle or dramatic—that feels earned. It doesn’t always mean they get what they want. But they should come out the other side altered.

Ask yourself:

By the end of the story, what have they learned (or failed to learn)?

This evolution is what transforms your character from a sketch into a story.

Bonus Tip: Use Character Sheets (But Don’t Get Lost in Them)

Character sheets can be helpful, but don’t let them distract you from the emotional heart of your characters. Knowing their favourite song is nice—but knowing why they lie when they’re scared is better.

Focus on what fuels their decisions, not just the surface-level trivia.

Final Thoughts

Crafting memorable characters isn’t about making them perfect—it’s about making them true. Let them be messy, contradictory, surprising, and deeply human. When your characters feel real to you, they’ll come alive for your readers too.

So take the time to get to know them. Sit with them. Let them surprise you.

That’s when the real magic happens.