Only Connect: Creative Writing Comes Alive at the British Library

This past Saturday felt like the first true herald of spring in London, 2025—a day that might have tempted many to bask in the rare sunshine. Yet, inside the hallowed halls of the British Library, a different kind of illumination was taking place. Twenty eager participants gathered for Only Connect: Creative Writing at the British Library, an event brimming with creativity, discovery, and a shared love of storytelling. We were also joined by the amazing artist, Georgia Cowley, who represented the day in the form of art!

The event was led by students from the MA Creative Writing and Education at Goldsmiths, who set out with ambitious goals:

1. Using Creative Writing to Deepen Engagement with the Collection – Encouraging participants to explore and interact with the British Library’s collection, using writing to connect emotionally with historical and contemporary texts.
2. Fostering a Sense of Wonder in the Power of Human Imagination – Demonstrating how writing can bridge the past and present, bringing archival materials to life in new ways.
3. Writing as a Tool for Learning and Discovery – Showcasing how creative writing enhances research, critical thinking, and personal understanding.
4. Encouraging Emotional and Intellectual Connections through Storytelling – Supporting participants in using storytelling to form deeper connections with history, culture, and their own creativity.
5. Building Confidence in Expressing Ideas Creatively – Providing opportunities for self-expression and intellectual engagement.

Participants took part in a carousel of workshops, each designed to explore these learning goals in different ways. Delegates attended at least three out of the five available sessions, immersing themselves in a variety of creative experiences.

Breathing Life into the Archives

In line with the first learning goal, Aimee led a workshop on ‘Answering Back’ to the British Library’s collection. She invited participants to reflect on what they associated with the words ‘British Library’ and ‘archive’ before guiding them into the Treasures Collection, which includes works by Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Jane Austen. Participants then engaged in freewriting exercises based on their impressions. One particularly moving response was a poem inspired by an ayah’s (Indian nanny’s) text from the collection, demonstrating how historical texts can spark fresh, empathetic perspectives.

The Magic of Dialogue: A Chat with John Lennon

Addressing the second learning goal, Janet ran a session entitled ‘Dangerous Dialogue’, which provided ‘tips, not rules’ for writing effective conversations. She encouraged participants to listen mindfully, embrace subtext, and then enter a creative dialogue with a chosen writer from the Treasures Collection. Janet herself took part, crafting an imagined exchange with John Lennon, inspired by the original lyrics to In My Life. The first draft lyrics for this Lennon and McCartney’s song are in the exhibition; it is Janet’s father’s favourite song, partly because he grew up in Liverpool and was good friends once with George Harrison! John Lennon encouraged Janet, saying nice things to her. Her creativity brought late songwriter to life in a magical, motivating way. The exercise illustrated how archival material can serve as a springboard for personal and engaging storytelling.

The Power of Sound in Writing

For the third learning goal, Katharina explored the British Library’s Sound Archive. Participants wrote about a chosen sound before hearing it and then revised their responses after listening. One attendee, inspired by birdsong and a ‘fire dance’ recording, noted how the task highlighted the often-overlooked role of sound in shaping our perceptions and memories.

Smells Like Creative Spirit

Engaging with the fourth learning goal, Lisette led a workshop on smell—a powerful yet underused sense in writing. Delegates explored the library, considering historical and contemporary scents, from fragrant bridal bouquets masking 19th-century hygiene challenges to the pungent realities of cholera-ridden streets. The exercise transported participants across time, revealing the hidden narratives carried by scent alone.

The Zine Scene: Making Creativity Tangible

For the fifth learning goal, Gita, Gabe, and Emily guided participants in crafting zines—handmade pamphlets filled with magazine clippings, photographs, and personal reflections. The process allowed participants to express their ideas creatively in a tangible form, adding an extra dimension to their storytelling.

What Did Participants Say?

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees sharing their excitement:

• “I came up with new ideas, learnt new techniques, and will definitely use these activities more… I’d love to repeat the day!”
• “Lovely opportunities to be stimulated and write!”
• “I didn’t know the library was so accessible and open. The workshops were thought-provoking and really helped my creative writing.”
• “Heightened use of the senses—I’ll definitely use that in my personal writing!”
• “I gathered so many great ideas!”
• “Using creative writing to kick up a fuss against authority!”

What’s Next?

The event was such a success that participants are already asking for more:

• Longer, in-depth workshops on dialogue, smells, and zines
• More focus on freewriting techniques
• Sessions exploring taste and touch alongside sound and smell
• A full-day version of the event to allow deeper exploration

For those who missed out, keep an eye on my website for future events and workshops. If this event proved anything, it’s that the British Library isn’t just a home for dusty old books—it’s a vibrant space where creativity, history, and imagination connect in the most unexpected ways.