Creative Writing Barcelona

Autobiographical Writing Workshop

How do we tell our own stories? What do our personal histories say about the collective human experience? The biggest advice from writing professors is usually to “write what you know,” and nowhere is this more evident than in autobiographical writing – be it fiction, non-fiction, poetry or genre-bending works. Authors from Charlotte Brontë to Ocean Vuong have used their personal experiences to dictate their writing and capture a universal message that strikes a chord with others. In this workshop, **we’ll explore how to channel our inner stories and write from a place that moves us** – at the end of the day, whether or not what ends up on paper is “factually true” will be beside the point. **Please bring a notebook and pen, or a computer or tablet, in order to do a few writing exercises. You can also purchase notebooks at the bookshop.** *About the host:* **Lucia Benavides** is an Argentine-American writer and journalist. She has published several personal essays in LA Review of Books, Literary Hub and The Washington Post. From 2017 to 2022, she served as the NPR correspondent from Spain. She’s currently working on her first novel.

Wednesday Write-In @Backstory

Need some inspiration and/or dedicated writing time for your current WIP? Grab your laptop or notebook and join us at Simply show up at Backstory (we'll be downstairs). Feel free to jump into working on your own writing project immediately, or wait until the quiet time starting at 5:30. at 5 pm for a bit of writer chat, before diving into an hour and a half of focused writing time. At 7, we head to a nearby bar to discuss how it all went.

Wednesday Write-In @Laie Llibreria Cafè

Need some inspiration and/or dedicated writing time for your current WIP? Grab your laptop or notebook and join us at Simply show up at Laie Llibreria Cafè, second floor. Feel free to jump into working on your own writing project immediately, or wait until the quiet time starting at 5:30. at 5 pm for a bit of writer chat, before diving into an hour and a half of focused writing time. At 7, we head to a nearby bar to discuss how it all went.

Monthly poetry and journaling (May) - Imperfection

✨📖 **Writing Through the Year** is a monthly gathering for journal-keepers, poetry lovers, and anyone craving a gentle, reflective, creative ritual 🖊️🌿 In each session, we read a small selection of modern poems and let them guide us into reflective writing with curated journaling prompts These gatherings are not about writing “well” or analysing poetry, but about noticing what moves us and giving ourselves space to explore it on the page. 💭📓 No writing experience is needed, just curiosity and a pen and notebook. Each edition has its own theme. Past sessions have included **Burning the Old Year** (January), **Love Letters to Friends** (February), and **Everyday Joy** (March). Together, they invite us to pause, reflect, and connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us. **Come and spend an evening with poetry, reflection, and gentle creativity**, and discover new dimensions of your life along the way ✨

Gypsy Lounge: An Open Mic at [BackStory] Bookshop

**Saturday, May 30th at 1800.** Welcome back to another wonderful event at [Backstory] Bookshop, celebrating great poetry, storytelling, and music! 🎙️Gypsy Lounge isn't just an open mic; it's a vibrant celebration of diversity, creativity, and connection. Whether you're eager to share your newest creation or want to bask in the ambiance of artistic expression, Gypsy Lounge is your sanctuary. We will be signing up artists day of the event. Just come by 15 minutes before 6 pm, on the evening of the open mic. The first 11 artists will get to sign up. Each performer will have 6 minutes to share their work or perform 2 songs. Performance slots are **limited,** so PLEASE come early. Also, this event is **not managed** by BackStory, so if you have any questions, please DM us on our Instagram account @gypsy_loungebcn. Come early to meet new friends 😊. A gentle reminder for our poetry night attendees: The beauty of an open mic is the unpredictability of content. As we do not moderate performer choices, some material may be best suited for adult ears. Those attending with children, please be advised. **Sign Up:** **On arrival, first-come basis.**

Uncorking the Unconscious: Wine & Journaling

Uncorking the Unconscious: An Evening of Writing out of the Glass and Into the Self Join us for a creative mix of wine, Jung and journaling. Let your tastebuds lead you into memories, explore your connections with your unconscious, and learn from your inner wisdom. This workshop mixes a guided wine tasting with guided journaling: designed to help you into a new place in yourself, while at the same time enjoy the sensorial experience of selected wines. We will be using a series of prompts and imagery to take you into a journaling experience that will leave you with a clearer idea of who you are, what you have learnt on the way here, and what you can do going forwards to make positive change. The journaling session is based on the works of Carl Jung and Ira Progoff, mixed with the experience of Shadow Journaling founder Oliver Mann. He’s the co-founder of the Barcelona Journaling Festival, Certified Journal to the Self Instructor, and a council member of the International Association for Journal Writing. The workshop is open for anyone, regardless of writing experience, or wine drinking experience. Bring a pen, paper and an open mind!

Truth and Storytelling

How do writers draw from real life without being bound by it? What responsibility do they have to the truth and to their readers? In this conversation, Jayne Marshall and Carys Shannon explore the creative space where reality and imagination meet. The discussion will also consider how truth itself can become a storytelling device - a trope used to build tension, subvert expectation, or explore emotional weight within a narrative. Join Jayne and Carys for a thoughtful exploration of authenticity, invention and truth in storytelling. About the speakers: **Jayne Marshall** is fiction writer and essayist. She holds the master’s in creative writing, with distinction, from the University of Oxford. Her work has been published in magazines and anthologies around the world, including in the Bath Spa University affiliated Transnational Literature (UK), Prairie Schooner (USA) and as a finalist in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Prize (UK). Her debut story and essay collection, A Line Drawn or Printed: Six Routes Through Madrid, was published in June 2025 by Modern Odyssey Books. She is Associate Editor of The Madrid Review. ***[Buy her book here](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/a-line-drawn-or-printed/)*** **Carys Shannon** is originally from North Gower, Swansea, and now divides her time between Wales and the Spanish Pyrenees. She has had short stories published by Honno Press, Parthian Books and Mslexia Magazine, as well as broadcast on BBC Radio 4. When not writing, Carys is happiest enjoying slow time in big nature. ***[Buy her book here](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/truth-like-water/)***

Read, write, discuss, share - St Jordi edition

Journaling Picnic: writing into spring

**🌸 Spring Journaling Adventure with Marusha** As much as we love our bookshops, libraries and cozy cafes, there is **nothing like journaling in nature**! Let's open the season of outdoor writing sessions with a lovely picnic by the lake. Join me for a soul-nourishing afternoon of mindful wandering, grounding and connecting with nature, writing out things that have to be written, flexing that imagination biceps with some creative assignments – all while snacking and gently sun-baking :) We'll kick off our adventure with a cozy picnic by the pond at Montjuïc, where we'll spread our blankets and let the spring breeze inspire our first words. Whether you're a seasoned journal enthusiast or someone whose last diary entry was "Dear Diary..." in middle school – you're absolutely welcome here. After we've warmed up our writing muscles (and enjoyed some treats), we'll embark on a spring-inspired conscious walk through the park. No intense hiking, more of a *stop-and-smell-the-roses* (or whatever happens to be in bloom) kind of stroll. We'll use this time to gather inspiration, practice gratitude, and maybe even find profound meaning in a random butterfly crossing our path (hey, it happens!). Journaling practices for this gathering will feature some *embodiment work* (letting your senses guide you) – it's relaxing and inspiring in equal measures. After the picnic, we may continue with some sundowners at a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Barcelona with the city spread out before us like a story waiting to be told – it's Friday, after all! **What to bring:** \- Your journal and favorite pen\(s\) \- A cozy blanket to sit on \- Snacks and drinks\* to share \(optional but encouraged – writing evokes wild hunger\! \- An open mind and your sense of humor **🍎 Important: BRING A FRUIT that represents you this spring :) Yes, this will be one of our creative assignments.** *\*Some wine, cheese and other little treats will be provided* No pressure, no judgment, just a lovely afternoon of connecting with yourself and fellow humans while surrounded by spring's finest showing. Come as you are – your winter sweatpants stories are safe with us. ABOUT THE ORGANIZER Hi! My name is Marusha, I'm a writer, book writing coach, journaling mentor, creator of the [Naked Words](www.mynakedwords.com) writing program, and founder of [Barcelona Journaling Festival](www.barcelonajournalingfestival.com). I preach the superpower of feel-good writing to everyone. I use journaling for self-therapy and as dynamic meditation. It also works great to boost your creativity and overcome writer's block if you feel stuck or drained. Feel free to follow [my Instagram account](https://www.instagram.com/followmarusha/) for tips and inspiration or [sign up for the Naked Words newsletter](https://girlswhowrite.kit.com/eb1ce8ec40) to be the first one in the know about the upcoming events.

Firma de Libros en Sant Jordi

Este año, Barcelona Escribe tendrá su **puesto en la calle Sicilia 191**, ¡a partir de las 10h! Un espacio lleno de historias, creatividad y mucho amor por la palabra. Los 18 autores comprendidos en **Tras el Mosaico del Beso** estarán a lo largo del día en diferntes momentos. Además, la **Asociación Barcelona Escribe** pondrá a disposición sus libros publicados en años anteriores, Algunos escritores de la Asociación estarán también en nuestra parada, firmando ejemplares de sus libros publicados. * **Enric Gisbert** (@enricgisbert) firmará libros de 10:00 a 13:30 y de 15:00 a 18:30. * **Concha Mayo** firmará libros de 11:30 a 13:30 y de 15:00 a 18:30 * **Federico Firpo Bodner** (@piluxfirpux) firmará libros de 10:00 a 13:30 y de 15:00 a 18:30. ¡Los esperamos!

poENtry Slam - Poetry Slam in English in Barcelona

We are back on Thursday the 30th of April at our new venue of the BCN studio in Poble-Sec. We are very happy to start a new collaboration with one of the most underground theaters in Barcelona! Doors open at 7:30pm. We start at 8pm! Be there early to grab a seat! Make sure you get your ticket via the [BCN studio](https://www.thebcnstudio.com/es/events/poentry-slam-2026-04-30-20-00) on time. This is a spoken word and poetry performance tournament in English. We will have 7 slammers this time, and we are very excited to see what they have to say! If you want to participate in the Slam, please **send us a** **private message**! You **cannot** sign up by commenting in the event, as this cannot be controlled by our team. From the audience, we are expecting them to scream, cry, laugh, enjoy! Do not miss it! Doors open at 7:30pm and show starts at 8pm. Be there early to grab a seat! Entrance online 8€ (At the door 10€) **Tickets via the BCN studio only, or 10€ at the door. More info and tickets Link on our Instagram account and website.**

Yo no soy poeta (y no me importa)

Yo no soy poeta (y no hace falta) Taller de poesía en taller / galería de arte Si escribes relatos, diarios o pensamientos sueltos… este taller es para ti. Durante la sesión exploraremos la poesía como una forma de mirar y de sentir. Trabajaremos con ejercicios prácticos que conectan palabra y arte: Transformar un texto narrativo en poema. Escribir a partir de imágenes y obras del espacio. Experimentar con ritmo y musicalidad sin reglas rígidas. No es un taller teórico. Es un espacio para escribir, probar y descubrir nuevas posibilidades dentro de tu propia voz. El encuentro se realiza en Drapaire Art, un taller / galería donde conviven pintura, ilustración y creación literaria. El entorno artístico forma parte de la experiencia. 📍 Calle Enric Morera 65, L’Hospitalet 🚆 FFCC Ildefons Cerdà A pocos minutos de Gran Vía 2 y Ciudad de la Justicia Conduce: Rita Gar Promueve: BCN Escribe La poesía no es un género. Es una forma de mirar. Plazas limitadas. Precio: aportación voluntaria en forma de taquilla inversa.