First Words

First Words is a group for writers in the first year of parenthood. It is not a formal writers' group and it is not a crèche. It is a chance for writers with babies under the age of one to meet each other — to build community in what can be an isolating experience, and to be seen not just as parents, but as writers too.

There will be free tea and coffee and basic soft play. There will — we hope — be other people who have some shared understanding of what this stage of life is like. There will be no expectation to write a single word. First Words is not about writing — it's about recognising that you are a writer, even if you don't write anything, for months or years. The Royal Court's aim is to be a home for all writers; First Words is a home for writers' babies too.