Kit de Waal
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kitdewaal.com
Kit de Waal
@kitdewaal.com
Optimist, writer, swearer. common person. Co-founder Big Book Weekend with @MollyFlatt. Proud Primadonna. Professor, University of Leicester. FRSL. Photo by Paul Chambers. No DMs please. To email use [email protected]
At BMW garage booking my car in for its first MOT. I need a top up of my screen wash apparently. ‘How much will it be?’ I ask. ‘£143.’

Yes, I did ask him to repeat. No, it’s not a mistake. No, it’s not made of liquid gold.

Come on!!!!
a man in a suit and tie is looking down at something .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is looking down at something .
media.tenor.com
January 9, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Kit De Waal @kitdewaal.com will join us for a Book Club event to discuss her novel 'The Best of Everything' on Thursday, the 22nd of January. To register, please go to: launch.dcu.ie/49gv3A8
January 7, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Or if there are any other probation officers who fit the bill....
Sometime ago I was on here looking for a probation officer who was working in 2010 in the UK and who also might have worked with prisoners pre release. I can’t remember who got in touch but if there is anyone who fits the bill, pls get in touch. It’s for a book,

Many thanks.

Please repost ;)
a monkey is sitting on the ground with a banana in its mouth and looking at the camera .
ALT: a monkey is sitting on the ground with a banana in its mouth and looking at the camera .
media.tenor.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Sometime ago I was on here looking for a probation officer who was working in 2010 in the UK and who also might have worked with prisoners pre release. I can’t remember who got in touch but if there is anyone who fits the bill, pls get in touch. It’s for a book,

Many thanks.

Please repost ;)
a monkey is sitting on the ground with a banana in its mouth and looking at the camera .
ALT: a monkey is sitting on the ground with a banana in its mouth and looking at the camera .
media.tenor.com
January 3, 2026 at 11:52 PM
It’s January 3rd. What a start.
January 3, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
I’m running 62k in January to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland (not all in one go, mind). I’d love your support! fundraising.breastcancerireland.com/fundraiser/N...
Fundraising page of Niamh NicGhabhann Coleman
Thank you for visiting our fundraising page! This January, I am running 62K to support a cause close to my heart. Every kilometer — and every bit of support — makes a difference. Your encouragement an...
fundraising.breastcancerireland.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
In September we had our huge and amazing annual salon in Brussels.

We loved meeting so many of you and writing, touring and hanging out with you in beautiful Brussels. (Especially you, @kitdewaal.com ❤️)
December 31, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
a bit of much needed Kit de Waal magic ✨

If I could wish anything for you at the end of the year, it would be kindness and friendship, both to you and from you. And keep your heart open to possibilities, you can never have too much of either.
December 29, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Love this.
December 29, 2025 at 10:17 PM
My wish for you
My oldest friend is Cressida whom I sat next to at school when I was five.
open.substack.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:34 PM
I’m going to Malta to write for a week at the end of January. Any suggestions of where to stay or avoid? Sea view would be great.

Cheers.

The photo below is of the harbour at Stord in Norway for context
December 26, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
This time of year can be hard for some of us.

Nine years ago a good friend of mine put his kids to bed on christmas night, said goodnight to his wife, went to a local park and committed suicide.

Help is out there.

spuk.org.uk
Suicide Prevention UK Help & Support | SPUK Charity 1187866
If you’re going through a tough time and need someone to listen, contact us free. We won't judge you or tell you what to do. You don't have to face this alone x
spuk.org.uk
December 24, 2025 at 10:55 AM
If you get some time over the next few weeks apply for this!
December 21, 2025 at 1:09 AM
'I spent 30 years searching for secret to happiness - the answer isn't what I thought'

Fergal Keane - beautiful, frank and uplifting article so apt for this time of year.
Fergal Keane on PTSD, depression and the secret to happiness
Prompted by Blue Monday, the BBC's special correspondent reflects on his struggle to find balance and joy in life - and a surprisingly straightforward solution.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
A reminder that there's free things. Free!

📚📘👨🏻‍🏫👩🏼‍🏫📖📗📔

#ProjectGutenberg
#Library #reading #bookclub #literature #classics #eBooks

@oldladyhembrew.bsky.social 📚
Does everyone know about Project Gutenberg? E-books for free. The world’s great literature here, with focus on older works for free. Digitized and diligently proofread by thousands of volunteers.

Please share.
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a library of free eBooks.
www.gutenberg.org
December 16, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Kit is an excellent teacher, leader, inspiration and hugely practical as well.
December 17, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
I’m very happy to announce the publication of BOOK of JOBS, a wry & philosophical memoir of the many many jobs I had between the ages of 16 and 42. It’s dedicated to @kitdewaal.com as she provided much encouragement to me in the writing. Thank you!

My book is available on Amazon:
amzn.eu/d/2FCjLZL
December 17, 2025 at 4:23 PM
First book by a brilliant writer. You’ll love it
I’m very happy to announce the publication of BOOK of JOBS, a wry & philosophical memoir of the many many jobs I had between the ages of 16 and 42. It’s dedicated to @kitdewaal.com as she provided much encouragement to me in the writing. Thank you!

My book is available on Amazon:
amzn.eu/d/2FCjLZL
December 17, 2025 at 7:47 PM
REMINDER - there is a fully funded bursary place available for my Six Month Writing Course in association with @gladlib.bsky.social The Deadline is 7th January.
www.gladstoneslibrary.org/event/the-si...
(Sold Out) The Six-Month Writing Course with Kit de Waal - Gladstone's Library
Join Kit de Waal for a six-month journey into the art and discipline of storytelling, with two visits to the UK’s finest residential library.
www.gladstoneslibrary.org
December 17, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Job here at Bristol Refugee Festival

Link here via IG www.instagram.com/bristolrefug...
December 15, 2025 at 8:14 AM
HarperCollins Author Academy opens 8th January, a virtual, six-week, free programme for writers from underrepresented to have their manuscript considered across HarperCollins UK publishing divisions.

Please share with anyone that might be interested.

Find out more at harpercollinsacademy.co.uk
Welcome to the HarperCollins Author Academy - HarperCollins Author Academy
Free-for-student six-week training programme created for writers from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Applications Open 8 January. The Author Academy offers writers … Continued
harpercollinsacademy.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 8:05 AM
ITV in partnership with The Film and TV Charity, are looking for 20 people to take part in a new pilot in January at ITV bringing freelancers from different aspects of production to, receive an ITV mentor, attend events, training and workshops.

To find out more or to apply go to thegreenroom.itv
ITV Academy Green Room
The Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass report shows how tough it is at the moment in our industry. That’s why ITV and FTVC are working together to understand ways in which we can support freelancers ...
thegreenroom.itv
December 15, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
📣Calling writers: Gladstone’s Library is offering one funded place on The Six-Month Writing Course with @kitdewaal.com. For writers who would benefit from the course but may otherwise be unable to access it. We especially welcome those who feel marginalised within the industry.
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December 12, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Please share :)
📣Calling writers: Gladstone’s Library is offering one funded place on The Six-Month Writing Course with @kitdewaal.com. For writers who would benefit from the course but may otherwise be unable to access it. We especially welcome those who feel marginalised within the industry.
1/3
December 13, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Reposted by Kit de Waal
Apply by midday, Wednesday 7th January. Full T&Cs & how to apply via the link in our bio (or Website → Events → Writing Kit → Six-Month Writing Course). The bursary recipient will remain anonymous unless they choose otherwise.

We can’t wait to hear from you!
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December 12, 2025 at 12:01 PM