Memberships
Transform Your Writing Journey with WestWord Membership
Join a Community Where Storytelling Becomes a Force for Good
What if your writing could change the world?
As a writer who believes deeply in the transformative power of storytelling, I've spent decades discovering how our words can heal, connect, and create positive change. Through my own writing practice, my work as founder of Retreat West, teacher and publisher, and creating The Mindful Writer, I've learned something profound: when we write with intention and compassion, we don't just tell stories — we change hearts and minds. I wrote more about that here.
WestWord isn't just another literary journal. It's a movement toward more mindful, meaningful storytelling that brings healing, peace, and unity to our divided world. Join us if you want to make a difference with your words.
Join our community
Monthly Membership: £14/month
Annual Membership: £140/year (Save £28 - just £11.67/month)
Memberships include:
Weekly Friday Flashing workshops: every Friday at 11am UK time
Monthly Craft Posts: Expert, in-depth writing development guidance
Monthly Zoom Workshops: Live sessions with replays provided
Themed Edition Submissions: Exclusive publication opportunities in each edition — all featured writers share the submission fees
Member Spotlights: Your newly published stories promoted and one member a month featured in the Spotlight
Flash Focus submission: one submission to this always open opportunity that pays £20 per story
Short Story Spotlight: one submission to this always open opportunity that pays £35 per story
What Makes This Membership Extraordinary
Weekly Friday Flashing Sessions
1-hour Zoom intensives every Friday
Join Debbi Voisey for focused flash fiction development that will sharpen every aspect of your writing. Each session features a reading, associated writing prompts and a chance to take your flash writing to the next level.
Monthly Craft Deep-Dives
Expert guidance from someone who's lived both sides of publishing
Drawing from my experience as author, teacher and publisher (I brought 24 award-winning books to the world through Retreat West), these posts offer insider knowledge you won't find elsewhere. Each month, I share the techniques and insights that have helped writers get published, win awards, and create work that matters.
Live Monthly Workshops
Interactive learning with lifetime access
These aren't passive webinars. In our monthly Zoom sessions, we dive deep into craft, share work for feedback, and explore how to infuse your writing with the compassion and mindfulness that makes stories truly transformative. Every session is recorded, so you can revisit the insights again and again.
For 2026, an additional workshop per month has been added to the schedule that members can attend for just £5 on a pay as you go basis, or get all 12 for just £40 with a year’s pass.
Submissions
Your gateway to publication and recognition
Each membership period, you'll be able to submit to WestWord, which has already gained recognition for publishing work that combines literary excellence with meaningful themes.
Why This Matters: The Philosophy Behind WestWord
After years of practicing mindfulness and integrating Taoist wisdom into my creative process, I founded WestWord with a radical belief: literature can be medicine for our fractured world.
In a time when division seems to dominate every conversation, we need stories that:
Build bridges instead of walls
Heal instead of harm
Connect us to our shared humanity
Remind us of what we have in common
This isn't just about improving your writing technique (though you absolutely will), it's about joining a movement of writers who understand that our words have power and who want to use that power responsibly.
Your Writing Journey Starts Here
When you join WestWord, you're connecting with:
A community of purpose-driven writers who believe stories can change the world
Proven techniques from someone who's guided writers to publication and awards
The mindful writing approach that has transformed my own work and the work of hundreds of students
Direct access to themed publication opportunities
A philosophy that honors both craft excellence and meaningful content
Choose Your Membership:
🌟 Monthly: £14/month - Perfect for trying out the community
All benefits listed above
Cancel anytime
Join our mindful writing movement
💫 Annual: £140/year - Best value for committed writers
Save £28 compared to monthly
Full year of transformation and deeper connection to your writing practice
Questions? I'm here to help. Email me directly - I read and respond to every message personally.
Amanda Saint
Author, Publisher, Mindful Writing Guide
Founder, WestWord & The Mindful Writer