Why Words Matter

The latest Why Words Matter from writers’ organisation 26 is about creatively connecting people in different parts of the world. Between the UK and New Zealand there are thousands of miles, but 26 connects them with words, particularly words in creative projects like Twinned Bridges which had writers here and there choosing bridges, writing centenas, then collaborating on a further piece of shared writing. Hear John Simmons introduce a panel with Dame Vikki Heywood in London, and Jayne Workman, Jane

In our latest episode of ‘Why Words Matter’ Rob Self-Pierson leads a conversation with John Simmons and Fiona Thompson on the projects that are central to 26 - and why they are such a creative release for writers. The episode looks back on landmark projects as well as giving latest news on projects for 2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 26writersgroup.substack.com

This episode explores the significance of the word ‘enough’ in everyday usage and also in two specific contexts.Some of our most common words are so ubiquitous that we rarely stop to think about them. But when we do, it becomes apparent that they are rich and surprising, and worthy of further investigation. Such a word is ‘enough’. 26 board member and co-founder of agency Acacia Avenue Martin Lee looks into this word with the help of discourse analyst and founder of Illume Linguistics, Kirstie

Translation removes language barriers. It opens up a world of literature that would otherwise be denied to most of us. But how easy is it to turn words written in one language into the words of another – while preserving their essential meaning and spirit? Or will some things always be lost in translation?Former BBC journalist and broadcaster Wendy Jones delves into the translator’s art with the cosmopolitan cast of Fiona Sze-Lorrain, writer, poet and translator from Chinese and French to English,

When nature is under stress, words are no longer just tools of communication; they become catalysts. Stories can stir empathy, and the right words can shape the world we want to protect. What happens when we stop telling the stories that put us to sleep and start telling those that wake us up? Hosted by Sangeeta Waldron, author of What Will Your Legacy Be? – Conversations With Global Change Makers About The Climate Crisis, this episode features guests Emily Buchanan (Send Flowers) and Olivia

A special episode discussing 26 Bridges, and 26’s upcoming appearances at The Bloomsbury Festival – the 26 Bridges Auction on Thursday 16 October, and our annual Wordstock Festival on Saturday 18 October. Featuring Sam Gray, Stuart Delves, Jo Lilford, and Joni Brown. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 26writersgroup.substack.com