Writing From Rage: Turning Fury Into Form

Writing From Rage: Turning Fury Into Form

Join us at The Queens Larder in Holborn for Writing From Rage: Turning Fury Into Form, a workshop by Mark Bowles, author of All My Precious Madness

“There is nothing but the most deadly hatred and rage in everything I write. Rage is the engine. Rage against stupidity, against death, against institutions, against compromise.”— Thomas Bernhard, interview in Der Spiegel

Rage is not a symptom, its a source. This workshop invites writers to stop apologising for their rage and start using it—precisely, relentlessly, beautifully. We will trace the anatomy of rage as it appears in literature—not as an anger tantrum, but as a structural force. From Thomas Bernhard’s venomous spirals to Audre Lorde’s lucid fire, from Baldwin’s incandescent justice to Acker’s punk obliterations—rage has always been an agent of truth-telling. Participants will explore how to write from their own fury—without ranting, without retreating.

Through guided exercises, close readings, and blunt talk, we’ll learn to shape rage into a language that bites, resists, survives. This is not a therapy session. This is not about catharsis. This is about control. Precision. Power. The blood on the page should still spell something. Come with your teeth bared, or come trembling. Either way: come willing to write what you’d rather burn.

Mark Bowles grew up between Bradford and Leeds, and went on to study English at Liverpool and Oxford Universities. He currently lives in Brockley with his wife and 2 small children. Mark's first novel, All My Precious Madness, was published by Galley Beggar Press in September 2024.

This workshop includes free entry to the open mic salon, which takes place after from 7.30-10pm.