Are you bubbling up with words but terrified of slam poetry? Do you have so much to say but can’t stand the spotlight? Don’t panic! Our Calm Slam is for every woman who loves poetry but likes the quiet life. Whatever your message we’d love to hear from you on the theme of Music.

Our Open the Door Calm Slam is a safe space for poets who are ready to step out of the shadows and take their writing to the next level. If you have work you want to share – but aren’t up for a full-on SLAM – then this is the competition for you.

We want your words and your videos – with you in front or behind the camera. If you have a poem that won’t stay silent then enter our Calm Slam, this is competition poetry for the introverted!

If you need help with inspiration, look to the three historic writers we’re spotlighting for Open the Door 2025:

• Leela Soma
• Beatrice Colin
• Beldina Odenyo Onassis, also known as Heir of the Cursed

We will also be running two free creative writing workshops, to inspire your entries!

Inspired by Music: Calm Slam Workshop (online), Friday 13th June, 12pm to 2pm. With poet Giovanna MacKenna

Inspired by Music: Calm Slam Workshop (in person), Friday 20th June, 1pm to 2.30pm. With poet and singer Lesley O’Brien

How to enter:

All poems entered under your name must be your own work!

Please send us a video of your poem (in mp4 format) – on the theme of Music, via WeTransfer to info@womenslibrary.org.uk along with a transcript of your poem in English, and a short biography of no more than 60 words telling us a little about you and your poetry.

If you’ve never used WeTransfer before, you can read this guide on how to add your files.

Please label your poem with “OTD2025CalmSlam” your name and the poem’s title, for example “OTD2025CalmSlamMaryBriggsQuiet”

Videos can be of you or – if you’re feeling camera-shy – of anything you like, but please make sure we can hear or see your poem clearly.

Put your video in a folder labelled “OTDSlam2025yourname” along with a transcript of your poem in English and your short biography.

*Please be aware we will welcome all videos, however homemade! If you have a phone just flick to selfie and start recording, your Slam triumph could be only moments away!

Please check carefully!

Your WeTransfer folder – titled “OTDSlam2025yourname” should include:-

• Your poem, correctly labelled
• A transcript of your poem in English
• Your biography of no more than 60 words

If you have any questions about this, please email info@womenslibrary.org.uk

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Next, look out for the WeTransfer download confirmation email – that means we have your entry.

Now all you have to do is follow our website and social media platforms to find out who’s crowned the winner.

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*Please be aware we will welcome all videos, however homemade! If you have a phone just flick to selfie and start recording, your Slam triumph could be only moments away!

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How it works:

The judges will choose the top ten entries and those poems will be uploaded to our website, Vimeo and social media channels.

A winner and runner-up will be chosen.

The winner will receive a dedicated page on the GWL website, a congratulatory fanfare on all our social media platforms, and a selection of delicious prizes including books and GWL merchandise.

All shortlisted poets will receive feedback from the judges.

This year’s judges will be announced very soon!

The Calm Slam deadline is midday on Friday 11th July. 

The winner will be announced on Friday 29th August.