Word cures project

Word tonics

Project outline


What is it?


A mobile installation and shop for members of the public to receive a literary fix for whatever ails them. 


Literary word tonics would package and sell poetry and fiction as if it were medicine or cures (i.e. inie in empty pill capsules and jars). 

The prose and poetry would be written by members of Writers Who Talk. 


They should be organised/labelled according to theme or mood of the piece(s) ie prose or poetry for gratitude, resilience, courage, connection, calm.


Can you give me an example?


Check out the Poetry Pharmacy (www.poetrypharmacy.co.uk), in London and Bishop’s Castle, UK. The public can buy bottles of “pills”, which are actually poems contained inside pill casing. 


How would this look for WWT?


For WWT, I propose a combination of prose and poetry in gelatin pill capsules (size 000 is largest), medicine bottles and perhaps even plasters with poetry and prose written on them. 

The products would be presented like in a vintage apothecary, using a single shelf or vanity table that is light-weight and can easily be moved so that the installation can travel. 

Please see the mood board at the end of this page


Where would the pharmacy be located?


The installation could be launched at the Migration Festival in March 2025 and then temporarily housed in different locations around the country, eventually at the Rainboone of the libraries and in bookstores. 


Why WWT?

This project would give good visibility for WWT and the work of its members. At the same time, the project showcases how poetry and prose can be a powerful tool for good.


Main themes: 

1. Wounds of the Heart


2. Shadows of the Soul


3. Missed Connections (or craving connection)


4. Cracks in Courage

You can submit in 3 different length formats: 

Title and author’s name form part of the word count.

If special formatting is required, for instance for poems, please check that it fits the column layout or quarter layout as this will alter how many characters that can be contained.

General submission guidelines



DEADLINE: 10 February 2025