Joshua Osagiede – Founder

Hi, I'm Joshua! I write in a gothic, traditional style, drawing inspiration from classic literature, mythology, and historical references. My work often explores themes of psychology and philosophy, conveyed through dark, emotional narratives. I enjoy crafting immersive literature rich with language and detail, for a captivating reading experience.

At The Writers Herd, I aim to refine my traditional style for a modern audience, as I believe "old can still be gold" in terms of mainstream appeal. I'm passionate about fostering a vibrant literary community where everyone interested in literature can connect, share, and grow through diverse perspectives. My love for art drives the integration of illustrations and visuals on the website, for an immersive experience.

Olivia Ackers – Contributor

Hi, I'm Olivia! I'm a huge fan of horror, nature, and reading various genres to expand my literary knowledge. My writing often leans toward dark elements or horror, but I enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone to experiment with new styles and explore different creative challenges. At The Writers Herd, I plan to contribute short stories, poetry, and book reviews, using my passion for reading and writing to create meaningful and engaging content that resonates with others.

In literature, I love analysing the way nature can evoke profound feelings in simple moments. Books like Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace (the comet scene) or Becky Chambers' A Psalm for the Wild-Built are among my favourites, as they beautifully illustrate this.

Outside of writing, I enjoy gaming, knitting, listening to music (and the occasional jam with my sister), yoga, and nature walks.

Nina Harris – Contributor

Hi, I'm Nina! I write fantasy, dystopian, and historical fiction. My work is often heavily detailed, as I enjoy weaving together complex subplots and developing fully fleshed-out side characters. I mostly write using free indirect discourse, blending darker psychological themes with humour and magical escapism. I also love a slow-burn romance, which allows space for vulnerability and emotional depth.

Academically, I am interested in 19th-century gothic literature and wrote my dissertation on the portrayal of female monstrous lovers in Carmilla, Lamia, and Vampirismus.

My favourite authors include Suzanne Collins, Leigh Bardugo, Emily Henry, and Hafsah Faizal. My favourite poet is John Keats. When I'm not writing, you'll find me cuddling my cat Hecate or trawling charity shops for hidden gems.

At The Writers Herd, I aim to write book reviews that are analytical yet accessible, especially for genres like fantasy, mystery, or romance that are often dismissed as less 'literary'. I'm also an ARC reader and hope to support lesser-known authors through reviews and author interviews.

Alice Atherton – Contributor

Hello, I'm Alice. I'm a writer and poet with an MA in Creative Writing. I write fantasy and historical fantasy fiction, free-verse poetry and autobiographical non-fiction. I love trying new techniques, themes, and genres, and I'm particularly fond of exploring Gothic and Queer themes of identity in fantasy.

I enjoy reading fantasy (with a hint of Gothic) and classics. My two favourite books (because I can't choose between them!) are Juno Dawson's Her Majesty's Royal Coven and Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

At The Writers Herd, I hope to contribute poetry, short stories, and book reviews, using my passion for writing and literature to create engaging and meaningful content for all. Outside of writing, I enjoy gaming, cycling, reading, and the occasional doomscroll.

Sabrina Batouche – Contributor

Hi, I'm Sabrina! I've always been an avid reader, which naturally led to a love for writing. As a teenager, I would fill notebooks with poems that reflected my perception of the world and personal experiences. During university, I found my voice through writing short stories, particularly character-driven narratives that focus on real aspects of real people.

I draw inspiration from some of my favourite authors, like Haruki Murakami, Zadie Smith, and Banana Yoshimoto—who all focus on character-driven plots. I'm captivated by stories that elevate ordinary people and situations by highlighting small, often overlooked details.

As a single mum from South London, I'm passionate about building an inclusive literary community. At The Writers Herd, I hope to contribute by uplifting voices that are often unheard and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to share their stories and perspectives.

Brooke Deyes – Contributor

Hi, I'm Brooke! I'm an avid reader, unapologetic cat-lady, and short story enthusiast with big ambitions to one day publish my own literary fiction novel. I love classics, contemporary feminist fiction, and translated works by women writers, with my own creative pieces stylistically inspired by authors such as Sally Rooney, Gillian Flynn, Margaret Atwood, Elena Ferrante, and Ottessa Moshfegh.

I've always been fascinated by how literature captures complex human relationships, especially between women, and how the written word can teach empathy and offer educational tools. While my main passion is in fiction writing, I'm excited to contribute book reviews, blog posts, and the occasional poem to The Writers Herd. I hope my work can move, intrigue, and inspire critical thinking in others, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you here!

Jadyn-Elia Lansana – Contributor

Hi, I'm Jadyn! I'm a starry-eyed writer of magical realism, whimsy, and prose poetry. Following a Master's in Creative Writing, I'm currently working on a magical realist novel set in a modern, fairytale-style city, exploring loss, desire, belief, and identity. The story features a grief-numbed student, a magical box, a suspicious cat, and a blend of culture and divination. I'm aiming to finish the manuscript this year.

As a mixed-race woman, I've thought a lot about which of my values I want to put into my writing, particularly my feelings about race. While I often ache to reference and unpack sociopolitical topics in my stories, I also believe there is great value in writing about Black and Brown people without centering our struggle with race. I adore stories that parade our cultures, foods, joys, and difficulties outside of this particular oppression, because of course we are more than that. Topics such as class, gender, and sexuality often crop up in my thoughtfulness.

At The Writers Herd, I hope to contribute short stories, blogs, and Jadyn-style book reviews. I'm interested in exploring what book reviews are 'supposed' to look like, and contributing to the conversation around the community that writing and reading creates.

Misbah Tabish – Contributor

Hi, I'm Misbah! I love all things fantasy and fiction, and I've recently been exploring classical literature! Some of the things I love include cooking, reading, and creating art. I enjoy experimenting with new things and reading new genres. Recently, I've been indulging in a social media detox, and I've discovered a newfound love for a good old-fashioned magazine.

I love writing whimsical fantasy and dark gothic tales. Anything unrealistic and wacky is right up my alley.

At The Writers Herd, I will contribute short stories, blog posts, lifestyle pieces, and book reviews. I want to share my love of reading and my thoughts on literature with the world. One of the things I love most about literature is its timelessness. I can read Jane Eyre's teenage woes and relate to them almost 200 years later, and I know that a modern classic will enthral children and adults alike centuries after I'm gone. Literature is the main character, and we're all just living her life!

Laura Barnard – Contributor

Hi, I'm Laura! I'm a reader, creator, and a lover of stories that dive deep into the beautiful messiness of being human. With an academic background in psychology, I've always been fascinated by the 'why' behind our emotions, and I'm most at home in the pages of a character-driven narrative that isn't afraid to break my heart a little! I'm passionate about stories with a strong emotional atmosphere, those lingering moments that feel like lived experiences or memories. I also have a soft spot for time travel and stories that play with the threads of fate.

Having built a community of book lovers on my social media, I've seen first-hand how stories can bridge the gap between us. At The Writers Herd, I'm excited to contribute social media posts, book reviews, and book-based articles that celebrate the magic of a shared reading experience and connection. I hope to help create a space where readers can discover their next favourite story, engage in meaningful conversations, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Outside of my bookshelf, I'm a chronic traveller currently embarking on my own biggest chapter yet: relocating to Australia! When I'm not creating content or lost in a book, you'll likely find me romanticising a rainy afternoon with a mocha or trying to figure out how to fit my entire book collection into a suitcase!

Mara Wiedner

Hi, I'm Mara, a mixed media artist passionate about expressing emotions through art. While I'm still exploring my unique style, I love experimenting with new techniques. I also enjoy supporting others in their creative journeys, such as The Writers Herd with my illustrations. Currently, I'm focused on traditional surrealism and digital line art, both of which I sometimes incorporate into my tattoo work.

Sienna Gallacher 

Hi, I'm Sienna, an artist based in Edinburgh and a graduate of Advanced Higher Art & Design. My work is inspired by the surrealist movement of the 1920s—especially the metaphysical sentiments these pieces express. I draw influence from the human body (particularly the heart), the paranormal, extra-terrestrial life, and metaphorical concepts best conveyed through visual storytelling. At The Writers Herd, I aim to bring a unique and spiritual approach to illustration, contributing work that reflects depth, imagination, and visual symbolism.

Zyta Gudalewska

Hi, I'm Zyta. I'm a tattoo artist and piercer based at Superqueen Tattoo in Colliers Wood, South London. With a background in jewellery and silversmithing, I love intricate detail and free-flowing organic shapes. In tattooing, I specialise in fine line and black-and-grey illustrative work, and I'm currently expanding into realism. Art allows me to express myself when words fall short, and I bring that passion to my illustrations for The Writers Herd, enhancing stories through my creative vision.