Edinburgh Writers’ Club began in 1947. In 1949 a constitution was written and signed by Matt Freeland, Chairman, and Isobel K C Steele, Hon Secretary, to decree the club would encourage the art of writing in all its branches. It is a club for people who are passionate about writing, whether published or unpublished. Members enjoy writing in all kinds of genres and forms, from historical fiction, romance, murder mysteries and crime, sci-fi and fantasy, to non-fiction; in novels, novellas, short stories, flash fiction, poetry and articles. There is truly something for everyone.

Many of our members are successful authors, both through traditional publishing and self-publishing. Current members include Olga Wojtas, author of the Bunburry murder mystery series published by Bastei Entertainment, and the Miss Blaine’s Prefect fantasy series, published by Saraband; Kate Blackadder, who has had over 70 short stories published; and Linda Decker, author of Bombs and Bougainvillea which was winner of the SAW Non-Fiction Book of the Year 2018 and No. 1 Bestseller in Jerusalem Travel Guides. Another distinguished member is Kath Hardie, who has had several monologues broadcast on Radio Scotland and Radio Éireann; and was commissioned by Jarrold Publishing to write Sir Walter Scott: An illustrated historical guide while her book A Neat Rivulet of Text references life in Nigeria and Zambian copper mines. Anne Stenhouse, a former EWC President, has written one-act stage plays, short stories and short historical novels and serials. In 2019 her historical serial about Dundee, City of Discoveries, was a commission from DC Thomson to mark 150 years of continuous publication of The People's Friend magazine.

Many members of the club have won prizes over the years at the weekend seminar run by the Scottish Association of Writers, to which the club is affiliated. The SAW weekend, which takes place each spring, provides a great opportunity for writers from other clubs all over the country to meet, attend seminars and meet with visiting speakers, publishers and agents. For anyone looking to improve their writing and / or to break into publication, the club provides informed advice, support and encouragement.