Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.
At Writing a Better World you’ll find honest, real-life stories about transforming tough experiences into growth. My aim is to inspire and entertain, shine a light on the dark stuff and give voice to the unspoken. With humour, when available!
If you are looking for powerful, funny, illuminating essays, positive reframes for your own tough experiences, or just a way to be at peace with what’s happening in the world, Writing a Better World is for you.
What you’ll get with a free subscription
A thought-provoking, uplifting personal essay in your inbox every Friday
A community of thoughtful people in the comments
Updates on my writing projects
Paid subscribers get all of the above plus
3 themed therapeutic writing challenges per year, transforming pain into peace (and art!) with a community of wonderful people
Full access to all the funny, honest and inspiring personal essays in the archive
The Secret Diary Club archive
The Finding Your Voice mini-course
Occasional behind-the-scenes insights
Why Subscribe?
Subscribe to feel hopeful, even when life seems hopeless. Nourish mind and soul with honest, thought-provoking, and often funny, real-life stories straight into your inbox every Friday. Inspiring writing, plus opportunities to join the community that is here to heal and grow and find their joy.
About Me
I’m an award-winning writer and experienced trauma therapist. My novels (The Marlowe Papers, Devotion) are critically acclaimed and won prizes. My poetry is studied on the UK ‘A[dvanced] Level’ exam syllabus and has been published in notable places such as Faber, Penguin, The Guardian, and Poetry Review.
I have kids, a beloved dog, and a PhD in literary history. I have a background in science (biology) and computer programming. Most importantly, though, I have a passion for personal growth and expanding consciousness. My aim in writing this Substack is to share what I’ve learned along my personal evolutionary journey in ways that are both inspiring and practical.
What Readers Say
about this Substack
"Ros Barber's wildly skilled, category-of-one writing will make you think, make you laugh, make you gasp — and at some point, make you wish that you could write like that yourself. But you can't. Nobody but Ros Barber can. And that is why I love this Substack so much. " — Pilar Gerasimo, author of The Healthy Deviant Digest
“I could say so much. You touched me and showed me a better way to deal with my old pain.” — Martha D
“Thank you Ros. I appreciate you and this piece has made a difference to my day and perhaps my life.” — Kate M
“Grateful to you. I learn something about writing with each of your posts. I also have to learn to let go, over and over. This one will stay with me through the holiday.” — CGK
about the novels
“Barber's poetic prose is a sheer pleasure to read"
— Publisher's Weekly
“Terrifically accomplished and enjoyable… it restores one’s faith in English Fiction.” — Fay Weldon, author of The Life and Loves of a She-Devil.
“Themes of identity and self-esteem, of truth and loyalty, give substance to Barber's enthralling plot in a work that combines historical erudition with a sharply satisfying read. Marlowe's passion infects the page; Barber's skill draws the fever.” — The Independent, of The Marlowe Papers.
“The focus may be on the eternal questions but it is Barber’s ability to capture the small details of humanity that makes Devotion worth the read.” —The Financial Times
“Compelling... a novel so animated with fascinating, troubling ideas.”— The Guardian
