Urban Enigmas Patrick ten Brink’s Chapbook Finds Beauty in the Overlooked

By Loretta Fahy

Urban Enigmas, a chapbook in five parts, published by Dipity Press, is at its heart an invitation to pay attention. A reminder of the gritty beauty that is to be found if one moves through a city landscape with the finely tuned senses this poet does, absorbing every detail from its discarded waste with its coded messages, to the people in their oversized clothing who roam the bus stops and the parks.

This wonderfully vivid collection is a reminder that all is available for us to catch for a delicious instance, should we pay attention not just to the lofty institutions but also to the discarded things left outside. 

Urban Enigmas by Patrick ten Brink - Bookcover

About Patrick ten Brink  

Patrick grew up in Germany, Australia, Japan and England and studied Physics and Philosophy in the UK, French literature in France, and Mexican Literature of the 20th century in Mexico. He lives and works in Brussels, his day job dedicated to protecting the environment, his spare time to writing fiction, poetry and art reviews. His fiction and poetry have been published in the US, Canada, the UK, Belgium, Germany and India. 

The Group’s Reflection

ten Brink read several poems from his collection on the evening, including The Monsters Roam from the opening section, Urban Waste Management. Using strong imagery and drawing on a vivid imagination, this poem paints a searing description of humans’ constant gorging that generates endless white bags of sweetmeats that need disposing of. 

Another favourite of the groups was The Half Apple, from the third section Deciphering Intent, which generated lots of discussion around the mystery of these half apples peeled and put out in the world like some coded message that does not reveal itself. 

The poems in Urban Enigmas are filled with human detritus, lone shoes, lost puzzle pieces, bathtubs and a host of other abandoned but not useless pieces. They were certainly put to admirable use in the hands of this poet, who weaves them into an homage to urban life with all of its wonder and waste.

Mother Tongue and Dance of Brushstrokes and Poetry of Mimi Kunz

By Patrick Ten Brink

The Brussels Writers' Workshop (BWW) was moved, listening Mimi Kunz’s poems from her art and poetry collection, Mother Tongue. Artist and poet, Mimi combines elegant, fluid, black sumi-e style brushstrokes with poems, many themselves forming shapes that speak to the paintings. The words dance on the page in their own snaking lines of letters, forming a painting itself. Communication between drawing and poem, movement and emotion are the core of this collection. Its beating heart is its rendering of the many moments of fleeting infinity between mother and baby. Mimi’s sharing of these moments generously reminds us of all the little fleeting eternities and urges us to enjoy each special moment. It is a book for all new parents. It is a book for all who wish to slow down and immerse themselves in someone else’s joy and be catalysed to go down memory lane.

Mimi Kunz holding a copy of her book Mother Tongue (Credit: Authorisation)

Who is Mimi Kunz?

Mimi Kunz is an artist and poet, as well as co-founder of the biannual Something Beautiful, a festival for Visual Arts and Poetry in Belgium (from 10 to 19 October 2025). She was educated at the Staatliche Akademie für Bildende Künste Karlsruhe, Germany, with formative artist residencies in Europe and Vietnam. Her poetry has been shortlisted for the Bridport and nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and her work has been supported by the Goethe Institut Hanoi and the European Union.

Mother Tongue: Poetry and Art on Motherhood

Published by The Kyoudai Press, Mimi’s collection of minimalist paintings and poems are anything but minimalist with emotions. Every poem captures a resonant moment of mother and child and the discovery of their joint universe. You cannot read these poems and hurl yourself back into the rat race, metro madness, or productivist paradigm. Slow. Centre. Feel. And enjoy the myriad of minimalist images. To give you a sample:

“Your hands

are question marks”

“You drink dodging a hiccup”

“Your heart beats twice as fast as mine

It sounds like a sign of life from outer space

as if there was a universe in my body.”

The Group’s Reflection

The BWW participants were touched by the melody of the poems, the movement and dance between sentences and brushstrokes, and, of course, Mimi’s generosity, sharing fundamentally special moments of mother and child with an openness that unlocked memories in each of us, making them sing again. Her words also underlined the empathetic power of poetic resonance when moments are honestly sensed and truthfully captured. Moreover, her poems and paintings are a celebration of life. One feels a little more alive after reading Mimi’s poetry.

Reading into 2025, the books that will shape our year

By Alexandra David

January came and went in the blink of an eye, taking with it the last vestiges of 2024. What should have been an article on the Brussels Writers' Workshop's best reads of 2024 quickly turned into a list of books we plan to read in 2025. And since time never stands still, January is no more and here we are in February.

So, without further ado, here are the books that have caught the eye of our authors and now adorn their bedside tables, living rooms, desks, or shelves, waiting to be read. (Though, at the pace I am writing this, I would not be surprised if most have already been read...)

Nature’s Wisdom:

• How to Read a Tree – Tristan Gooley. A guide to deciphering the silent language of forests, revealing the wisdom trees hold about the world around us.

History’s Weight:

• The Collected Poems – Zbigniew Herbert. A powerful selection of poetry that weaves history, philosophy, and resistance into lyrical form.

• Veiller sur elle – Jean-Baptiste Andrea. A poignant historical novel that intertwines art, legacy, and the passage of time.

• Patriot – Navalny. A gripping memoir chronicling political activism, resistance, and the high cost of defiance in modern Russia.

Introspection:

• The White Book – Han Kang. A haunting meditation on grief, memory, and the stark beauty of absence.

• Orbital – Samantha Harvey. A poetic journey through time and space, offering a unique perspective on human existence.

• Signor Hoffman – Eduardo Halfon. A deeply personal narrative exploring identity, migration, and heritage through a masterful blend of fiction and memory.

• James: A Novel – A compelling story that delves into identity, relationships, and the fluid nature of selfhood.

• Grandeur Nature – Erri De Luca. A collection of stories examining the complexities of parent-child relationships and existential questions.

• The Bee Sting – A sweeping family saga that grapples with societal struggles, survival, and the ties that bind.

• Tell Me Everything – Elizabeth Strout. A rich exploration of personal and relational dynamics told through Strout’s signature storytelling.

Which of these we will have read by next year remains to be seen, but if one thing is certain, it’s that books, like the passing of time, will continue to shape our stories and inspire us both within and beyond their pages.

Given the strong presence of introspective works on our list, 2025 promises to be year rich in self-exploration for our authors.  I can’t wait to see, or rather read, how this deep engagement with identity, memory, and the human experience will translates into our writing.

Zeitgeist in Conversation: A Q&A Evening with Sharon Galant

November 28, 2024

By Alexandra David

The Brussels Writers Workshop (BWW) recently hosted Sharon Galant, director of Zeitgeist Agencygeistagency.com/about, for an insightful and motivating session on navigating the publishing world. Writers were treated to Sharon’s practical advice, deep industry knowledge, and her clear passion for helping authors find their voice and audience.

Who is Sharon Galant?

Sharon Galant is the director of Zeitgeist Agency, a boutique literary agency specialises in a wide range of genres, including literary and commercial fiction, mystery, historical fiction, and young adult (YA). With over a decade of experience in publishing and bookselling, Sharon has worked with a wide range of authors across fiction and non-fiction. Her international career—from managing English-language bookstores in China to championing diverse voices in Europe—has shaped her keen eye for compelling stories and market trends. 

Sharon Galant, director of Zeitgeist Agency

Answering Writers’ Questions

The session provided a rare opportunity for attendees to ask direct questions about the publishing world. The questions varied widely, covering everything from trends in publishing to how to make a living as a full-time writer—every author’s dream.

One writer asked about trends, and Sharon explained that genres like YA fiction and romance are particularly popular at the moment, with publishers actively seeking fresh voices in these categories.

Another question touched on whether an agent is necessary. Sharon clarified that this depends on the market: “In the Anglo-Saxon world, having an agent is essential to reach publishers. In France, however, many publishers prefer to work directly with authors, so the dynamic is quite different.”

Sharon’s practical and precise answers drew from her wealth of experience, offering writers realistic advice and actionable strategies.

Obsessed with Authors, Long-Term Relationships

Sharon pulled back the curtain on what it takes for an agent to truly connect with an author’s work. “At Zeitgeist, we need to become obsessed with an author and their vision.”

She emphasised the long-term nature of this relationship, noting that an agent often spends years with an author, guiding them not just through one book but an evolving body of work.

“We’re not just pitching books, we’re friends, counsellors, and coaches, accompanying writers through the highs and lows of the entire journey.”

The relaxed atmosphere and Sharon’s clear, practical insights left writers feeling inspired and ready to tackle the next steps in their publishing journeys.

For more on Sharon Galant and Zeitgeist Agency, visit zeitgeistagency.com.

Hard Drive: Grief, Memory, and the Poetic Voice of Paul Stephenson

By Alexandra David

The Brussels Writers' Workshop (BWW) was delighted to welcome poet Paul Stephenson for an engaging presentation of his latest poetry collection, Hard Drive. Paul’s deeply moving exploration of grief, memory, and love offered a powerful reflection on the human experience. His work sparked thoughtful discussion and insight among attendees, making the session both emotionally resonant and deeply thought-provoking.

Who is Paul Stephenson?

Paul Stephenson is a poet whose work has garnered significant recognition for its emotional force and inventive form. Born in Cambridge, he studied modern languages and European Studies before embarking on a career that bridges both academic and poetic worlds. With a background that includes teaching, research, and numerous international publications, Paul brings a distinct voice to British poetry. His previous pamphlets, including The Days that Followed Paris, reflected on global events, but Hard Drive is his most personal collection to date.

Hard Drive: Poetry of Grief and Resilience

Paul Stephenson's debut poetry collection, Hard Drive, is a profound exploration of grief following the sudden death of his partner. Through inventive and varied forms, Stephenson captures the overwhelming emotions that accompany such a loss, from shock and sorrow to moments of reflection and resilience. The title itself plays on the metaphor of memory as something stored away, perhaps in a hard drive, where life’s precious moments are preserved but painfully inaccessible.

Poems like “When We Were a Jackson Pollock” bring a vibrant energy to the recollection of his relationship’s early days, juxtaposing the chaos of love with the void left by death.

Throughout the collection, Stephenson uses repetition, rhyme, and sharp imagery to depict the bureaucracy of death, the complexities of mourning, and the enduring presence of love. While grief looms large, Hard Drive also offers moments of tenderness and humour, demonstrating the poet’s ability to find light even in the darkest corners of loss. From poems that recall the joy of early love to those that confront the stark realities of death, Hard Drive resonates as a meditation on both the fragility and beauty of life.

The Group’s Reflection

The BWW participants were moved by Paul’s openness and the way he interweaves form and content to communicate the complexities of grief. The group discussed the challenge of translating such a profound experience of loss into poetry, focusing on how Paul’s work captures the disorienting chaos of bereavement while offering moments of clarity and reflection.

In the end, Hard Drive left the group inspired by how Paul Stephenson masterfully transforms life’s most challenging moments into poetry. The collection, though rooted in personal tragedy, demonstrates the power of language to convey deep emotion, blending grief with humanity, hope, and even humour—a skill that resonated strongly with the experienced writers in attendance.

What are we reading this Summer?

By Alexandra David

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” — Oscar Wilde

Reading is to a writer what oxygen is to the brain, what food is to the body. One cannot – and should not – come without the other. They are as complementary as teaching is to learning or … cooking is to tasting.

For Stephen King, "if you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that”. William Faulkner advises writer to “read, read, read. Read everything—trash, classics, good and bad” comparing the act of reading to carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write." J.K. Rowling underscores the necessity "for any writer, … to read. As much as you can. Like a wolf eats." Neil Gaiman highlights the fundamental difference between writers and non-writer: the former read.

And Hemingway being true to himself emphasizes the importance of lived experience in conjunction with reading, explaining that "in order to write about life, first you must live it. But while you're living it, you should be reading everything you can, getting the knowledge that can feed your imagination and inform your work."

As we head off for the summer, which books will accompany our writers to their exciting destinations, or take them on a journey without leaving home?

Sebastian Remøy, Loretta Fahy, Patrick ten Brink, Jeannette Cook, Jon Filipek, AlexS and Jim Drennan, Brussels, June 2024 (Photo : Authorisation)

Sebastian will be reading Det er Ales [Aliss at the fire], by Nobel laureate Jon Fosse, a 22,000-word-long sentence in Western dialect Norwegian (Nynorsk) with no punctuation or chapters. The book offers a hallucinatory account of a woman living in the frosted land of Norway whose husband goes out at night and unexplainably does not return. "Not much happens in this book apart, obviously, from the deaths of the two Asles. However, as in his other novels, there is a continual sense of foreboding and of gloom. Above all, Fosse paints a superb picture of a very closed-off family”

Loretta picked up the latest Kevin Barry, The Heart in Winter. Set in the American West of the 1890s, this expansive yet psychologically intimate novel from the author of Night Boat to Tangier tracks the dangerously forbidden affair between a torrid young balladeer and the wife of a devout and powerful mine captain.

Jeannette is having a Paul Auster summer; she finished Invisible and is now on to 4 3 2 1. While the plot and narrative technique are very different in both books, Invisible and 4 3 2 1 share Auster's thematic concerns with identity, fate, and his skill in weaving together multiple storylines and perspectives. Invisible is set in 1960s New York and explores the intertwining lives of three characters, their identity, obsession, and the consequences of chance encounters. With 4 3 2 1, Auster follows the four different paths that Archie Ferguson's life could have taken, each version exploring how different circumstances and choices shape his identity and destiny across mid-20th century America. Jeannette is also considering adding a Russian classic to her reading list this summer, such as Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment or The Brothers Karamazov.

Jon is currently reading Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton and The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff, and is contemplating which classic to add to his summer reading list. Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton can be summarized as a haunting exploration of family secrets intertwined with the mystique of a remote New Zealand landscape. The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff is a lyrical and introspective journey through the complexities of human emotions and relationships set against the backdrop of expansive and untamed landscapes.

Since both books explore family, emotions, and landscapes, we asked ChatGPT which classic combines these three themes, and the answer was William Faulkner. Suggested works include The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying, and Absalom, Absalom!

AlexS decided to go light this summer and plunged headfirst into Obama's introspective memoir, A Promised Land, which traces his presidency and offers profound insights into politics, race relations and leadership. At the same time, she delved into Hegghammer's Jihadi Culture, which explores the complex cultural dynamics of jihadist movements and their impact on society as well as Crimes of Art + Terror, an exploration by Noah Charney and Russell Martin of the devastating impact of terrorism on the world's heritage, revealing the profound consequences of cultural destruction.

For a lighter read to balance these, we asked ChatGPT for advice, and three suggestions emerged: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

Jim is currently rereading Foucault’s Pendulum and plans to immerse himself in A Little Life after that. "Foucault's Pendulum" by Umberto Eco is a labyrinthine intellectual thriller that explores conspiracy theories, esoteric knowledge, and the blurring lines between reality and fiction—a “wonderfully esoteric” book, according to Jim. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara is a profoundly moving novel that follows the lives of four friends in New York City, focusing on one man's harrowing journey through trauma, friendship, and the search for acceptance and healing.

And for more inspiration, we will always have the New York Times’ list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.

Untangling Meaning: David Beaver and the Politics of Language

By Alexandra David

The Brussels Writers Workshop (BWW) recently welcomed its first guest author, David Beaver, professor of linguistics and philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Professor Beaver captivated the audience with his thought-provoking book, "The Politics of Language," which offers a revolutionary perspective on how we communicate.

Who is David Beaver?

Dr. Beaver is a renowned linguist whose research delves into the intricate workings of meaning in language. His diverse academic background encompasses physics, philosophy, and artificial intelligence, providing him with a unique lens to explore the "how" and "why" of communication. He is a leading expert on semantics and pragmatics, the subfields of linguistics that respectively examine the literal meaning of words and how those meanings are conveyed in context.

The Politics of Language: Reshaping Communication

In his book, Dr. Beaver, alongside co-author Jason Stanley, presents a groundbreaking approach to understanding how meaning is constructed in our interactions. The authors argue that communication transcends the mere transmission of information; it profoundly shapes our social and political realities. They posit that factors like shared identities, emotions, and social practices play as crucial a role in meaning-making as the literal words themselves.

Dr. Beaver offers an insightful analogy in his statement on X (previously Twitter): "It's about how people make meaning, about how meaning resonates, and how we hide meaning in plain sight. We 'hustle'." Or as he further explained in Brussels, how the way we use language can either foster connection or create division.

My book with Jason Stanley, the Politics of Language, is out today! It's about how people make meaning, about how meaning resonates, and how we hide meaning in plain sight. We "hustle". Our hidden meanings hustle our friends towards us, and our enemies away. pic.twitter.com/kZa8BS1kAQ

— David Beaver (@David_Beaver) November 7, 2023

Beyond Information: A New Dialogue

Beaver's visit to the Brussels Writers Workshop sparked a lively discussion among participants about tribalism, racism, and the power dynamics embedded in language use. This exchange highlighted the book's potential to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how language shapes our world and the responsibilities that come with its use.

Turning Pages: Our writers' 'best of' for 2023

Patrick Ten Brink

Toni Morrison's Beloved  

  (the painful reality of chronic racism and the unique  voice and the freedom she gave herself and her being a witness of tragic history: powerful and unforgettable)

 Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

    (the freedom and imagination of the setting, the credibility of voice and insanity, and the philosophy of reality and potential)

 The Humans by Matt Haig 

   (the temptation of being human)

SEBASTIAN REMØY

Leo Tolstoy War and Peace

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

A very lighthearted fun murder mystery holiday read!

Jeannette Cook

My top reads of 2023

1. Le Otto Montagne by Paolo Cognetti - I saw the film, I had to read the book. The book is even better. I read it in translation (EN) Translated by Simon Carnell and Erica Serge.

2. Picking up The Inseparables by Simone de Beauvoir this year (also in translation EN) led to the discovery of her novels, which I had never read. Outstanding among these is The Mandarins. Translated by Leonard M. Friedman.

3. The American poet Louise Glück died in October. The sequences in “Winter Recipes from the Collective”, one of her last books, are exquisite.

Jon Filipek

War and Peace, Tolstoy - warrants the hype. Smooth sailing after you get past the first 300 pages ….

The Passenger/Stella Maris, Cormac McMcarthy - his last work, as usual very dark, bleakly funny sometimes, full of haunting sentences

Liberation Day, George Saunders - Short stories, including some great ones, wildly imaginative with the author’s patented humanism

Alex S David

The Arab of the Future by Riad Sattouf. A comic book, yes, but the subject matter and characters are so well presented and described. It is both innovative and touching.

Heaven by Mieko Kawakami, Kawakami tackles one of the evils of childhood and adolescence: bullying. A shrilling yet beautifully written book

Bel Canto Ann Patchett. Art and terror, an opera singer is taken hostage with diplomats. Based on true events and sadly very timely.