Writing on the Wall is proud to publish The Divine Word for a Different Universe, the debut poetry collection by 18-year-old poet Robyn Robinson.
Robyn recently visited Writing on the Wall’s Liverpool office to receive the very first copy of the collection. The moment was captured on film as they opened the parcel, held the finished book for the first time and read their poem, Syllabic Silliness.
Robyn is an autistic, non-binary young writer whose poems are full of wit, invention and playful experimentation with language. The collection brings together work that is funny, thoughtful and unmistakably Robyn’s own, combining wordplay, observation and a distinctive visual imagination.
How Writing on the Wall first met Robyn
Writing on the Wall first met Robyn while delivering Spoken Word Power, a national spoken-word poetry project led by Eastside Educational Trust.
Poet and playwright Helen Jeffery coordinated Writing on the Wall’s delivery of the project at Presfield High School. During one of the sessions, Robyn presented Helen with a collection of their poems, complete with their own designs and ideas for how the work could become a book.
Helen sent the collection to Mike Morris, Co-Director of Writing on the Wall, with a simple message:
“I think you should see these.”
Mike was immediately struck by the quality, originality and imagination of Robyn’s work.
At the subsequent celebration event for Spoken Word Power, Mike announced that Writing on the Wall would publish Robyn’s debut poetry collection. That promise marked the beginning of a creative journey that has now resulted in the publication of The Divine Word for a Different Universe.
A book brought to life through collaboration
The collection was designed by Ged Doyle, who worked closely with Robyn to develop the book’s visual identity, layout and overall feel. The finished publication reflects Robyn’s personality and creative approach, from its bold imagery and inventive presentation to the humour of the paperback cover, which simply reads ‘TITLE INSIDE.’
Robyn’s grandad, Simon, has supported them throughout the process, bringing them to meetings with Writing on the Wall and accompanying them to the sessions where they worked with Ged on the design.
His encouragement, commitment and practical support have played an important part in helping Robyn bring their ideas to life and become a published author.
‘A very special achievement’
‘From the moment Helen sent me Robyn’s poems, I was blown away by the quality, originality and confidence of their writing. Announcing that Writing on the Wall would publish the collection was an easy decision. Watching Robyn open the first copy of the finished book was an incredibly special moment. They have shown creativity, commitment and determination throughout the whole process, and it has been a privilege to support them in becoming a published author.’
Mike Morris, Co-Director, Writing on the Wall
Watch Robyn receive their first copy
In the film, Robyn opens the box containing the first copies of the collection, holds the finished book for the first time and reads Syllabic Silliness.
The video also features Mike Morris, Co-Director of Writing on the Wall; Ged Doyle, the book’s designer; and Simon, Robyn’s grandad.
Book launch
The Divine Word for a Different Universe will be launched at a private celebration at Presfield High School in Southport on Thursday 16 July 2026.
The event will bring together Robyn, their family, school staff and the people who have supported the book from its earliest ideas through to finished publication.
Writing on the Wall congratulates Robyn on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to celebrating the beginning of their journey as a published poet.
Order your copy of The Divine Word for a Different Universe here
