New Writing North newsletter

Here is the latest New Writing North newsletter, featuring jobs, events and the Northern Writers' Awards, that I thought my followers would be interested in:

21 November 2014 News from New Writing North

New Writing North news Northern Writers’ Awards now open We are delighted to announce that the Northern Writers’ Awards 2015 are now open. Submission is via our website and will close on Monday 2 February 2015. This time around we have our biggest ever award fund worth £46,000, and several new awards, including The Channel 4/Northumbria University Writing for Television Award, which will be awarded to two new television writers; the Clare Swift Short Story Award, which will be awarded to the best new unpublished short story by a North East writer; the Unbound Award, which will offer one NWA winner the chance to publish their book with Unbound; and the New North Poets Award, which will be awarded to up to six new poets. For details of all the awards and to apply, see www.northernwritersawards.com. Northern Writers’ Awards Roadshows We are going on the road! To launch this year’s application season for the Northern Writers’ Awards, we’ll be visiting four northern cities to meet writers who are thinking of entering the awards, or who just want more information about them. Come and meet previous winners of the Northern Writers’ Awards, members of the New Writing North team, script editors and producers from the television production companies involved in the new Writing for Television award at one of four events. Places are free but booking is mandatory. All the details are at www.newwritingnorth.com. Thursday 4 December, 4pm-6pm The Beacon Centre, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, in association with GemArts. With Lee Mason (commissioning editor, Channel 4) alongside former Northern Writers’ Awards winners. Monday 8 December, 4pm-6pm The Orangery, Wakefield, in association with Beam. With Caroline Hollick (head of development, RED Production Company) alongside former Northern Writers’ Awards winners. Wednesday 10 December, 4pm-6pm Contact Theatre, Manchester. With Kam Odedra (script editor, RED Production Company) alongside former Northern Writers’ Awards winners. Thursday 8 January, 6pm-8pm The Bluecoat, Liverpool, in association with Writing on the Wall. With Di Burrows (producer of Hollyoaks) alongside former Northern Writers’ Awards winners. People Congratulations Congratulations to Colette Bryce, who is on the shortlist for the 2014 Costa Poetry Award with her collection The Whole and Rain-domed Universe. Hooray for Stacey Sampson, one of our Northern Writers’ Award winners in 2013. She has just signed up with an agent, Joanna Swainson, at Hardman & Swainson. You can read more about Stacey’s writing journey so far here. And don’t miss a new novel by Marion Husband, Now the Day is Over, which is out now with Sacristy Press. Marion won a Time to Write award with the proposal of this book in 2009. Opportunities Emma Press call for submissions Deadline: Wednesday 31 December The Emma Press has launched a call for poems about ‘urban myths and legends’ for a new anthology inspired by the Roman poet Ovid’s Metamorphoses. For full details, see http://theemmapress.com/2014/11/urban-myths-and-legends/.   Northumberland academy seeks artist in residence Deadline Wednesday 3 December The Northumberland Church of England Academy has put a call out for an artist to take up residency within the academy. The artist may work across art forms. Two days per week they will work on projects across the academy, which includes five primary campuses, a centre for profound learning difficulties, and a secondary campus. On the other three days per week the artist will be free to work on their own practice, with a studio space provided. For full details see www.ncea.org.uk. The Poetry School micro-commissioning fund The Poetry School has five sums of £750 to support poets, artists and producers in the creation of ambitious new work. It is looking to fund projects that explore new ways of creating or promoting poetry, projects that create a little bubble of excitement and potential in the poetry world. Your project can be solely poetry-focused, or it can combine poetry with another art form or discipline. You can apply as an individual or as part of a collective. You can compose poetry, write it, read it, publish it, broadcast it, consume it or otherwise manipulate it. If you’ve got an idea that you’d like to try out, but lack of funds has prevented you up to this point, they want to hear from you. Deadline Wednesday 10 December. For full details, see http://campus.poetryschool.com/lo-behold-poetry-school-micro-commission-fund/. Jobs Our partners at Writers' Centre Norwich are advertising for three jobs at the moment: director of communications, a programme manager, and a programme assistant. Full details and deadlines are at www.writerscentrenorwich.org.uk/AboutUs/jobvacancies.aspx. Liverpool’s Everyman and Playhouse Theatres are looking for a literary associate for six months’ maternity cover. £24-27k pro rata, deadline Monday 24 November. For details see www.everymanplayhouse.com. Opera North in Leeds has a vacancy for a director of marketing and communications, salary negotiable, deadline Thursday 4 December. For details see www.operanorth.co.uk. Liverpool’s Bluecoat seeks a venue manager (£22-25k) and a deputy front of house manager (£20-22k). Both vacancies close on Monday 1 December. For details see www.thebluecoat.org.uk. Or if you fancy something further afield… Melbourne Writers Festival is currently recruiting a program manager. This full-time position pays $73k (AUS) and will commence in February 2015. Deadline Friday 12 December. For full details see www.mwf.com.au. Workshops and courses Fun with Words Ashington Library: Saturday 6 December, 9.30am-12.30pm Fun with Words is a workshop taking place at Ashington Library, organised by Women’s Health Advice Centre, led by Pru Heathcote and designed to put the fun back into creative writing. From writing your own magic spell to creative word play, the objective is writing for enjoyment. Men and women are welcome. Tickets £6/£3, enrolment essential. Contact Lisa or Amanda on 01670 853977 or admin@whac.uk.com. Screaming Steel: Art, War and Trauma 1914-1918 Hatton Gallery, Newcastle: Saturday 13 December, 2pm-4pm Sheree Mack is facilitating a series of creative writing workshops as part of a project, Beyond the Western Front: the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Response to the First World War. On 13 December, she looks at the Screaming Steel exhibition, which explores the creative response to WWI that resulted in some of the most important 20th century art and literature. Find out how artists and writers such as Paul Nash, CR Nevinson, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen used their extraordinary talent to capture the trauma of their experiences in work that resonates with us to this day. Tickets £5. Book via email at beyondthewesternfront@gmail.com. Special offer for subscribers Get Santa at Northern Stage! Northern Stage is offering our subscribers a discounted family ticket to its Christmas production, Get Santa!, for the reduced price of £50. Every year Holly has been nice not naughty, she has written Santa a letter, left milk, cookies and a carrot for Rudolph and asked for the one thing she really, really, really wants. Every year, Santa gave her toys and books and chocolate and all the other rubbish she didn’t want. So this year, on Christmas Eve, in the dead of night, when everyone is asleep, she’s going to Get Santa. This jolly Christmas play which runs from 1-27 December at Northern Stage, promises songs, slapstick, puppetry and fun for children aged seven and over and their families. A family ticket is for up to four people, and the party must include at least one child. Enter the code NWN when booking online or quoted over the phone at the box office on 0191 230 5151. See www.northernstage.co.uk for full details. Deadline for the next newsletter If you have news that you would like to submit for inclusion in the newsletter please contact olivia@newwritingnorth.com. The deadline for receipt of information for the next newsletter is 1 December.  While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this newsletter is correct at the time of going to press, things do change, frequently at the last minute and very often without our knowledge.

Writers' Centre Norwich newsletter

Here is the latest newsletter with information on events, jobs and competitions:

As the weather gets colder (and damper!) we've been taking bookings for our new suite of creative writing courses. Run online, in collaboration with the UEA, there's no need to leave the house to learn - you can snuggle up and keep warm whilst working on your writing. With the deadline looming, apply now to take your writing to the next level. We've also been organising our next National Conversation events. With previous events involving Will Self, and Michael Rosen, we are now looking forward to discussing the value of literary translation with Ali Smith at the Southbank Centre on 3rd December, and are planning conversations further afield, too, including in Cartagena..! Meanwhile, we are seeking three new members of staff. That's right, there are three juicy job vacancies here, so if you think you (or your friends/family) would be perfect as our next Director of Communications, Programme Manager, or programme Assistant, don't hesitate to apply.  So, to find out more, scroll down!

Sign up now, for our "Writing Poems" Online Courses With the deadline for applications on the horizon (8th December), now is the time to apply for our Creative Writing Online Programme. UEA and WCN's suite of online creative writing courses offer high quality teaching in poetry, from Bloodaxe published poet, Helen Ivory. Starting to Write Poems (Online) with Helen Ivory 12 week course:12th Jan – 30th March 2015, £450 payable on being accepted onto the course. Perfect for beginners to get to grips with key elements of writing poetry, including imagery, metaphor, and how the poem looks on the page and sounds on the ear. You will explore the power of language and begin to develop your own voice. Often a poem can be already in your head, this course will show you how to unlock it. Writing Poems: Intermediate (Online) with Helen Ivory 24 week course: w/c 12th Jan – w/c 6th July 2015, £900 payable on being accepted onto the course.  Develop an understanding of your poetic abilities, and discover your voice. This course will help you to think about your writing in a more detailed and ambitious way, and view yourself as a poet - with knowledge of contemporary poetry, and the confidence to edit your own work towards publication or performance.   Poetry Courses   Helen Ivory: Starting to Write Poems (Online) Writing Poems: Intermediate (Online)       Find out more about all the courses on offer.

Each course will give you: the opportunity to benefit from extensive one-to-one criticism and feedback; bespoke course materials written by the tutor and a Certificate of Completion from the UEA. You will be able to learn the craft of writing whilst fitting your education around everyday life. These courses are proving popular, so don't delay – find out more and apply today.     More of a prose writer?  Led by respected author, and experienced tutor Anjali Joseph, our online courses in writing fiction cater for both beginners and those who are more advanced.  Starting to Write Fiction (Online) with Anjali Joseph 12 week course: 12th Jan – 30th March 2015, £450 payable on being accepted onto the course.  Learn the foundation skills of writing fiction by looking at how to craft a good short story. Including how to create credible, interesting characters, and develop a plot. Writing Fiction: Intermediate (Online) with Anjali Joseph 24 week course: w/c 12th Jan – w/c 6th July 2015, £900 payable on being accepted onto the course. Take the next step with your fiction writing - acquire and experiment with more techniques, broaden the possibilities you’re ready to explore in your writing, and rediscover a sense of play and adventure. Plus, gain the skills necessary to reach that final draft.       Join our National Conversation on Literature Living Translation: A National Conversation Event with Ali Smith 3rd December, Southbank Centre, London. Find out more and book your tickets. We're having a conversation with the nation - encompassing many of the topics that impact upon literature, readers and writers in today's literary climate. Taking place across the country (and further afield) at some of the leading literary events in the nation, and on twitter (#NatConv), Facebook and our website these are conversations for everyone interested in the future of literature. Following two great National Conversation events - one with Will Self, and the other with Michael Rosen - we are now taking the conversation in the direction of the very words themselves and considering not only the English language, but also the multitudinous other languages that people use to create great writing.  We want to hear your thoughts: Do we in the West undervalue work in other languages, and turn our back on translated works? Do you believe that literary translation the lifeblood of literary creativity? Would creativity stagnate without it?  We'd love you to get involved with the debate, both online, using the hashtag #NatConv for twitter, and via the comments section on our website. Find out more about the National Conversation, the coming events, and how you can get involved.     Job vacancies We currently have three exciting job opportunities within the organisation, and with the deadline for applications on the 1st December, it's time to start thinking about applying. We are currently seeking: Director of Communications £33,120 - £37,260 pa (permanent, full time) An outstanding Director of Communications is crucial to our success, as Writers’ Centre Norwich moves to become the National Centre for Writing. Over the next two years our remit is extending in terms of artistic programmes, geography, artists and audiences; our turnover is increasing substantially; and we are taking on a new building. The Director of Communications is responsible for managing our brand throughout this period of change and developing and implementing a communications strategy that enables us to achieve our vision. Find out more and download the application pack. Programme Manager (Learning & Participation) £25,039 - £27,732 (Full time. Permanent) Responsible for leading on the development and delivery of an outstanding programme of activity for our local communities, which addresses WCN's priority for developing audiences for literature, creative writing and reading, with particular emphasis on young people.  Find out more and download the application pack. Programme Assistant £15,525 - £17,428 (Full time. Permanent) The role is key to supporting the Programme Team, and an ideal opportunity for someone who is interested in pursuing a career in the arts and literature sector. Find out more and download the application pack.     Wild Words with Jeanette Winterson & Helen Macdonald 20th March 2015, 7.30pm, Norwich Playhouse, £12/£10 concs  Book your ticket.   In March, we welcome two of Britain’s finest authors; Jeanette Winterson, and H is for Hawk’s Helen Macdonald, to discuss the art of nature writing. Jeanette Winterson is a force of nature in herself. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear an original short story from the author of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit and Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal, as well as Winterson’s insights on nature, life and writing. Macdonald’s journey from despair to hope whilst training her hawk Mabel has been the surprise hit of the winter, winning her the prestigious Samuel Johnson Prize. Come and find out why and hear Helen tell us more about her fascinating story. Take this chance to hear two masters of the memoir, ask your questions and get your books signed.     Competition Winners have an Inspiring Weekend On November 7th nine of the ten winners of the IdeasTap Inspires competition descended on Norwich for a weekend retreat. With readings, writing and time with their mentors, along with meetings with authors and agents on the menu, they had a packed two days. Despite the busy schedule, all had a great time, and left Norwich with a creative spring in their step. If you haven't yet read the work from our Inspires winners, you can read extracts from all of them on our website.      L - R Ed Cottrell, Lauren Van Shaick Smith, Pooja Puri, Natasha Sutton-Williams, Stephanie Scott, Michael Donkor, Alex Mullen, Jonnie Bayfield and Lindsey Fairweather.     Join us for UEA Live  The popular UEA Live events continue, with readers from UEA's new cohort of undergrad Creative Writing MA students, joined by published writers from the course's alumni sharing their work at free, live readings in Cafe Marzano. This is a real celebration of the work of both UEA and it's students, past and present. Events from this series to look forward to include readings from Tash Aw (11th Dec) and Eliza Robertson (22nd Jan 2015). See the full line-up of events.     East Anglian Book Awards Winners Announced On Thursday 20th November writers, readers, judges and WCN staff gathered together for an evening celebrating the best of East Anglian literature, for the East Anglian Book Awards Ceremony.  Organised by EDP, Jarrold and Writers' Centre Norwich, with the support of UEA, the awards celebrate the pick of the region's literary talent.  But who won? Well,  Fiction - After Me Comes the Flood by Sarah Perry (Serpent's Tail) Poetry - At The Time of Partition by Moniza Alvi (Bloodaxe Books) Biography and Memoir - Two Turtle Doves by Alex Monroe (Bloomsbury) History and Tradition - We Were Eagles (Vol 1, July 42 to November 43) by Martin Bowman (Amberley) General Non-Fiction - Badgerlands by Patrick Barkham (Granta Books) Children's Books - Everyone A Stranger by Victor Watson (Catnip Publishing) – age range 9-12 East Anglian Writers’ Book by the Cover Award for the best cover among the shortlisted titles. - Badgerlands by Patrick Barkham (Granta Books) Overall prize, for East Anglian Book of the Year - After Me Comes the Flood by Sarah Perry      Other News The Writers’ Toolkit National Writing Conference, Birmingham  Saturday 29 November 2014, 9.30am – 4pm Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT. £37/£31 (includes lunch) An annual networking conference for emerging and established writers which offers writers the pick of sixteen sessions with industry professionals including agents, editors, publishers, authors, broadcasters, producers, academics and more. Find out more and book. Or call 0121 245 4455  Beauty and Revolution: The Poetry and Art of Ian Hamilton Finlay  6 December 2014 - 1 March 2015 Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge Explore the vividly coloured and beautifully designed standing and folding poems, prints, cards, emblems and inscriptions of artist and poet Ian Hamilton Finlay, whose work ranges from the witty and whimsical to the dark and thought provoking. Find out more.  Northern Writers’ Awards Roadshows: December and January Organising body New Writing North is visiting four northern cities to meet writers who are thinking of entering the Northern Writers’ Awards, or who just want more information about them. The awards are open to both new and experienced writers, and the deadline for submissions is 2nd February 2015. The events are free but booking is required. Find out more and book.  HighTide Young People's Writer Academy with Chichester Festival Theatre High Tide are offering 15 young people (ages 16-25, school year 12 and above) the chance to attend their Young People's Writer Academy. Working for 5 packed days with a professional writer and director, and then writing their own 10 minute plays. Some of which will be selected to be performed as rehearsed readings at HighTide Festival 2015. Application Deadline: 9th January 2015 Find out more, and apply. Front of House Training Opportunities at High Tide Festival HighTide are offering 6 young people (ages 18-25) the chance to train with them at HighTide Festival 2015. Volunteers will receive travel and accommodation, as well as comprehensive training in Front of House and Box Office. They will also get unmissable opportunities to network, and to see how a Festival runs from behind-the-scenes. Plus, a free Festival Pass. Find out more. HighTide Young Ambassadors Scheme A great opportunity for anyone interested in the arts who is currently in education, HighTide is looking for Ambassadors to represent the Festival at their School, College, 6th Form or University. Each ambassador will receive training and mentoring, as well as a free Festival Pass. A good Young Ambassador will have an interest in Marketing and Theatre. Find out more.     Like WCN @WritersCentre WCN Pinterest WCN YouTube     Copyright © 2014 Writers' Centre Norwich, All rights reserved. WCN Our mailing address is: Writers' Centre Norwich 14 Princes Street Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1AE United Kingdom