Here is the latest National Centre for Writing newsletter with details of the City of Literature Publishing Fair, the shortlist for the East Anglian Book Awards and more:

City of Literature Publishing Fair returns for Christmas!

Welcome to your latest newsletter, rounding up the recent events and news from the National Centre for Writing. The autumn nights are drawing in, and we've been embracing the resplendent season here at NCW; we opened our doors on Halloween for an evening of bewitching fiction, shared our list of book recommendations for the colder months and revealed this year's shortlist for the coveted East Anglian Book Awards.

There’s also been the launch of the new Dragon Hall Retreats, offering creative writers and literary translators the perfect space to work from our Dragon Hall Cottage, here in Norwich UNESCO City of Literature. We welcome expressions of interest for single or joint occupancy of the cottage now, and you can find out how to apply on our website.

For now, enjoy the events, articles, workshops and creative opportunities featured in the newsletter below. We look forward to welcoming you back to National Centre for Writing, and to hearing and creating new stories with you, whatever the weather!

East Anglian Book Awards 2023 shortlist revealed

We're delighted to reveal the 18 titles shortlisted for the coveted East Anglian Book Awards 2023, celebrating the very best of publishing, writing, and reading in the region. Congratulations to the authors and publishers who made the list!

The category winners will be announced in the Eastern Daily Press in January, followed by the Overall Book of the Year Award and Exceptional Contribution Award at a ceremony on Thursday 15 February 2024.

In partnership with Jarrolds and the Eastern Daily Press, supported by UEA Faculty of Arts & Humanities.

Podcast: In conversation with bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin

In this episode of The Writing Life, former NCW Chief Executive Chris Gribble speaks with bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin about his new standalone short thriller The Rise.

Together, they discuss Ian’s much-loved series character Inspector Rebus and his return to the page in a new phase of life. Ian also touches on the challenges he experienced while writing the short story, and considers how writers always find a way to tell the stories they need to tell.

Explore all The Writing Life podcast episodes here →

Get 10% off a 12-week online tutored course if you book by 10am GMT on Thursday 16 November!

There's still time to take advantage of our early bird discount offer on our beginners' online tutored courses, starting Monday 12 February 2024.

Each course is led by award-winning writers and industry experts, offers one-to-one feedback from your tutor on six assignments, and a supportive community of peers that continues far beyond your period of study thanks to our NCW Alumni.

Choose from beginner or intermediate courses in fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, crime writing, memoir, screenwriting, or romantic fiction.

Designed in partnership with the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at UEA

WHAT'S ON: EVENTS

On Tour with Bad Betty Press

Wed 15 November, 7pm, National Centre for Writing, pay what you can

Bad Betty Press – independent publishers of strange, raw and risk-taking poetry – are stopping in Norwich as part of their UK tour! Join us for an evening of live poetry from their roster, a local support act and open mic. Book here →

Supported by Arts Council England

City of Literature Publishing Fair

Sat 2 December, 10am-4pm, National Centre for Writing, free (no booking required)

Our popular Publishing Fair returns for Christmas! Drop in and explore the vibrant independent publishing culture of the East of England. Grab a festive hot drink, meet the publishers and stock up on gifts for friends and family. Find out more →

Explore our full calendar of events here →

NCW ACADEMY

Workshop: The Art of the Essay with Stephanie Y. Tam

Sat 25 November, 10am, National Centre for Writing, £45 (£35 conc)

Join Stephanie Y. Tam for a friendly workshop where you will discover the incredible freedom and flexibility of essay writing! Together you will read and analyse extracts and try new perspectives, new starting points and simple tools which will help you produce essays that are broad and experimental. Book here →

Course: The Fundamentals of Prose Fiction with Ian Nettleton

Starts Mon 22 January for ten weeks, 7-9pm, National Centre for Writing, £250 (£225 conc)

Take those exciting first steps into fiction writing with this friendly, supportive ten-week course led by expert tutor and published writer, Ian Nettleton. This course is suitable for anyone at the early stages of their writing journey, or for those who are returning to writing after a long break. Book here →

Self-paced course: How to Write True Crime with Sonia Faleiro

Online, £50

Immerse yourself in the world of true crime and learn the tools and techniques needed to write a compelling true crime novel, article, or script, in this self-paced course led by award-winning journalist and writer of narrative nonfiction Sonia Falerio (The Good Girls, 2021). Book here →

Explore all workshops and courses from NCW Academy here →

WRITER AND TRANSLATOR OPPORTUNITIES

Dragon Hall Retreats

Deadline: Mon 4 December 2023

Would you like to stay and write in Norwich UNESCO City of Literature? Our Dragon Hall Cottage is available for retreats for creative writers and literary translators, providing you with the perfect space to work. Find out more →

Talent development: TLC Free Reads

Deadline: Wed 31 January 2024

Are you a low-income writer based in the East of England? Apply for a free manuscript assessment from The Literary Consultancy, courtesy of Free Reads. Find out more →

Supported by Arts Council England

If you are a writer or literary translator who has taken part in selected activities with us and you want to receive exclusive updates on upcoming opportunities, you may wish to join NCW Alumni, a free network for writers and translators. Find out more →

Volunteer with us

We are seeking new volunteers to join our team! Together we will enable new visiting hours at Dragon Hall, provide friendly and accessible talks, performances and tours, and represent NCW at creative and community fairs and events across Norwich.

By joining our volunteer team, you are helping our local communities to experience the art and joy of creating with words, as well as ensuring Dragon Hall is fit for the future and open to all.

You may also be interested in...

Eleven new UNESCO Cities of Literature join the Global Network

UNESCO has announced the designation of 55 new Cities in total across seven artforms to join its Creative Cities Network, making for a total of 350 Creative Cities from over 100 countries worldwide. Read here →

Emerging Writer Award 2024

Deadline: Thu 30 November

Are you an unpublished fiction writer? The Emerging Writer Award 2024, run by Moniack Mhor in partnership with The Bridge Awards, is now open for entries. The winner will be awarded a tailor-made package worth up to £2,000. Find out more →