|
Meet the next generation
of writing talent
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome
to your latest newsletter, rounding up the recent events and news from the
National Centre for Writing.
It's
beginning to look a lot like Christmas here at Dragon Hall; a festive pine
sits beneath the oak beams of our Great Hall, mince pies were enjoyed at
our free monthly social, and it was a pleasure to see so many brave the
cold to visit the Christmas Publishing Fair last weekend!
We were
excited to announce the eight emerging writers selected for Escalator
2023/24. Escalator is our talent development programme which champions new
writers from the East of England, focusing on those who are currently
underrepresented on UK bookshelves. Read on to find out more about the
selected writers, and how you can support them on their writing journey.
We hope
you enjoy the events, articles, workshops and creative opportunities
featured this newsletter. We look forward to welcoming you to National
Centre for Writing again soon.
|
Each year, NCW seeks ambitious,
challenging, unconventional and affecting new voices in fiction
writing from the East of England for our Escalator Talent Development
Programme.
Congratulations to Kizzy Barrow,
Seema McArdle, Kelechi Njoku, Janet Noland, Chiara Sandes, Linda
Temienor-Vincent, Amanda Gibbons and Justine Railton, who have been
selected as this year's cohort. They will each receive bespoke
mentoring from established writers, skills development masterclasses,
industry connections and showcases.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seema
McArdle and Amanda Gibbons have both reflected on their selection, and the
importance of the opportunity for them:
'Writing
a novel is a pretty daunting task, and trying to do it alone in rural
Suffolk feels even more so. I feel incredibly lucky to have been offered
this opportunity & support.' — Amanda Gibbons.
‘As I
enter the literary world, a place I don’t see many working-class People of
Colour, the imposter syndrome is real. A place on Escalator gives a
much-needed boost!’ — Seema McArdle.
|
|
|
|
This
year, we are asking for your help to support Escalator. Donate
just £5 to to receive a free gift print featuring a quote from a
Norwich literary figure. You can also purchase prints of your choice
from £6, a perfect Christmas gift!
|
|
|
|
|
Escalator
is kindly supported by Arts Council England, Amazon Literary Partnership,
Authors' Licensing & Collecting Society (ALCS), Garrick Charitable
Trust, The Golsoncott Foundation, Laura Kinsella Foundation and donors of
NCW’s Escalator fundraising campaign.
|
Article:
How to write exciting romantic fiction with Cressida McLoughlin
|
|
|
|
Do
you want to write romantic fiction that excites both you and your
readers? In this article, bestselling romance author Cressida
McLaughlin shares her top tips for writing experimental romantic
fiction.
The
article covers the challenge of showing the attraction between two
characters, and creating a physical spark, while also maintaining a
tension between them that makes the reader doubt whether they’re
going to make it as a couple by the end. Cressida shares techniques
she uses to create this tension, and to keep having fun with your
romance writing.
|
|
|
|
Podcast:
Into the contemporary poetry archive
|
|
In
this episode of The Writing
Life, NCW CEO Peggy Hughes speaks with contemporary poets
Jay Bernard, Anthony Vahni Capildeo, Gail McConnell and Joelle Taylor
about the launch of exciting new poetry archive collection, ‘Towards
a Centre for Contemporary Poetry in the Archive’.
Together,
they discuss the archival project, their individual contributions and
creative processes, and how poetry and spoken word can and should be
archived.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guided
Tour of Dragon Hall
Mon
18 December, 2pm, National Centre for Writing, Free (suggested
donation £5)
Come
and explore the historic Dragon Hall, now home to the National Centre
for Writing, and take a full guided tour of this fascinating
building. Learn more about the architectural and social history of
this 15th Century building from an experienced volunteer guide. Book here →
|
|
|
|
|
A
Celebration of New East Anglian Writing
Thu
15 February, 6.30pm, National Centre for Writing, £6
Come
along for an evening of discussion and celebration of books, writers
and publishers who have been shaped by, and have helped to shape, the
culture of the East of England this past year. Plus, we’ll announce
the overall winner of the East
Anglian Book Awards. Book here →
In
partnership with the Eastern Daily Press, Jarrolds and in association
with the University of East Anglia.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Designed
in partnership with the School of Literature, Drama and Creative
Writing at UEA
|
|
|
|
Start
your story! Online tutored creative writing courses begin February
2024
Begin
Mon 12 February, 12-18 weeks, online
Looking to take your writing to the
next level in the new year? Our online creative writing courses
designed in partnership with University of East Anglia may be perfect
for you.
Our supported courses offer writers
the opportunity to learn from award-winning novelists and industry
experts, who will provide you with personalised feedback each fortnight. You'll also have
the chance to build your identity as a writer and connect with a
welcoming and supportive community of peers.
|
|
|
|
|
Live
evening course: The Fundamentals of Prose
Fiction with Ian Nettleton
Begins
Mon 22 January, 7-9pm at Dragon Hall, for 10 weeks
Take
those exciting first steps into fiction writing with this friendly,
supportive ten-week course led by expert tutor and published writer,
Ian Nettleton. Through a combination of writing exercises, friendly
group discussion and one-to-one feedback, he will equip you with the
skills and knowledge to progress on your writing journey. Book here →
|
|
|
|
|
WRITER
AND TRANSLATOR OPPORTUNITIES
|
|
|
|
Talent
development: TLC Free Reads
Deadline:
Wed 31 January 2024
Would
you benefit from a free manuscript assessment? Apply now for the TLC
Free Reads scheme, which supports low-income writers based in the
East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire,
Norfolk or Suffolk). Find out
more →
In
partnership with The Literary Consultancy, 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 →
|
You
may also be interested in...
|
|
Residency:
Ljubljana UNESCO City of Literature
Deadline:
Fri 5 January
Are you
a published writer living or working in a UNESCO City of Literature?
Ljubljana is offering two one-month residencies for writers at the
Švicarija/Swisshouse Creative Centre, which is part of the International
Centre of Graphic Arts. Find out more →
Apply
now: A Writing Chance 2024-25
Deadline:
Mon 8 January
Applications
are now open for A Writing Chance 2024/25 - a writing programme by New
Writing North designed for aspiring writers from working class and
lower-income backgrounds. Find out more →
Volunteer
with NCW
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. Find out more →
|
|
The National Centre for Writing is supported by:
|
|
|
|
Copyright
© 2023 National Centre for Writing, All rights
reserved. Registered charity number: 1110725
Our mailing address is: National Centre for Writing,
Dragon Hall, 115 - 123 King Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1QE, United
Kingdom
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment