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Craft stories that inspire action with Joycelyn Longdon

Welcome to your latest newsletter, rounding up the latest news, events and opportunities from National Centre for Writing.

Listen: Writing strong female characters with Joanna Miller

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, debut novelist Joanna Miller shares her insights into writing strong female characters in historical fiction.

Joined by NCW's Katie Cooper, they discuss her research process, writing about friendship and found family, and the importance of exploring women’s voices and experiences when writing stories rooted in history.

Listen here

Emma Jane Unsworth lifts the curtain on Slags

Ahead of her appearance at the City of Literature weekend at Norfolk & Norwich Festival, author and screenwriter Emma Jane Unsworth offers a glimpse into her writing life and the inspiration behind her latest novel, Slags.

From navigating life as a writer with a young family to striking the perfect balance between sharp humour and emotional depth, Emma shares what fuels her fiction — and what audiences can expect when she takes to the stage at Dragon Hall later this month.

Read here

Watch: Writing the Monstrous Body

How can the body offer a lens through which to explore human emotion?

In this illuminating discussion, Lisabelle Tay, Heather Parry, and Yan Ge explore how the body reveals trauma, grief, and the complexities of inhabiting perspectives — and bodies — beyond our own. Catch up on YouTube now.

Supported by the National Arts Council of Singapore

Watch here

WHAT'S ON

Kate Young: Experienced

Thu 15 May, 6.30pm, National Centre for Writing, £10 (£8 conc)

Next week! Writer and cook Kate Young, known for her award-winning The Little Library Cookbook, embarks on a sexy, rom-com adventure with her debut queer novel, Experienced. She will be in conversation with bestselling author, Julia Armfield.

In partnership with UEA Live

Book here

The Anatomy of Religion: Poetry on Flesh and Faith

Tue 20 May, 7pm BST, online, free

Why do we write poetry? What compels us to speak, and who are we speaking to? In this captivating conversation, Seán Hewitt, Andrew McMillan, and Jerrold Yam explore themes of truth, faith, and belonging in their poetry.

Supported by the National Arts Council of Singapore

Jackie Kay at First Light Festival

Sun 22 June, 3pm, First Word, Lowestoft, free

We’re thrilled to welcome acclaimed poet, novelist, and short story writer Jackie Kay to Lowestoft, where she’ll share her powerful and evocative work. She will be in conversation with our Chief Executive, Peggy Hughes, followed by a special poetry reading you won’t want to miss.

Book here

COURSES, WORKSHOPS, MENTORING & RESOURCES

Crafting Stories that Inspire Action with Joycelyn Longdon

Sat 14 June, 2–4.30pm, National Centre for Writing, £45 (£35 conc)

Join Joycelyn Longdon for an inspiring workshop on how words can spark change and inspire readers to take positive action. She will share key concepts from her book, provide tools and guidance to help you connect deeply with your readers, and show you how to craft stories that encourage a hopeful outlook.

Book here

How to Write a Novel — eight-week online course

Begins Tue 27 May, online, £300

Deciding to write a novel is an exciting journey — but it can also feel overwhelming. This eight-week online course led by award-winning author Okechukwu Nzelu (Here Again Now), will equip you with the essential tools and techniques to craft, structure, and refine your first novel.

Book here

Designed in partnership with the University of East Anglia

UEA Presents: An Evening with Jason Allen-Paisant

Tue 13 May, 6pm, National Centre for Writing, free

UEA invites you to join Jason Allen-Paisant, UEA Visiting Poetry Fellow, for an evening of readings from his award-winning collections Self-Portrait as Othello and Thinking With Trees, alongside his latest literary non-fiction book, The Possibility of Tenderness.

‘Echoes of the Bridewell’ by Lisabelle Tay

During her virtual residency with Norwich City of Literature, Singapore writer Lisabelle Tay explored Norwich’s historic Bridewell Alley through memory, myth and history, 'Echoes of the Bridewell' is a powerful piece that uncovers layers of punishment and hope, revealing how confinement, wildness, and time shape both personal and collective restoration.

Supported by the National Arts Council of Singapore

We need your support to nurture the writers of tomorrow, today

Donate today to our Escalator New Writing Fellowships campaign. Your donation will directly support emerging writers from the East of England, giving them the opportunity to receive bespoke mentoring, masterclasses, industry connections and showcase events. Donate today

You may also be interested in...

Bridport Prize: Flash Fiction

Deadline: 11.59pm, Sat 31 May

The art of just enough. Submit up to 250 words of flash fiction to the Bridport Prize for the chance to win up to £1,000 and personalised feedback on your work from the judges. Find out more

Poet’s Palace

Sun 1 June, 7pm, Norwich Arts Centre, pay what you wish

Poet’s Palace is back at Norwich Arts Centre, and they invite you to discover new poetic talent and join them for their open mic! Featuring Ashley Hickson-Lovence and Joy Dairo. Find out more

Berwins Salon North presents: The Healing Power of Sound

Thu 5 June, 7.30pm, The Crown Hotel, Harrogate, £18

What if the way we listen could transform our relationships? Join Berwins Salon North for a night of discovery as they explore the profound impact of sound on our lives with Jonathan Ainscough, Joanna Moncrieff and Dr Haru Yamada. Find out more

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