I’m writing this newsletter at my desk, wrapped in a bright pink sleeping bag while ice persists on the inside of our single glazed windows (couldn’t resist this cute dog photo which sums up how I look). The sky is clear and a low sun is dappling the walls of my tiny spare room office. I’m always surprised at the power of sunlight to lift my mood, to force a smile even when my fingertips are on a go slow. These are the tiny moments I try to hold onto, especially in winter. They help me get through the dark mornings and look forward to each day being longer, extra minutes of light bringing us into spring.
There’s lots to reflect on for me as we move into the new year, plans to make, risks to take. I had an invigorating meeting yesterday to think about developing one of my plays and just talking it over with another writing professional reignited the writing fire in me. I hope you’re finding time, motivation and space to give you and your writing the space it deserves.
Zoom Sessions
Here are the upcoming dates for our online sessions for paid subscribers. I’ll send out the Zoom registration link closer to the date.
Sunday January 28th 4pm – Creative Check-In – a chance to share your plans and hear about each other’s work in a friendly, supportive space
Monday 5th February 7pm – Zoom Write-In – an hour to dedicate to your writing in the company of other writers.
Today I’ve collected some writing jobs and opportunities so you can get your work into the world. As always, I love to hear how you get on, so please drop a comment below.
Writing Jobs & Opportunities
Freelance Day Rate – a new guide has been produced by the Creators Rights Alliance to help freelancers ensure they’re being fairly paid for their work. A great starting point for pricing work.
Lyra Festival - a paid opportunity for a Bristol based poet to take part in this years festival engaging with the themes of Futures and Technologies. This one closes soon, get you application in by 26th Jan.
BBC Comedy Collective – applications are open for the 2nd year for this exciting opportunity which includes a bursary, support, and development for 10 comedy creators. Applicants should have at least one writing credit and get their applications in by 31st Jan. Free to apply.
Butchers Dog – this brilliant print poetry journal is open again for submissions. Open to poets based in the UK or ROI, you can submit up to three poems. Pay close attention to the submission guidelines and send your work by 31st Jan.
Peoples Friend – in celebration of 155 years, People Friend are offering an unpublished writer a £10,000 bursary for a short story. Work should be either romance, thriller or comedy and speak to the style of the magazines previously published work. Free to submit, get your entry in by 5th Feb.
TSS – this online journal has just reopened for submissions. They’re looking for short stories, flash fiction, and more. Pop over to the submissions page t find out more and read through the archive to get a feel for the work they publish. No closing date and free to submit.
Lucy Cavendish Prize – this annual fiction prize is open again for entries from unpublished women writers living in the UK and Ireland. There is a £12 fee, but free places are available for low-income writers. Send 40-50 pages of your novel along with a synopsis by 9th Feb.
Northern Writers Awards – the first round of awards close for submission on 12th Feb. I’ll be posting some advice on applying in the next couple of weeks but for now, make sure to spend time checking eligibility and on making your work as polished as you can.
Queer Words Project - an exciting mentoring opportunity for emerging queer writers based in Scotland. You’ll be paired with a mentor and have your work included in an anthology produced by 404 Ink. Apply by 14th Feb.
Hachette Traineeships – there are a range of opportunities for trainees to spend a year working for Hachette (paid) to gain experience in the publishing industry. Various roles and locations, including hybrid working available. These are for anyone looking to start out or change career, not just young people so don’t be put off applying! Closes on 16th Feb.
Durham Fringe – if you’re a performer you can apply to take part in this years Durham Fringe Festival. No upfront costs and generous percentage on ticket sales, this looks like a great chance to get your work on stage. Apply by 17th Feb. I’m definitely toying with trying out my one-woman show there!
London Library – the emerging writers programme is open for applications until 28th Feb. Free to submit, you’ll need to be able to take part in regular sessions and make use of the collection. I have heard of people who aren’t London based taking part and there are some travel bursaries, so well worth a punt if you feel like it’s a good fit for your project.
That’s all for now, I hope you find something for you here and do let me know how you get on. Hope to write with you soon,
Sarah x
Thanks for the info.