Writing Opportunities April
....and some literary events to keep you inspired
It’s been a busy month and I’ve found it hard to find time to sit down and collate a new newsletter. But I’m finally here and I’ve found bags of ways to get your writing into the world. I’ve even found a few for myself, so once this is out I’ll pop a pot of coffee on and get started. My recovery after my ankle operation is going well too and I’m slowly getting back to normal…phew!
The rest of this month will mainly be about festival work and reading for the events I’m chairing at Hexham Book Festival. First is a local authors event exploring three brilliant works of fiction, then I’ll be talking short stories with Marni Appleton and Ross Raisin. Would be lovely to see you there. There are also some cracking events and workshops for writers and readers across history, fiction, poetry, environment and more…you can see the whole programme here.
I’ll also be popping along to this book event run by James from Opt Indie Books (and half of Books, Unpacked). I love translated fiction, and The Palace On The Hill sounds fascinating…and the addition of doughnuts made it a no-brainer!
Right, I have such a to-do list I can’t stick around so here’s a bumper list of writing opportunities to help keep you motivated and to get your words seen.
Closing Soon…
Mslexia – the next issue of Mslexia is open for submissions across all categories with plenty of lovely short fiction openings too. Free to submit and the deadline for this edition is 7th April.
Hull Literary Prize – this annual prize is open for short stories on the theme ‘Uncharted’. Anyone 18 and over based in the UK can apply and entry is free. Get your story, up to 2000 words, submitted by 7th April.
Reader in Residence – really interesting role working for The Reader as a reader in residence working with people within the criminal justice system. The role is based in Durham and is part time, fixed term until March 2026. Applications close 8th April.
Cove Park – a dream one here, applications for funded residencies have opened again at Cove Park. Have a good look through the guidelines and make sure you’re eligible. It’s for a wide range of practices and projects so don’t discount what you’re doing…you never know what might work! Deadline is 11th April.
Write Out Loud – one for poets here, looking for work on the theme ‘Echoes’. There is a charge to enter, starting at £5, and it’s judged by Neil Astley from Bloodaxe Books. Winners receive cash prizes and will be published in an anthology alongside selected runners up. Deadline for this is 11th April.
Carers UK – lovely chance to share poetry on the theme ‘caring, family and community’. Open to UK residents over 18, with cash prizes and a chance to attend the celebration event in London. Get your entries in by 20th April, free to submit.
Comedy Writing Group – if you’re able to get to Newcastle and want to try your hand at comedy writing, this new group starts on 21st April. Led by Nicola Mantalios, it’s a small group for comedians/writers/actors/poets or anyone wanting to try something new. £10 a session, places are limited so grab your space…I might see you there!
Alfred Bradley Award – this award is for writers based in the North of England who are new to writing for radio. It’s free to submit and the winner gets a £5000 bursary as well as development opportunities. It’s tough to get started in audio drama so this is a great way in. You’ll need to submit a complete piece of work minimum 30 pages and in any script medium. Be quick, deadline is 21st April.
Adapt – another opportunity for scriptwriters, this time for screen. This development programme is run by New Writing North and is for playwrights in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. Two writers are selected and get script development support and other development opps as well as a cash bursary. Deadline for this is 23rd April.
Lecturer in Creative Writing – Newcastle university are recruiting for a lecturer specialising in Theatre Script. This ones for someone with bags of experience as a playwright or dramaturg and is a fixed term, part-time position. Deadline for applications is 24th April. (I fully understand there are issues in HE institutions atm, but as these roles are like hen’s teeth thought it was important to share.)
Scratch A4 – this one is for all my short form lovers. Write a short story up to 1000 words and get a chance to share it in the Scratch A4 final in London. It’s £4 to enter and although it’s a bit tricky geographically (you’d need to be able to get to London), it’s a great publisher and a good way of getting your work out there. Entries close 26th April.
Embassy of Utopia – this ones a little different and invites submissions of interest for performances across all art forms. Selected artists will perform at Manchester Central Library on 14th and 15th June. There’s no mention of fee so might be worth checking this if selected. Submit your ideas by 30th April.
Oxford/42 New Writing Prize – this one is for novelists, playwrights or screenwriters looking for representation. Winners will receive a cash prize and professional representation by 42. This is a collaboration between 42 and the University of Oxford. Free to submit, and as with any competition, the panel is great so even if you’re not a winner, your work might be seen by someone. Apply by 30th April.
That’s all for this month. If you find this newsletter useful, please share with your writing friends. You can also buy me a virtual coffee here, which goes into my submissions pot…and let me know how you get on, I love to hear it!
Sarah
Thank you for this Sarah - because of your newsletter, my entry has now gone into the Hull Lit Prize. And with an impressive 1 hr 30 mins to spare!