An engine for creative reading and writing
New Writing North is the writing development agency for the North of England.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, we have produced nationally significant work since 1996.
Writing is powerful. It can change the way we explore the world, understand ourselves and connect with one another. Writers craft the stories that shape us.
We bring people together through books and writing. We create opportunities for writers and we find and support talented people from all backgrounds to achieve their creative ambitions.
We build the narrative power of young people and communities throughout the North. We platform the work of those whose voices are missing from the mainstream conversation.
Durham Book Festival
Get ready to be challenged, inspired, entertained, and swept away as some of the hottest names in fiction descend on the city, including Helen Fielding, Rebecca F. Kuang, Jodi Picoult, Alan Hollinghurst, Tracy Chevalier, and David Peace.
With over 35 events across three days, delve into history, humour, poetry, and philosophy.
Durham Book Festival takes place 10–13 October at Gala Durham, Clayport Library and Collected Books. Audiences can also join in online. Click on the links below to book, and find out more.
Autumn 2024
This autumn, there are so many ways to take part in New Writing North’s programme
Embark upon a wealth of new reading and writing experiences this autumn – whether that’s discovering new authors, sharing your love of reading as a volunteer, joining a writing group, or taking the next move in your professional writing career.
Find listings online: events, groups and activities and current projects.
Join a vibrant online writing community
Work with industry experts to master new skills and see how far your talent can take you
On New Writing North Academy online courses, you will explore the techniques used by leading contemporary writers, learn to critique work-in-progress, develop your own voice and hone your writing craft.
New Writing North Academy has been created in partnership with the Professional Writing Academy, the industry-leading online course provider whose digital campus is the first platform specifically designed for teaching writing.
Some of our recent highlights
Northern Writers' Awards 2022
Pupils from Kelvin Grove Primary School perform work at Shipley Art Gallery
Colm Tóibín wins David Cohen Prize 2021 and awards Padraig Regan the Clarissa Luard Award
Val McDermid event at Durham Book Festival 2021
Hanif Abdurraqib wins Gordon Burn Prize 2021
A Writing Chance writers' showcase at the Houses of Parliament
Linda France, Climate Writer in Residence
Newcastle Young Writers
Kayo Chingonyi performs at Durham Book Festival 2021
