New Writing North receives £5 million for new centre for writing in Newcastle
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.
Jenni Fagan wins the Gordon Burn Prize 2025
Jenni Fagan was announced as the winner of the Gordon Burn Prize 2025 at Northern Stage on Thursday 6 March for Ootlin, published by Hutchinson Heinemann.
Fagan was the property of the state before birth. She drew her first breath in care and by the age of seven, she had lived in fourteen diAerent homes. Ootlin is a journey through the broken UK care system – one of displacement and exclusion. It is also testament to the nourishment of writing, asserting your presence in the world though words and becoming an artist.
Spring 2025
This spring, there are so many ways to take part in New Writing North’s programme.
We’ve got a lot going on this spring. For writers there are workshops, conferences, virtual writers’ rooms and awards to be applied for. For the bibliophiles and culturally curious, we will help you emerge from your winter hibernation.
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
