North East Novelists
We are looking for North East novelists to join a new professional development group in Newcastle.
The journey of developing your writing doesn’t end when you sign with your agent, get your first book deal, or even when you’re publishing your third, fourth or fifth novel. It can be challenging to find other writers at the same stage or teaching that is pitched at the right level. This group will offer continuing craft development and a supportive network for writers navigating life as a professional author.
Beginning in October 2023, the group will meet on two evenings a month in Newcastle upon Tyne. On the first Wednesday of every month, members can attend a structured craft session led by an experienced practitioner. On the third Wednesday of the month, members can attend an informal session in a late-night café, a space to discuss works-in-progress, share experiences and build ongoing relationships that might lead to the exchange of manuscripts for peer review.
Who can apply to be part of this group?
This group is aimed at authors within the traditional publishing route. At minimum, accepted members must be represented by an agent and be under contract or out on submission for their first novel. The group is open to fiction writers across any genre, including writing for children. The group will be based in and around Newcastle upon Tyne, but writers from across the North East may apply. Writers will be expected to manage their own travel to sessions.
Meeting Schedule October – December 2023
6 September 2023: First meeting/welcome, Cake Stories, Jesmond (evening)
4 October 2023: Craft Session, Common Room Newcastle (7pm – 8.30pm)
18 October 2023: Work in Progress Session, Cake Stories Jesmond (evening)
1 November 2023: Craft Session, Common Room Newcastle (7pm – 8.30pm)
15 November 2023: Work in Progress Session, Cake Stories Jesmond (evening)
6 December 2023: Craft Session, Common Room Newcastle (evening)
20 December 2023: Work in Progress Session, Cake Stories Jesmond (7pm – 8.30pm)
