Northern Writers’ Awards Roadshow with Andrew McMillan

New Writing North is delighted to be coming to Barnsley for a roadshow for new, emerging and established writers of all disciplines, who are looking to develop their industry knowledge.

At this event, we’ll hear from writers of poetry, prose and screenwriting, alongside industry professionals. There will be a chance to meet and network with other writers and New Writing North staff.

Find out more about:

– Getting started as a writer
– Pathways to publication and broadcast
– Opportunities for writers through the Northern Writers’ Awards
– Working with agents and editors

Speakers include:

Andrew McMillan, the award-winning poet and novelist, originally from Barnsley, whose novel Pity spans three generations of life in a South Yorkshire mining family. With New Writing North, Andrew has founded the Tempest Prize for LGBTQ+ writers, which is currently open for entry as part of the Northern Writers’ Awards.

Sarah Brooks, a Leeds-based writer and Northern Writers’ Awards winner, whose debut novel The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands is out in June 2024. Sarah will share her experience and journey to publication for writers at the beginning of their careers.

Taiba Ahmad, from West Yorkshire, and Adam Bennett-Lea, from Manchester, both of whom are recipients of Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards and have worked with independent production company Bonafide Films to develop original scripts for television. Taiba and Adam will offer an insight into getting started in writing for television and what production companies are looking for, as well as discussing the opportunities of the Channel 4 Writing for Television Awards, opening as part of the Northern Writers’ Awards in March 2024.

Rory Cook, editor and publicity officer at Prototype, an independent publisher of fiction, poetry, and anthologies. He also edits Monitor Books, which publishes poetry and writing by artists in bespoke editions, and presents interdisciplinary events. Between 2017–2019 he organised Murmur, a reading series in Manchester. He is currently working towards a PhD at the University of Salford, researching digital art practices, ekphrastic writing, and flatness.

Tammie Ash, a writer and television researcher from Bradford, who has worked on productions for the BBC and Channel 4, as well as writing for publications including the New Statesman and the Daily Mirror.

Rachel Mann, a literary agent at CAA, where she represents clients across the adult, YA and children’s markets, in both fiction and non-fiction, including some poetry. Prior to agenting she worked in-house, editing and commissioning for publishers including Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster.

The Northern Writers’ Awards offer cash prizes, mentoring, placements, career support and more to published and unpublished writers based in the North of England. Awards are opening at staggered dates throughout 2024.