Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre, Llanystumdwy, Cricieth, Gwynedd, LL52 0LW
Tutors: Darren Chetty & Iestyn Tyne – find out more about the tutors here
Guest tutors: tbc
Important dates:
- Course dates: Monday evening 27 – Friday morning 31 March 2023
- Deadline for applications: 5.00 pm on 11 January 2023
- All applicants will be notified of the outcome before 10 February 2023
Literature Wales is delighted to invite applications for its Emerging Writers Course at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre. This is an annual opportunity for Wales-based emerging writers to attend a free-of-charge course to develop their craft. Emerging writers of all ages can apply but must be 18 or over at the point of submitting their application.
The course will take place over three full days of teaching, and includes four evenings of events and talks, at Literature Wales’ national writing centre in Gwynedd. Accommodation and catering will be provided on site. Up to 12 successful writers will be selected for this course.
The theme this year, inspired by the popular book of essays, Welsh (Plural), centres around exploring the intricacies of Welsh identity. Welsh (Plural) was co-edited by the course tutors, Darren Chetty and Iestyn Tyne, as well as Hanan Issa and Grug Muse.
Every participant on the course will have a different take on Welshness, and different experiences of living in Wales and imagining what Wales might become. We look forward to welcoming writers to share their unique views on the theme, and we will particularly look to welcome writers who are underrepresented within the literature of Wales.
The full programme of workshops and talks will be through the medium English, with a number of sessions in Welsh. Tutor Iestyn Tyne is a fluent Welsh speaker and will be able to support writers working in Welsh by assessing manuscripts and providing guidance. As such, this course will cater for writers writing in English, in Welsh, bilingually, or who are considering writing in Welsh and looking to develop confidence.
Through a scheduled programme of workshops, discussions, talks and readings, we will analyse each other’s work in a way that is useful and supportive to each individual. This will help us to explore techniques and expand our writing toolbox of craft so that we can write about our own experiences, hopes and imaginings in a compelling way. The course will focus on creative non-fiction and essays, but we also welcome fiction writers, poets, and those new to creative writing. During the week, we will enjoy sharing our work with others, and work towards developing a piece of writing to a publishable standard.
During the week, you will also receive plenty of free time to explore the beautiful surroundings of Tŷ Newydd, enjoy home-cooked food prepared for you by our resident chef, and relax in one of our libraries with your co-writers.
Literature Wales’ support for the cohort will continue beyond the course, with an aftercare programme developed to ensure that you continue to pursue your writing ambitions in the long term, and continue to meet as a group to share successes and opportunities.
In partnership with Wales Arts Review, following the course we will invite you to submit the work created during the week to the editors for consideration for publication or on their popular online platform. Successful submissions will receive editorial support and a fee for their writing. More details about this process will be shared during the course.
Interested? Find out How to Apply here, or read our Frequently Asked Questions.