Paper Nations presents: Time to Write

Creative writing incubator Paper Nations has launched commissions for writers who face barriers to developing their writing and having their voices heard. The commission will support writers from under-represented groups and backgrounds from Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire.

Commissions of up to £1,000 each will provide writers with time and space to write. You can access fantastic opportunities such as mentoring from professional authors and free spaces on writing courses.

‘The commissions will help writers create stories that would otherwise go unwritten,’ said Lucy Sweetman, Creative Producer at Paper Nations.

The South West has a strong and vibrant writing culture. There are book festivals, courses, writing groups, and the outstanding creative writing courses at Bath Spa University. This culture has helped nurture and launch the career of many professional writers such as Costa prize winner, Nathan Filer. But these resources are not easily accessible for all writers. Time to Write has been created specifically to target writers from groups not well represented in the worlds of writing and publishing and to reach and support writers in areas of rural and coastal deprivation.

‘We know there are writers out there with something to say and we’re really keen to hear from them, people who need a bit of help to move their creative practice forward,’ Lucy continued.

Types of Commission

There are four types of commissions on offer providing opportunities.  You can work with published writers, get places on writing courses and access free events. Costs such as transport and childcare can also be covered, to give writers time and space to work.

The application process is live and and runs to midnight on January 5th, 2020. Applications will be judged by a pool of experienced writers, agents, and educators. Details can be found on the Paper Nations website here.

Time to Write is intended to support writers from backgrounds not currently well-represented in the writing and publishing industry, including but not limited to: writers of colour, working class writers, writers from areas of rural or coastal deprivation, writers who have experienced homelessness, refugee writers, writers in the LGBTQ+ communities, writers who have survived abuse, disabled writers, and writers with chronic health conditions.

Applicants must be aged 16 or over.