WRITERS' BLOCK 2022
WE ARE SORRY - APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
QUICK INSTRUCTIONS:
Put together a document containing a two-page synopsis of a novel idea, plus a seven page sample of your writing.
Email this to us at wbne2020@gmail.com with the subject line "Here's my Writers' Block 2022 submission".
And that's it. Applications closed at 11.59pm on Monday 23rd May 2022. Good luck!
Do you have an idea for a novel? If so, we would like to help you take that idea and develop it all the way to a complete draft manuscript, ready to present to agents.
From middle-grade children's fiction, through YA to adult fiction, any genre considered.
We are looking for twelve writers to take part in a year-long programme consisting of workshops, one-to-one mentoring and advice from industry professionals. The process will include two Meet the Agent events, each attended by at least three agents from prominent literary agencies who will offer guidance and advice on your stories.
Successful applicants will attend seven day-long development workshops, and have access to 14 hours of 1-1 mentoring from WBNE.
In addition to creative writing workshops, we will run sessions on presentational & coaching skills, and routes to becoming published, so you gain the skills and confidence to design and run your own workshops.
We have also lined up author masterclasses from Vashti Hardy, Lisette Auton, Carmen Marcus and more.
And you will receive bespoke development support from at least two literary agents.
How does that sound?
TASTER SESSIONS
We will be running FREE taster sessions around the region in April and May. Places are limited, so to book your place on one of these workshops please email us at wbne2020@gmail.com
Wednesday 20th April
Darlington Cockerton Library
2.30pm - 4.30pm
Saturday 23rd April
Middlesbrough Central Library
10am - 12pm
Saturday 23rd April
Billingham Library
1.30pm - 3.30pm
Tuesday 26th April
Guisborough Library
4pm - 6pm
Saturday 30th April
Redcar Library
10am - 12pm
Saturday 7th May
Hartlepool Library
10am - 12pm
This fantastic opportunity is supported using public funding from Arts Council England.
WHO CAN APPLY?
If you are over 18 and are able to attend regular workshops and mentoring sessions in Middlesbrough then you can apply.
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - just a great idea and the determination to see it through.
Note: we are looking for fiction. We cannot accept applications to develop memoirs, factual books or biographies.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Although places on this year-long course are heavily subsidised, we ask that each participant pays £100 towards their place on the programme.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Email us a writing sample of up to seven pages of continuous prose, which can be an excerpt from a novel (not necessarily the one you want to develop with us) or one complete short story, together with a two-page synopsis of the story you would like to develop.
NOTE: The sample and the synopsis do not have to be from the same story.
(For advice on how to put together a killer synopsis click here)
The sample and the synopsis should be sent as a single document attached to the email. The whole document should be in 12pt font, and double spaced.
PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME ANYWHERE ON THE SAMPLE OR SYNOPSIS DOCUMENTS.
The attachment file name should be the title of your proposed novel. Please also include the title within the body of the email so we can match the sample with the applicant.
Sorry if that seems confusing! We have to anonymise entries.
WHAT'S THE EMAIL?
Please send submissions to wbne2020@gmail.com
with the subject
"Here's my Writers' Block 2022 submission"
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Monday 23rd May 2022.
No applications submitted after this time will be considered.
A panel of WB associates and industry professionals will make the final selection.
All applicants will be informed of our decision by 5pm on Monday 30th MAY 2022.
We regret that we are unable to give feedback on unsuccessful submissions. The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. But you knew that already :)
SCHEDULE
Or "what exactly did I sign up for here?"
Note: all events and workshops will take place at Middlesbrough Town Hall unless otherwise stated.
All dates are extremely subject to change due to Corona Virus, but we will endeavour to give plenty of notice of any changes.
SATURDAY 18th June 2022
First Story Development Day
Meet Literary Agent Stan from The North Agency
10am - 4pm
TUESDAY 5th July 2022
Lisette Auton masterclass
ZOOM
7.15pm - 9.15pm
SATURDAY 23rd July 2022
Second Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
TUESDAY 26th July 2022
Literacy Consultancy masterclass
Finding Power & Purpose
ZOOM
7.15pm - 9.15pm
SATURDAY 1st October 2022
Third Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
THURSDAY 10th November 2022
Meet the Agent 1
10am - 4pm
SATURDAY 19th November 2022
Fourth Story Development Day
In partnership with New Writing North, led by novelist Jessica Andrews
10am - 4pm
WEDNESDAY 7th December 2022
Masterclass with Writers’ Block alumnus and published author Carmen Marcus
7pm - 9pm
SATURDAY 21st January 2023
Fifth Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
SATURDAY 25th February 2023
Sixth Story Development Day
10am - 4pm
THURSDAY 23rd March 2023
Meet the Agent 2
10am - 4pm
SATURDAY 8th April 2023
Seventh Story Development Day
10am - 4pm