New Writing South

Welcome to
New Writing South

We're here for anyone who loves to write

Creative Writing Programmme

Courses in creative writing, autobiography, dramatic writing and poetry

Join NWS Friends

You’ll become part of our vibrant community of writers and you’ll be supporting us to nurture diverse talent across the region

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Big Stories, Small Screen

Masterclass with Pete Lawson

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Writers'Day Shoreham

Information, discussion, networking

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Strong Words

This lively line-up of poets will bring you writing that will appease and unease you, comfort and stir you.

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The Coast is Queer

A three day festival of LGBTQ+ literature in Brighton

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Whether you’re a published writer or just taking your tentative first steps, New Writing South is here to support you

News & Features

Read about our latest activities and events. Sign up to our monthly newsletter to get our latest news direct to your inbox

The Coast is Queer

Our first ever LGBTQ+ literature festival, The Coast Is Queer, will be on sale very soon. Follow us on twitter to be the first to know when sales go live @CoastIQlitfest Over three days (12-15 September) the festival will present talks, performances, panel discussions, literary cabaret, a beach walk, and a literary History Club. There will be opportunities to […]
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Writers’ Day – 29 September 2019

In March we ran a really successful Writers’ Day here at The Writers’ Place, Brighton. We’re delighted to announce that we are joining forces with Shoreham Wordfest to present another Writers’ Day on Sunday 29 September. This day of discussions, information and networking is designed to offer specific advice on elements of being a writer including […]
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The Coast is Queer: Brighton’s new LGBTQ+ Literature Festival, 12 -15 September 2019

New Writing South is excited to announce a brand new festival of literature celebrating LGBTQ+ writers and writing, The Coast Is Queer will take place over a weekend in Brighton, and will include readings, discussions, performance events, workshops, and even a morning walk along the beach. We are delighted to be working in partnership with […]
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Creative Writing Programme

We offer some of the best quality training you’ll find to take your writing to the next level. We are the home of the Creative Writing Programme, one of the leading writing courses in southeast England. Enrolment is now open for courses starting in Autumn 2019.

Creative Writing Programme (Year 1)

30 September 2019 - 24 May 2020
Brighton

This is the first year of our flagship two-year course which will give you the tools and the space you need to help you complete your creative writing project
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Creative Writing Programme (Year 2)

30 September 2019 - 24 May 2020
Brighton and Hastings

Evolve as a fiction writer in the second year of this two year course
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Autobiography and Life Writing Programme (Year 1)

1 October 2019 - 22 May 2020
Brighton and Hastings

The first year of a two-year course covering approaches to life writing, memory, imagination, authenticity and structured workshops
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Events

Check out our programme of events at The Writers’ Place in Brighton and around the region. See all events

Celebrating Our Stories

1 October 2018 - 31 October 2020

Celebrating Our Stories is a multi-artform project will gather personal testimonies from LGBTQ+ older people from across southeast England to create a festival of verbatim theatre for 2020.
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Theatre Royal Brighton Young Playwrights

12 January 2019 - 30 April 2019

Theatre Royal Brighton Young Playwrights is an annual course for 16 - 25 year old aspiring playwrights
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New Writing South Best New Play Award

1 April 2019 - 2 June 2019

New Writing South, in partnership with Brighton Fringe, runs the Best New Play Award. This award is presented to a playwright in recognition of an outstanding, original theatre script produced at Brighton Fringe.
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Be part of a community

Writing can be a lonely business. Join our lively community of writers and find the support, guidance and training you need.

Services for Writers

We offer awards and bursaries; a script reading service; coaching and mentoring; meet-ups; and other ways to create the space you need to write.

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TLC Free Reads

Writers on low incomes can get access to a professional critique from the UK’s leading literary agency, The Literary Consultancy – an invaluable opportunity in your creative journey

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Become a NWS Friend

You’ll not only become part of our vibrant community of writers, but you’ll be supporting us to develop writers’ careers and enable fresh, diverse talent to flourish

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Latest opportunities

We regularly post news of awards, competitions, workshops and retreats offered by organisations from around the region. See all opportunities

Call Out for New Writing South Volunteers

Application Deadline:
31 July 2019 4:59 pm

Be a part of the action in Brighton’s first three day Festival of LGBTQ+ Literature in Brighton. The Coast is Queer will take place from Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 September 2019. Our volunteers will be ambassadors for New Writing South and play a key role in promoting the Festival, looking after guest speakers and […]
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The Brighton Scratch Night

Application Deadline:
24 August 2019 11:59 pm

The Brighton Scratch Night are looking for new scripts on any subject. Six scripts will be staged at The Rialto Theatre, Brighton from 15 - 17 October. One script will go on to be produced at Brighton Fringe 2020.
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Aesthetica Creative Writing Award

Application Deadline:
31 August 2019 4:59 pm

The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is an international literary prize that is a hotbed for new talent in Poetry and Short Fiction. The Prize, now in its 13th year, is organised by the art and culture publication, Aesthetica Magazine. Every year, we support both emerging and established writers and through the Prize, we offer publication […]
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