London Library Emerging Writers 2019 Launch
2019 London Library Emerging Writers
It was a real honour to be offered a place on The London Library Emerging Writers Programme 2019.
On the 2nd of May I was invited to an evening reception and launch, held at the Historic reading Room at The London Library. This is the inaugural year that the Library has opened this initiative for unpublished writers.
The candidates were selected by a panel of judges including screenwriter Daisy Goodwin, novelist Nikita Lalwani, poet Raymond Antrobus, Head of Prizes and Awards at The Society of Authors Paula Johnson and Director of literary Agency AM Heath Bill Hamilton.
The cohort of 38 writers selected for the 2019 programme are a diverse group and I really look forward to having the opportunity to meet and interact with all of them over the next year. The programme offers networking opportunities and writing development masterclasses as well as complimentary access to the library and its resources.
The library has always been a haven as well as a source of inspiration to writers over the last 180 years including Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Bram Stoker, Agatha Christie and Virginia Woolf, who are just a few of a long list of illustrious names who have been inspired by the library space.
Although I have been a member of the library since 2013, being selected for the emerging writers programme this year has allowed my creative energy to soar. Already, there are more familiar faces at the library than ever before and the writing spirit within the reading room continues to thrive.
Thank you to all the wonderful library staff who make this place so special and welcoming and to Philip Marshal, Director of the Library for his continued encouragement to all us writers and Claire Berliner for her enthusiasm and support of the Emerging writers Programme.