National Centre for Writing

12/06/2026

Enter the East Anglian Book Awards 2026 ⭐

Submissions are now open for the East Anglian Book Awards, welcoming entries from authors living in the region or whose works are largely set in East Anglia.

This is a region of wide skies and wider imaginations, and we're proud to champion the East as a place of words, readers, and radical ideas.

We welcome entries in the following categories:
⭐ Fiction
⭐ Poetry
⭐ History and Tradition
⭐ Biography and Memoir
⭐ General Non-Fiction
⭐ Children’s Books
⭐ Debut Novels

The deadline to enter is 12noon on Thursday 30 July. The Awards are delivered in partnership with the Eastern Daily Press, with support from the University of East Anglia Faculty of Arts and Humanities.

Enter now:

12/06/2026

We love having schools visit us at Dragon Hall! 🐉

Over the last twelve months, we’ve welcomed 19 school groups from across Norfolk to our Literature House – with 461 students and 54 teachers engaging in inspiring creative writing, reading and history activities.

With thanks to The Arts Society and National Heritage Lottery Fund.

11/06/2026

Looking to learn your craft with zero pressure? 😌

Self-paced online courses from National Centre for Writing offer just that: a fully unlocked course, just waiting for you to work through at your own pace.

🔗 https://buff.ly/lnJYq5v

Whether you're looking to hone your writing in a specific area, or looking to change up how you approach writing, we have something for you.

Free and low-cost, you're welcome to learn entirely under your own steam.

10/06/2026

Introducing the Courage Collection ⭐

We’ve teamed up with A Day of Welcome, Empathy Lab, and Refugee Week to create a free reading list of books and resources that use storytelling to build more inclusive, empathetic school communities.

Each resource has been specially chosen to reflect Refugee Week’s 2026 theme of ‘courage’, driving empathy for individuals forced to flee their homes in search of safety.

Stories connect us—to ourselves, to each other, and to the communities we build. This June, we mark two important moments celebrating the resilience and contributions of people seeking sanctuary: A Day of Welcome (13 June) and Refugee Week (15–21 June).

Download the free resource and find out how to get involved: https://buff.ly/2AzI5Fa

10/06/2026

Calling all young creatives in Norfolk! 📣

Join the Lit From the Inside collective and develop your skills, meet like-minded people, and kickstart your cultural career.

By taking part, you will discover how publishers, poets, scriptwriters, designers and festival organisers bring books and cultural events to life.

As a UNESCO City of Literature, Norwich is home to amazing literary festivals, arts organisations and a vibrant community of creative professionals. Through Lit From the Inside, young people experience this first-hand through eye-opening visits to events, meetings with writers from the city and beyond, as well as regular hands-on creative workshops.

Applications are now live for the 2026/27 collective. To find out more and apply, visit nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/lit-inside🔗

09/06/2026

One week to go! ⌛️

Book your tickets here: nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/events/one-of-us-elizabeth-day/

⏰️ Two weeks to go!

The countdown is on until we welcome Sunday Times bestselling author and acclaimed podcaster Elizabeth Day to Norwich Playhouse for a special event celebrating her gripping new novel, 'One of Us'.

Elizabeth will be joined on stage by broadcaster and presenter Simon Savidge for an insightful conversation about betrayal, old bonds, privilege, and the true cost of power. You don't want to miss it!

Tue 16 June, 6.30pm, Norwich Playhouse. Book your tickets here: https://buff.ly/UQP0xp5

07/06/2026

Our new season brochure has landed, and this little fan certainly approves! ☀️

Whether you’re local to Norwich or joining us digitally from elsewhere, this brochure is your guide to everything we’ve got coming up over the summer. It seems to double as a tasty snack too 😋

Printed copies will be available from bookshops and venues across the city next week, but until then, you can download a digital copy here: https://buff.ly/waEod0C

📸 David Kirkham

05/06/2026

Yesterday, we said goodbye to our CEO and friend, Peggy, and wished her all the best as she heads back to Edinburgh 🧡

Peggy joined the NCW team in 2017, initially serving as Head of Programmes and Executive Director before becoming CEO in 2023. Her leadership, passion, and dedication have helped shape our organisation, and we are so grateful for everything she has brought to the team.

Peggy is returning to Scotland to take up the prestigious role of Director of Engagement at the National Library of Scotland. While we're incredibly sad to see her go, we're also immensely proud of everything she has achieved and excited for what's next.

Thank you for everything, PH! 🧡

04/06/2026

Write and make connections this summer with a National Centre for Writing workshop! ☀️

Join us at Dragon Hall, Norwich for one of our upcoming writing workshops, covering topics including the importance of intention, pulling readers in, capturing setting, and finding inspiration in your everyday life.

🏃 Short Story Sprint with Naomi Wood, Sat 6 June at 10am (last few tickets left!)
🌲 The Spirit of Place with Laurence Mitchell, Sat 27 June at 10am (selling fast!)
🧾 Everything is Material: Writing from Lived Experience with Uju Asika, Sat 1 August at 2pm
📖 Opening Chapters with Louise Tondeur, Sat 12 September at 10am
💭 Mindful Goal Setting with Louise Tondeur, Sat 12 September at 2pm

Workshops include group discussion, writing exercises and advice to help you keep writing.

🔗 Browse our workshops now: https://buff.ly/zRjTTeo

Book your seat for up to £45 (£35 concession) and join fellow writers in a supportive, friendly environment.

☕️ Refreshments included!

03/06/2026

Highlights from our City of Literature weekend at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2026 🎪

Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen, from our dedicated volunteers and staff to the brilliant artists and audience members who joined us over the weekend. We're already looking forward to next year!

In the meantime, pick up or download a copy of our new season brochure to explore our year-round programme of events, workshops, and opportunities.

📷 David Kirkham

https://buff.ly/waEod0C