The London Library Emerging Writers Programme

I have been selected to participate in an exciting writing program at a London literary institution.

I am thrilled to be able to share the news that I was selected to participate in the London Library Emerging Writer’s Programme.

It is a year-long program (I still spell it the American way, though I may be converted soon) dedicated to early-career writers hoping to publish full-length work and make use of London Library resources to research and grow as writers.

“The London Library Emerging Writers Programme, now in its sixth year, is a unique opportunity which offers writers, in all genres and disciplines, one year’s free membership of The London Library and includes writing development masterclasses, networking opportunities, peer support, access to and guidance in using all the Library’s resources and publication in the cohort anthology. With its rich cultural heritage, extensive open access book collection, dedicated writing spaces and its diverse community of established writers, the benefits of Library membership are invaluable.

For over 180 years The London Library has played a central role in inspiring writers and researchers, helping them explore and develop their work. From Charles Dickens to Sarah Waters, Charles Darwin to Simon Schama, Virginia Woolf to Kazuo lshiguro, Bram Stoker to Jessie Burton, T S Eliot to Raymond Antrobus, writers have found it to be an unrivalled resource. Previous members of The London Library Emerging Writers Programme have gone on to find agents, publishers and have had work produced for stage, screen and radio.”

We had the launch party last Wednesday, and I met an incredible group of writers, from novelists to short story writers to playwrights, poets, and screenwriters. Everyone was so charming and accomplished, so I fit right in! ;)

It felt surreal and intimidating and glamorous. Everyone spoke articulately about their novels and plays and poems and collections. I got to give the pitch for the novel I just handed over to a copy-editor, as well as the novel I will be writing as part of this program.

I also decided very recently that I am going to try my hand at writing a one-woman play, a nod to my past as a stand-up comedian, and I am very much looking forward to picking the brains of the fascinating playwrights at the London Library.

This past week, I have spent most afternoons in the reading room at the Library, editing and writing and scrolling Twitter/X. I feel right at home, and I am so looking forward to what this year will bring!