Following the Durham Writes taster sessions, we are pleased to open applications for the second stage of the Durham Writes programme.
The deadline for submissions is 12pm on Monday 1st June 2026. All submissions must be made through Submittable. Successful applicants will be contacted by Friday 5th June 2026.
This application is for a series of six free targeted poetry writing masterclasses that will take place between June and July 2026. There will also be one online industry workshop, and one individual mentoring session. Up to eight writers will be accepted onto the programme.
If you are based in County Durham and are new to, or would like to develop your poetry writing, this programme aims to enhance your creative writing skills, deepen your knowledge of the publishing industry, and help to build a network with fellow writers. You will be supported by the Writer in Residence and the Producer to identify progression routes for your writing while on the course. You will also be invited to share your work at a scratch night at Durham Book Festival in October 2026.
This application form asks for a short sample of your writing up to 3 poems (approx. 20 lines per poem) and a short description of the types of poems you might like to write. Writers should be unpublished for a full-length work (e.g. you should not have published a novel or poetry collection, but you are eligible to apply if you have published short stories or poems online or in magazines). You will also be asked to give short answers to a few questions. If you need any support with filling in this application form, please contact New Writing North at office@newwritingnorth.com.
The targeted masterclasses will be led by Amy Lord and will take place in Spennymoor Library. The mentoring will sessions will be delivered by Anna Woodford and will happen online. Masterclasses will run on Tuesday evenings in June and July. All sessions will run from 5.30-7pm.
If you are unsuccessful in your application for the Masterclass course, you will still be invited to attend the online industry insight session, and will receive details about this closer to the time.
Durham Writes is funded by the North East Combined Authority via Department for Education funding, devolved for the specific purpose of Adult Skills provision.