2025 UPDATE
Due to funding withdrawal, the NEWC is unable to offer a 2025 program.
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Since mid-2024, the team at New England Writers’ Centre has been working behind the scenes to secure funding for our future. Unfortunately, every application has been denied. For over 30 years, NEWC has been a small but passionate force for regional creatives. Through prizes, fellowships, workshops, and events, we’ve connected emerging writers and illustrators to the broader Australian publishing industry. Despite our continued efforts to find alternative funding, the reality is that NEWC may not be able to continue in its current form. If we close, the loss will be felt not only in our region, but across the country—where many now-established authors and illustrators got their start thanks to NEWC’s support-many, through the competitions and fellowships that we've run over the years, such as those below.
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We remain deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey. For your support, your participation, your belief in what we do—thank you. These things mean everything to us.
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Thunderbolt Prize for Crime Writing
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The Thunderbolt Prize for Crime Writing is a nationally recognised, short-form, literary competition for crime writers resident in Australia.
The Thunderbolt is one of the few major writing prizes with a youth category for writers under 16yrs. It is with deep regret that we are forced to defer this competition until further notice due to funding cuts. Please see the quick links above, or click on the menu icon to visit the Archives to see previous years' entries and judges' feedback. |
Illustration Prize for Children's Picture Book Publishing
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Launched in 2017 by the New England Writers' Centre, the New England Illustration Prize for Children's Picture Book Publishing (The Illustration Prize), has been recognised as an important event in the competitions calendar for aspiring illustrators.
The Illustration Prize garners a great deal of interest and respect from the industry, with many of our winners awarded contracts with major publishers. Unfortunately, due to funding cuts, the Illustration Prize has been deferred until further notice. |
See the Quick Links above, or click on the menu icon to see the Archives and enjoy the artwork from previous years.
Varuna-NEWC Fellowship
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The Varuna-NEWC Fellowship offers a week's inspirational writing residency in the beautiful surroundings of Varuna, in the Blue Mountains.
The Fellowship includes full board and accommodation at Varuna, funds towards travel, a one-on-one consultation with a Varuna expert and more. The Fellowship is open to all writers, at any stage of their career, either currently living in the New England region, or who have previously lived there for at least five years. |
..Books available
...from your local bookstore or direct from the publishers
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An essential resource for anyone interested, or planning a career, in the children's publishing industry, with insights and advice from professional publishers, agents, editors, writers, illustrators and content creators from across Australia.
Proudly produced in the New England by the United Publishers of Armidale. I'll be happily recommending it to any new writers and illustrators. Shaun Tan
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...direct from NEWC
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Discover what it takes to ignite your creative potential and sustain it through the challenges ahead. The first in the New England Writers' Centre's series of chapbooks on building a sustainable creative practice, SPARK offers a fresh approach for aspiring writers seeking to find their creative rhythm.
This is not just another 'how to write' guide. With warmth and humour, SPARK dives into the toughest aspects of creative practice: honestly interrogating why they hold you back and what you can do to overcome them. Find your unique path and explore the question at the heart of every writer’s journey: Who am I as a writer? Product description: Chapbook (10,000 words) Print copy: $14.99 + postage Available directly from the NEWC - email: [email protected] |
Crime writers & readers, if you're looking for a tribe we have just the place for you. Visit Sisters in Crime (brothers are welcome!), for a host of amazing resources and competitions, including the Scarlet Stiletto and The Davitt Awards.
See our YouTube channel for our latest videos including the "By the Book" video playlist of tips and advice from local writers, and the Stories Connect series.
And don't forget to become a member or renew your membership to receive discounts on all workshop bookings!
See our YouTube channel for our latest videos including the "By the Book" video playlist of tips and advice from local writers, and the Stories Connect series.
And don't forget to become a member or renew your membership to receive discounts on all workshop bookings!