Writers

WRITING

CIT’s activities for writers are delivered through our Northern Lights Writers Programme, with kind support from Arts Council England. The programme is a unique blend of events, workshops, mentoring and publication opportunities.

Northern Lights Writers Conference

The programme’s centrepiece is the Northern Lights Writers’ Conference which has taken place annually at Waterside since 2014, featuring a mix of keynote talks, creative and industry sessions, along with stalls and drop-in slots for writers. Our keynote speakers include AJ Kennedy, Sarah Dunnant, Louise Doughty, Will Self, Jane Rogers and Joanne Harris, along with literary agents, publishers, editors and an array of writing talent from across the UK.

Year-Round Programme

The programme offers support for writers through a number of strands, each led by accomplished writers, poets and script editors.

  • CIT Writers’ Group - a monthly facilitated creative writing space.

  • CIT Short Story Course - a six-part course exploring the art of writing short fiction

  • TV Script School - a six-part course revealing how to craft a script for television

  • Meet The Producers - a panel event featuring TV commissioners, production and writing talent.

Publishing Opportunities

CIT also provides micro-commission and publishing opportunities for writers.

Origins

Origins

An online short fiction anthology, edited by David Gaffney. The collection features new work from Jane Rogers, Frances Gapper, Stephanie Pemberton, Sue Crowder, Shze Hui Tjoa, Eleanor Parsons, Peter Kalu, Benjamin Judge, Lydia Unsworth, Finn Jackson, Abi Hynes, Andrew Edgeworth, Angela Neville and Yasmin Inkersole.

(Download free here).

LOOM - Text & Art magazine

LOOM is CIT”s first print publication, showcasing new writing and contemporary art.

Issue 1 - summer 2018. Featuring new writing by Rosy Whittemore in a creative response to the Re:cast Exhibition (by artists Katie Nelson & Grace Igoe) in Waterside’s Refract Festival.

loom_2018_cover.jpg
 

Issue 2 - Summer 2019. Featuring artwork by Luca Shaw in a creative response to the Re:flect Exhibition (by artists Ella Boston & Chloe Knights) in Waterside’s Refract Festival

 
 

Past Events

Featured
Northern Lights Writers Conference 2019 - Speaker Biographies 
Northern Lights Writers Conference 2019 - Speaker Biographies 

CIT’s popular writers’ conference returned for its sixth incarnation featuring a mix of talks, masterclasses, panel discussions, practical sessions and drop-in advice for writers. This year’s keynote is delivered by award-winning author Jane Rogers (Mr Wroe’s Virgins) with special guests including Route Publishing, The Society of Authors, New Writing North, David Gaffney, Lisa Holdsworth, literary agent Louise Lamont and many more.

CIT Short Story Course
CIT Short Story Course

Through this six-part course, led by acclaimed writer David Gaffney, participants had the opportunity to hone their skills in short story writing. The course provided participants with some time, space and inspiration to develop your craft, voice and style.

Meet The Producers - panel talk
Meet The Producers - panel talk
TV Script School 2018
TV Script School 2018

An intensive six-week course for scriptwriters with Ric Michael (ex-Head of Development, Baby Cow Manchester - makers of Ideal, Gavin & Stacey).

Short Story Course (2018)
Short Story Course (2018)

Through this six-part course, led by Sarah Schofield, participants had the opportunity to hone their skills in short story writing.

Northern Lights 2018
Northern Lights 2018

The Northern Lights Writers’ Conference is CIT’s annual event for writers, from early career (and earlier!) to already established and out there.

ORIGINS
ORIGINS