As an organisation we strive to offer an ever-expanding range of diverse, creative opportunities for writers at all stages, to grow their practice personally or professionally.
From structured learning at our NCW Academy, including long-form courses and one-off workshops, to in-depth mentoring schemes and literary awards, our aim is both to identify and nurture new writing through a mix of free materials and paid-for experiences.
Whether you’re looking for publishing industry advice, critical feedback on your writing or simply hoping to meet others who write for pleasure and wellbeing, our programme is continually evolving to help deepen learning and increase access to new subjects, resources and networks.
TLC Free Reads
The Free Reads scheme is for low-income, early-career writers in England. Each year we partner with The Literary Consultancy and Arts Council England to offer up to 10 applicants a free opportunity to have their work assessed and reported back on by a professional.
Escalator New Writing Fellowships
The Escalator New Writing Fellowships is our annual programme that celebrates writers in the east of England whose voices are underrepresented on UK bookshelves. The fellowships includes eight months of mentoring, training, guidance and networking for participants.
Meet the World
Meet the World is the home of NCW’s work on the international stage. Rooted in Norwich UNESCO City of Literature, but with a global reach, we are proud to collaborate with writers, translators, and organisations from all languages and cultures. Explore a diverse range of events, residencies, opportunities, and new writing – from Norwich to the world, and back again.
International Literature Exchange
ILX brings literature professionals together to learn, exchange expertise and experience, devise collaborations, and build international networks. The programme is a partnership with British Council, supported by Arts Council England.
Residencies
Our year-round residency programme encompasses in-person and virtual residencies for writers and translators. We offer focused time to write and develop projects, as well as commissions and opportunities to get to know the wider literary scene in Norwich.
East Anglian Book Awards
We’ve been delighted to deliver the East Anglian Book Awards with a range of partners for over ten years. From our home in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, these awards showcase the strength of publishing, writing and reading across the whole of the East of England.
Listen to The Writing Life podcast
The Writing Life podcast is the podcast for anyone who writes. Every fortnight, we speak to writers and educators to help you improve your writing, from theme, structure and routine to language, character and writing specific genres.
The podcast has featured Margaret Atwood, Jackie Kay, Sara Collins, Antti Tuomainen, Val McDermid, Sarah Perry, Elif Shafak and many more!
Resources, tips and advice
Whether you’re new to writing or looking to develop your skills, we work with writers and industry experts to commission digital resources packed with useful advice, practical tips and short writing exercises.
Access them for free now.
Free and low-cost writing courses
We all have busy lives, and it can be hard to find the time to learn new skills. That’s why our self-paced online courses are designed to fit around your schedule – progress through at your own pace, with zero pressure!
Sign up to a free or low-cost course today and progress while balancing work, school or family commitments. These simple to access courses are specifically created to suit writers at all stages, whether you have a lot or just a little time to dedicate to your practice. All you need is a phone, tablet or computer and a love of writing.
Part of NCW Academy
Join the 30-day writing challenge
Want to start writing regularly? Our 30-day challenge is the perfect way to get your brain in gear and start building a solid writing habit.
Every day for 30 days, you will receive a unique writing prompt ranging from a video prompt to a thematic soundscape, all designed by writers, for writers.
This short daily writing course should give you ideas and inspiration, cure writers’ block, and maybe even try something you never expected.
Course is just £30 for 30 days of writing prompts!
The next challenge starts Sunday 1 March 2026.
Support NCW
You will help bring joy and creative opportunities to writers, visitors and local communities.
Escalator helped me hugely, in that I began to think of myself as someone who could have something as audacious and swanky as a ‘writing career’. A writing life. A writing community. A writing future. It provided me with the sort of validation, support and community that is very hard to find elsewhere. I feel extremely lucky to have found it.
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