A behind-the-scenes programme for curious creatives aged 14–17
Lit From the Inside is a fun and inspiring programme that gives you the chance to explore the world of books, stories, and creativity from the inside out. Whether you dream of being a writer, illustrator, editor, publisher or just love stories and want to see where they can take you, this is your chance to find out how the life of a creative or cultural professional works and how you can be part of it.
You’ll discover how different people — like publishers, poets, scriptwriters, designers, and festival organisers — work together to bring books and events to life. Along the way, you’ll take part in creative workshops and group discussions with professionals who are at different stages in their careers.
We’ll also go on two exciting trips to visit cultural events and organisations in Norwich and beyond, giving you a real behind-the-scenes look at how creative work happens in the real world.
I have learnt a lot about Norwich and its importance in the literature scene, especially with the National Centre for Writing. Before the programme, I didn’t understand how amazing Norwich really is but I definitely feel more connected.
Lit From the Inside will help you think about your future. Not just what job you might want, but what kind of creative person you are and could become. You’ll explore what you’re already good at, discover new skills, and build confidence in what you can do.
Some of the things you’ll learn include:
- What it’s really like to be a writer, publisher, or freelancer.
- How books come together, from design and layout to illustration.
- Tips for sharing your ideas and pitching them to others.
- How cultural and literary festivals are planned and run.
- What it means to be a writer-in-residence and how it can shape your work.
We also talk about important things like staying motivated, looking after your wellbeing, and thinking about how your creativity can support your community, through things like teaching, mentoring or volunteering.
You’ll become part of a creative community, making connections with other young people who share your interests.
Towards the end of the programme, you’ll take part in a group project where you can put your new knowledge and skills into action.
Timing
Sessions will take place both online and face-to-face at National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall, starting in October 2025. Sessions take place every two weeks on Wednesdays, from 5pm until 6.30pm, concluding summer 2026.
Applications & taking part
Lit From the Inside is a completely FREE programme, with support for travel costs if required.
There are limited spaces left on this year’s programme — apply now to join us!
To be a Lit Insider, you need to live or go to school in Norfolk.
If you have any questions, or require support completing your application, please contact Communications & Participation Assistant Ruby Pinner at [email protected].
Project Lead
Lit from the Inside will be led by Dr Katherine Cooper, a writer, academic and broadcaster who has lectured in English at universities across the UK for almost 15 years. Her freelance work has appeared in publications including The Times Literary Supplement and the Bookseller.
We’ve all been able to connect through a shared appreciation for writing and literature. I’ve learnt so much from everyone and they’ve been such a supportive and fun group of friends.
Read about the Lit From the Inside 2025 Showcase!
This year, the 2025 Lit From the Inside cohort curated and delivered a powerful showcase event, presenting original work shaped over the course of the project.
find out more
Explore work from previous Lit from the Inside projects:
These zines are a small sample of creative work that our 2021 and 2022 cohorts produced during their time together — both responses to prompts from the workshops they’ve attended, and work written alongside their participation in the scheme.
The 2021 cohort created Observe/d, and each brilliant piece highlights the power of seeing and being seen at a time – during lockdown – when having your camera on or off was a deeply purposeful choice.
Download the full version of ‘All the things you are’ by Efe →
2022’s cohort produced Life Lines, a collection of stories and poetry linked by the theme of time – exploring a fictionalised past, this tumultuous present and dreaming of imagined futures.
Zine illustrations and design by Kristyna Baczynski.
Kindly supported by Anguish’s Educational Foundation.
