January’s a bit of a bummer isn’t it? What better way to raise your spirits and boost your productivity than by knuckling down with some serious writing! We’ve hand-picked our current favourites – from stunning residencies to screenwriting or a dip into the Romantic – so why not put on the kettle and get started?

Keats Shelley Prize 2016

An annual competition for essays and poems on Romantic themes, the Prize encourages writers to respond creatively to the work of the Romantics, and offers £4000 in prize money across various categories.

Closing date: w/c 1 February 2016

Birbeck Writing Scholarship

Birbeck University of London is offering a fully funded scholarship on their two year creative writing MA. Applicants to not need a first degree, and will benefit from in-depth support and mentoring, plus £1000 to purchase a laptop.

Closing date: 15 February 2016

Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2016 Short Story Competition

A sort story competition, on the theme of “Ageing”. The winner receives £500, a place on an Arvon residential writing course of  their choice, and publication of their story on the Writers & Artists website.

Closing date: 15 February 2016

The Nick Darke Writers’ Award

Celebrating the best writing for stage, screen and radio, the Nick Darke Writers’ Award offers writers £6000 to provide the financial stability and free time necessary to focus on writing. This year’s category is Stage Play.

Closing date: 30 May 2016

Gladstone’s Library Writing Residency

Spend a month staying at Gladstone’s Library, reading and of course, writing. Lead a workshop and take the opportunity to focus on your writing.

Closing date: 1 June 2016