Tara Gould to become the first ever writer-in-residence at Preston Park Recovery Centre
On 11th April 2016, Creative Future (www.cfliteraryawwards.org.uk) will appoint its first ever writer-in-residence..
For many authors, finding the time to write can be a real challenge. But for writers from marginalised backgrounds this is only one of many barriers to making a living as a professional writer. That’s why the Creative Future Literary Awards (CLFA) have chosen Lewes-based author Tara Gould as their first ever writer-in-residence. Over the course of three months, Gould will receive mentorship and bespoke training from Creative Future and partner New Writing South. In addition, she’ll receive a bursary of £750 to support dedicated writing time. Over the course of her residency, Gould will also spend time each week at Preston Park Recovery Centre, speaking to the Centre’s service users about her experience of being a writer and working on a collection of short stories. She’ll also have work included in the CFLA annual anthology alongside award-winning writers like best-selling poet Lemn Sissay, the Awards' patron.
It’s the placement within a busy mental health recovery centre which was particularly attractive to Gould. ‘I’m excited about what my time and experiences at Preston Park Recovery Centre will yield. I’m hoping that through the people I meet, the support of the programme, and having the rare luxury of space and time to create, I will produce a new piece of work and take my writing journey to the next stage.’
And Preston Park Recover Centre are equally enthusiastic about welcoming Gould. ‘We are delighted that Tara has been appointed as the writer in residence for Preston Park Recovery Centre,’ says Lynne Thomas, Contract Manager for Preston Park Recovery Centre. ‘With her experience and passion for supporting local writers she will be well placed to share her skills and knowledge with the people who use the Centre.’
While Gould’s residency will benefit people using the Centre, the residency will also give her time and space to reflect on her writing practice, and support to take her career to the next level. As a single parent, accessing these types of support has been a challenge. ‘The value of time and space to write can't be underestimated’, says John Prebble, Director of New Writing South. ’It is really clear what a difference this residency will make to her work and life as a writer at this stage.’
Notes to the Editor
Dominique De-Light (Creative Future’s Director), Fergus Evans (CFLA Project Manager) and Tara Gould (Writer In Residence) are all available for interview. They can be reached at +44(0)1273 234 780 or [email protected].
A number of high resolution photos of last year’s CFLA Showcase event are available for download here: https://goo.gl/photos/tNuuqfu8ANjGbe147
A short online video which gives an overview of the Awards can be found here: https://youtu.be/GWkZZD88Qo4
We define marginalised writers as those who have: a mental health issue, a physical disability, a substance misuse issue, or a learning disability; or are: homeless / in temporary accommodation, refugees, survivors of abuse, long term unemployed, carers, care leavers, offenders or ex-offenders, travellers, members of the BME community, members of the LGBT community, or older people (65+).
About Tara Gould: Since studying a Masters in creative writing at Sussex University, Tara has had stories published in anthologies, a short play and a docudrama broadcast on BBC Radio 4, and has been involved in scripting a number of site specific theatre projects. She is passionate about supporting local writers and set up the live lit story night ‘Short Fuse’ at Brighton’s Komedia, and more recently ‘The Small Story Cabaret’ in Lewes. She is a single parent living with her daughter, and alongside the bread and butter work of freelance copywriting, she is chipping away at the second draft of her first novel.
About The Awards: The Creative Future Literary Awards is a national literary competition and high profile awards ceremony which celebrates talented writers who lack opportunities due to mental health issues, disability, health or social circumstance. Prizes are awarded for both poetry and short fiction. There is no entry fee. Winners are selected by a panel of industry experts. Prizes include £1000 of cash prizes & professional writing development support.
About Creative Future: Creative Future is an award-winning charity based in Brighton that provides training, mentoring and showcasing opportunities for talented people who lack opportunities due to mental health issues, disability, health or social circumstance. Since 2007, we’ve worked with > 3.5K marginalised artists though 224 workshops and courses.
About New Writing South: New Writing South is the pre-eminent creative writing hub in south-east England, dedicated to inspiring, nurturing and connecting all kinds of excellent creative writers at whatever stage of their career and from all genres.
About the Preston Park Recovery Centre: The Preston Park Recovery Centre offers a supportive environment to meet other people who have experienced mental health challenges, to socialise, learn new skills, and join groups and activities.
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