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We're saying hello to December with a new thread of opportunities for writers - many of which are specifically aimed at Black and Asian writers. Let's keep pushing for change while putting our best foot forward and sending things out into the world... 
#WritingCommunity
Now's the time to get organised and check out the eligibility criteria and submission guidelines.
Bookmark this link as I will update it throughout the year: https://theasianwriter.co.uk/opportunities/
Bookmark this link as I will update it throughout the year: https://theasianwriter.co.uk/opportunities/
First up, @LitWales are inviting applications for their Professional Development Programme for Writers of Colour based in Wales. C/date: 4 Dec
Details: http://www.literaturewales.org/our-projects/professional-development-programme-for-writers-of-colour/
Short story writers > Submit your story of up to 6k words to The Sunday Times Audible Short Story Award 2021 @ShortStoryAward - open to fiction authors from anywhere in the world who have been published in the UK or Ireland.C/date: 4 Dec
Details: https://www.shortstoryaward.co.uk/awards/2021/
Is children's fiction your bag? Five Quills for Kids ( @5Quills_kids) is looking for a BAME author who would be interested to collaborate with on writing and developing a young fiction series.C/date: 4 Dec
Details: https://www.fivequills.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Five-Quills-press-call-out.pdf
. @RSLiterature are inviting proposals for writing, events or projects which either help connect with audiences or topics outside the usual reach, and/or will help generate public discussion about why literature matters. C/date: 7 Dec
Details: https://rsliterature.org/award/rsl-literature-matters-awards/
South Asia Speaks is a mentorship program for early career writers living in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives. The programme is led by @soniafaleiro.C/date: 10 Dec
Details: https://soniafaleiro.wixsite.com/southasiaspeaks/faq
. @NewArchWriters is a free year-long programme aimed at aspiring BAME writers. It features evening talks, workshops and assignments taught by journalists, architects and editors working for world-renowned media institutions.C/date: 11 Dec
Details: http://newarchitecturewriters.org/open-call-2021/call-for-applications-2021/
Scriptwriters @bbcwritersroom's annual window for unsolicited scripts (TV, film, radio, stage or online) will open between 11am on Monday 7th December 2020 and 5pm on Wednesday 6th January 2021.C/date: 6 Jan
Details: https://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunities/script-room
@WritersCentre is inviting submissions for the UEA New Forms Award and Laura Kinsella Fellowship: two awards for fiction writers at the beginning of their writing careers.C/date: 15 Jan
Details: https://nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/article/submissions-open-for-literary-prizes-supporting-early-career-fiction-writers/
Discoveries, a pioneering programme from @WomensPrize and @cbcreative is seeking new female writing voices in the UK and Ireland. The prize will accept novels in any genre of adult fiction. Submit 10,000 words w/ a synopsis.C/date: 17 Jan
Details: https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/womens-prize-discoveries-2020/
@citylit's Malorie Blackman Scholarships for Unheard Voices provide three annual awards worth up to £1000 each, to fund one year’s study within the Creative Writing department at City Lit.C/date: 31 Jan
Details: https://www.citylit.ac.uk/malorie-blackman-scholarships
In the West Midlands? Room 204 is @writingwestmids' writer development programme for emerging writers in the region. Includes mentoring and career development.C/date: 1 Feb
Details: https://writingwestmidlands.org/writers/room-204-writer-development-programme/
I've got a soft spot for this one. @STWevents Life Writing Prize aims to find the best life writing from emerging writers. Free to enter.C/date: 1 Feb
Details: https://www.spreadtheword.org.uk/projects/life-writing-prize/
Writing for stage? @PapatangoTC's New Writing Prize is now open for entries for scripts. Offers feedback to ALL entries. C/date: 7 Feb
Details: https://papatango.co.uk/
@LucyCavColl Fiction Prize is for a novel by a woman over the age of 21 that marries literary merit with unputdownability. For unpublished writers only.C/date: 12 Feb
Details: https://www.fictionprize.co.uk/
. @Writers_Artists Yearbook Short Story Competition is for short stories of no more than 2000 words.C/date: 12 Feb
Details: https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/competitions
@WordFactoryUK Apprenticeship is a programme offering creative inspiration, writer development and a unique community of supportive writers for unpublished writers of short stories.C/date: 18 Feb
Details: https://thewordfactory.tv/apprenticeship-application-2020/
Northern Writers’ Awards 2021 invite writers from across the North of England to send in their unpublished work-in-progress for the chance to win a share of £40,000 in cash awards and professional development.C/date: 18 Feb
Details: https://newwritingnorth.com/news/northern-writers-awards-2021-40000-to-support-outstanding-unpublished-works-from-the-north-of-england/
Plenty of time to polish your manuscript or start something new (?) for this one - @BoroughPress are currently running an Open Submission period for writers from underrepresented backgrounds. Submit the first 10,000 words.C/date: 31 Mar
Details: http://www.boroughpress.co.uk/submissions/
There's lots happening online too and I know it's tough to keep up. Check out @taniahershman's monthly workshops and @Susmitatweets's writing course which will flex those writing muscles. I've worked with both of these writers and they come highly recommended.
Keep your eyes on things happening in your area by following your local lit development agency
North: @NewWritingNorth & @cultureword
Midlands: @WritingEM & @writingwestmids
London: @STWevents
South: @LitWorks & @newwritingsouth
North: @NewWritingNorth & @cultureword
Midlands: @WritingEM & @writingwestmids
London: @STWevents
South: @LitWorks & @newwritingsouth
