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newwritingnorth.bsky.social
New Writing North
@newwritingnorth.bsky.social
The writing and reading development agency for the North of England.
The @thebeelitmag sat down for a chat with him about books, his writing and why he believes working-class talent is being denied a fair chance in the arts.

thebeemagazine.com/mark-gatiss-...
Mark Gatiss, the boy that Dr Who books made
The League of Gentlemen star and creator of Bookish on his work, snobbery in the arts, and advice for working-class writers.
thebeemagazine.com
August 22, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Gatiss is one of our best known writers and grew up in a working-class family in County Durham.
August 22, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Reposted by New Writing North
Thank you so much @newwritingnorth.bsky.social for my prize of #TheMercyStep to add to my tall and gloriously teetering #NorthernBookshelf TBR pile. I'm thrilled to win and can't wait to read it! The blurb has me totally hooked already ❤️👍
August 11, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Situated in the heart of Newcastle, the centre will support writing and reading initiatives in the community as well as professional writers and publishing businesses across the region.
July 18, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Correction to the above – Sairish Hussain will be at Newcastle City Library on 9 August. On 16 July, Len Pennie will join us at Jesmond Library 🙌
July 2, 2025 at 1:36 PM
We interviewed Marcia to find out more about her experience becoming a full-time writer later in life and the therapeutic power of revisiting her childhood through storytelling. Read the full interview below! newwritingnorth.com/journal/the-...
July 2, 2025 at 11:27 AM
The Mercy Step is the solo literary debut from former lawyer and politician Marcia Hutchinson. Inspired by Marcia's early childhood in Bradford, it is a sharply-witted and tender portrait of a young girl's refusal to be broken by family, faith and fear.
July 2, 2025 at 11:27 AM
What's on?

3 Jul – Trevor Wood at Newton Aycliffe Library
5 Jul – Eirinie Lapidaki at Consett Library
9 Jul – Eirinie Lapidaki at Jesmond Library
16 Jul – Sairish Hussain at Newcastle City Library
July 1, 2025 at 1:57 PM
We need your help to continue being that invaluable first step for talented writers from the North. If you can - please join our circle of donors www.newwritingnorth.com/writers-for-writers
June 25, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Mari received a Northern Writers' Award in 2010; this led to her getting signed by an agent and she has gone on to publish 16 novels.

Mari is also a New Writing North donor. At last night’s Northern Writers’ Awards ceremony, she launched our new #WritersForWriters fundraising campaign.
June 25, 2025 at 5:58 PM
And that rounds out this year's #NorthernWritersAwards! Another huge congratulations to all the winners – you're all brilliant, and we know the future of literature in the North is safe in your hands. It's been a privilege to celebrate you tonight 💫
June 24, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Princess Arinola Adegbite from Manchester wins the final Northern Debut Award for Poetry!

"I am very grateful and honoured. I wrote many of these poems during an unpredictable time, and this award has reminded me that anyone can make art and beauty out of their life."
June 24, 2025 at 8:23 PM