The 2012 National Academy of Writing course, to be held at London's Free Word centre, is open to applications.  In response to the success of the 2011 course, a maximum of twelve writers will be chosen to join the Academy which will be in session from April through to November. The NAW Patron Visits will take place in the Gallery at Foyles bookshop in Charing Cross Road, and NAW Patrons visiting the course in 2012 include AL Kennedy, Sara Wheeler, Jane Harris, Naomi Alderman and Monica Ali.

For 2012 NAW has generously been awarded a grant of £5000 by News International, publisher of the Times Literary Supplement, to support our unique approach to helping writers improve their work. Instead of offering this award as a bursary to one person, the grant will be divided equally between our 2012 NAW writers. This means a small reduction in the 2012 course fee of £4000, depending on how many writers we accept for the 2012 course.
 

Writers interested in applying should contact the NAW Course Coordinator: 

What the 2011 NAW writers say:

'Absolutely invaluable and the most useful teaching experience I have had in the context of creative writing courses (including MA).'

'I feel that I have learnt as much from observing the feedback on other people’s work as I have from the feedback on my own work. Very sharp analysis.'

'This course is unusual in the amount of feedback we all get from the course leaders and from each other. This is its great strength.' 

'The course works as a whole entity. Having the patron visit breaks every 3 weeks is one of the many design aspects that I think works perfectly.' 

'... really couldn't wish for a better-balanced, more diversely talented, more receptive group. Feel totally supported in my efforts ... love it. Would recommend very highly.' 

'... lots of helpful stuff about language and character etc, with a level of insight and precision that is bloody breathtaking.' 

'I feel very lucky to be part of such a great group of people. It feels a very safe and supportive environment, which I think is so important when doing this sort of work.'