Jericho Writers launches Kit de Waal Bursary for carers

Jericho Writers will offer one free place for the York Festival of Writing to a UK-based carer, in collaboration with its first ever writer-in-residence author Kit de Waal.

Running between 2nd and 4th September 2022, the recipient of the new Kit de Waal Bursary will receive a full entry ticket to more than 70 workshops, mini courses and keynote addresses, worth more than £600 in total, two nights in a single en-suite room at the University of York, all meals throughout their weekend stay, and two agent or “book doctor” one-to-one sessions.

They will also receive a seat at the three-course gala dinner and other evening activities, morning yoga and meditation classes, and entry into the Friday Night Live pitching competition. All UK travel will also be covered. 

De Waa said: “This bursary recognises the unseen and often unacknowledged work that carers do and how, for many, their own needs are overlooked or put aside. Carers who are also trying to write find they are squeezing their writing into the cracks rather than carving out some meaningful time to really work on their craft. Here is a bit of time and space for you away from other responsibilities, just for you.”

Jericho Writers, the organisation behind the York Festival of Writing, is a UK-based membership group for writers, offering members support and information about writing, editing, getting published and being an author. 

To apply for the bursary, applicants must send the first 500 words of their writing project, along with information about their caring responsibilities and what impact winning this bursary will have on them and their writing. The application window is open from 27th May to 24th June 2022. 

Festival director Anna Burtt said: “Due to the pandemic, this is the first York Festival I’ve had the pleasure of directing and I couldn’t be happier to have Kit de Waal as our first writer-in-residence. Moreover, as a former unpaid carer, it delights me that, through our bursary, we can offer this amazing experience to someone who would likely find it difficult to attend otherwise.”