Penny Batchelor to fund training bursaries for two authors with disabilities and chronic illnesses

Penny Batchelor, thriller writer and co-founder of the ADCI Literary Prize, has teamed up with online writing school Professional Writing Academy (PWA) to fully fund two course bursaries for authors with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Authors who want want to get started in writing fiction will be able to apply for a place on the PWA’s Fiction Foundations six-week introductory online course – normally costing £495 – that starts 22nd April. Applications will be assessed by Batchelor and the PWA team, and the winners will be notified by 15th April.

"Taking a PWA course led to me completing my first novel and getting a book deal," Batchelor said. "As I was physically unable to attend face to face classes, the PWA’s online study format enabled me to achieve my dream. I hope this bursary will do the same for another disabled and/or chronically ill person who is starting out on their writing career and for whom creative writing brings joy."

PWA co-founder Christina Bunce added: "PWA is committed to providing opportunities for anyone who wants to explore their creative and writing potential – we know that as well as being an important professional skill, creativity and writing are scientifically proven to benefit both mental and physical wellbeing.

"However we also know there are many barriers to starting out as a writer – whether financial, to do with location or disability, confidence or simply fitting study around a busy life. Our learning community provides opportunities for writers from diverse backgrounds to make new friends as well as the beginnings of a professional network without having to attend face-to face learning."