Novelists Doris Lessing and Graham Swift, along with 40 international writers, are heading for Norwich to mark the launch of New Writing Worlds. The concept will bring together writers from around the world for a global literacy think-tank, as well as a series of public workshops, discussions and readings. The project, organised in collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UEA), takes place from Saturday 11 - Friday 24 June, 2005.
 | | Graham Swift |
"We hope to inspire a level of debate among significant writers from around the world, many of whom will meet for the first time to share their experiences of being a writer," said Katri Skala, the project's literary editor. "Delegates have hugely different backgrounds. Some may be concerned about the lack of public funding for writers while others may be battling for freedom of speech,” she added. Centre of excellence The UEA's world renowned MA in Creative Writing has for many years established Norwich as a centre of excellence for writing. The New Writing Partnership was founded with the intention of building on that reputation. One of the project's aims is to challenge the notion that writing is an elitist occupation and show that everyone's story is interesting and valid. It is also set on trying to encourage people develop their own talent – be it screenplays, poetry, autobiography or journalism. The partnership is looking for contributions to their website and creative writing advisers will be on hand to give help and advice on how to improve your stories before they are posted online.
 | | Rattawut Lapcharoensap |
The Forum will be hosting chats with individual writers at 5pm daily between Monday 13-24 June. Guests include Austin Clarke, Alison Croggan, Aamer Hussein, Kapka Kassabova, Rattawut Lapcharoensap and Luisa Valenzuela. Log your stories The BBC Voices centre is giving people an opportunity to log their stories. "We're inviting people who think they have a story, but don't feel confident enough to tell it, to come along and get writing using the theme of My Writing World," said freelance writer, Beverly Bishop. "If you have written a little bit and are stalling, come into BBC Voices and we'll help out," she added. If you fancy learning the art of translation German, the British Centre for Literary Translation will also be holding a series of workshops. New Writing Worlds runs until Friday 24 June, 2005. All events are free, but booking is advised. For more information contact 07901 654253. | 
