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The Residential Mentorship is Byron Writers Festival’s flagship development program for emerging writers. The group mentorship program offers four writers the opportunity to spend five days in a Byron Shire location with accommodation and some meals provided, with one-on-one mentoring with Sarah Armstrong, a successful and published author of adult and children’s books. It’s an experience that many have described as life-changing, a time to forge lasting friendships and discover what lies at the heart of one’s work.
This opportunity has already proved to be a launch pad for many regional writers. Established in 2001, the roll call of past participants who are now published authors continues to grow every year. Notable alumni include Jesse Blackadder, Jarrah Dundler, Jessie Cole, Russell Eldridge, Mirandi Riwoe and many more.
The Firsthand Feedback Scholarships are a free feedback session with a professional author/mentor. Feedback sessions are two hours including the mentor’s reading time, and provide an initial appraisal of one’s work from an industry professional. The session will cover a 5000-word excerpt and synopsis. Four scholarships will be awarded.
Applicants can submit for both the Residential Mentorship and Firsthand Feedback Scholarships, or for only one of the programs.
Applicants for both opportunities must reside in the catchment area, from Tweed Heads to Taree and west to Kyogle and be a current member of Byron Writers Festival.
These sessions are generously supported by Lynda and Christopher Dean.
In a single Word document, applicants should collate the following:
The Residential Mentorship application fee is $40. Successful applicants will be asked to make a contribution of $280 each towards their residency.
We encourage writers of all backgrounds to apply, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers.
Eligible writers must:
Before beginning the application form, please have your submission document ready (see submission guidelines above), your current membership number, and your credit card. If you are not yet a member of Byron Writers festival, please click here to become a member.
Good luck!
Two literary industry professionals will judge the entries. Judges will be asked to select four writers to participate in the Residential Mentorship, and four writers to receive a Firsthand Feedback session. The recipients will be selected according to:
The judges’ decision is final. Unsuccessful applicants will not be given individual feedback on their submission.
Sarah Armstrong was a journalist at the ABC where she won a Walkley Award. She’s written three novels, including Salt Rain which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. Big Magic is her first novel for children and its sequel Magic Awry was released earlier this year. She lives in Mullumbimby with her partner, the writer, Alan Close and their young daughter.