DSCN1780I am so thrilled, and so honoured to have won the inaugural Di Yerbury writer’s residency presented at the Society of Women Writers literary festival at the NSW State Library on Saturday. Generously donated by Professor Yerbury, the residency will give me three months quiet research and writing time in the historic and beautiful North Devon town of Barnstaple next year. A bonus is that Devon is in the heart of the territory associated with Arthurian legend, which forms the basis of my novel I, Morgana and the proposed sequel with the working title Return to Camelot. This is a wonderful opportunity to walk in the footsteps of my characters, to see their landscape and all that inhabits it, to have access to local libraries, museums and historic buildings, as well as experts in situ who hold the knowledge that I might need, plus the opportunity of taking time out in a space quiet enough for reading, writing and reflection makes this a gift beyond price.  This residency will give me ‘a room of my own’ to find out what happens when Morgana’s daughter Marie is set adrift in our own world, as she composes her lais and tries to hold at bay the terrifying images of the destruction of London that haunt her. Also in the mix will be Morgana’s counterpart in our world and in our time, who holds our future in her hands – if only she can be persuaded to honour the legacy of her magical ancestor. I am so grateful to Professor Yerbury, and also to the Society of Women Writers for choosing my submission for the award this year.  And let me point out that the award is open to all members of the NSW Society of Women Writers who are over 55 and who are working on a mss (fiction or non-fiction) set in or linked somehow to the UK = a HUGE incentive to join in time for next year!  There are many advantages associated with being a member of the NSW SWW, including other competitions and awards for various writing genres.  Their inaugural literary festival on Saturday was a huge success, comprising numerous interesting and topical panel discussions as well as book launches from three talented writers: Libby Hathorn, Susanne Gervay and Blanche d’Alpuget. morgana cover final

 

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