Student scoops scholarship supporting early career writers

A first-year student at the School of Welsh has been awarded a £3,000 bursary by Literature Wales as part of its 2020 Writer’s Bursaries and Mentoring Scheme.

Megan Angharad Hunter, who is studying for a BA in Welsh and Philosophy, has been named as one of five recipients of a New Writer’s Bursary Award. The bursary is awarded to promising early career writers who have not yet published a full-length volume of their work.

In announcing the recipients, Literature Wales said it had: “…strengthened its commitment to supporting early career writers in Wales, investing at the right time to maximise artistic and professional development”.

Raring to go

During the year, the writers will develop a specific piece of work. They will be provided with professional mentorship to help refine their skills and achieve their creative vision. Megan is excited about the year ahead and the opportunity to work with peers and established authors: “I’m incredibly grateful to Literature Wales for the honour of being awarded a New Writer scholarship this year. I look forward to participating in the mentoring programme and meeting the other talented authors who have won a scholarship.

“I will be developing a novel for a young adult audience which will follow two sixth form students who are struggling with mental health and self-confidence issues. The narrative of one of the characters will use very informal language – a mixture of ‘Wenglish’ and text speak to try and reflect the oral language of the young people of Arfon.”

The School takes great pride in Megan's achievements. Dr Llion Pryderi Roberts, who leads the School's creative modules, said:

The Literature Wales 2020 Writer’s Bursaries and Mentoring Scheme is funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Wales and will support 25 writers in total this year.