The three writers: Kym Deyn, Katherine Horrex and J.A. Mensah have been selected as the recipients of the Jerwood Fellowships at New Writing North.
The Fellowships were established to support published early-career writers of fiction, poetry or narrative non-fiction at a pivotal point in their careers. The writers will each receive a £10,000 cash bursary and a bespoke package of support and mentoring that will help them to advance their manuscripts towards publication.
Julia Wharton, Trustee Jerwood Foundation, said:
With these Fellowships, Jerwood is continuing and expanding our support and commitment to excellence in literature. New Writing North has developed a rich and diverse programme which will provide extensive and invaluable support to these three outstanding writers to enhance and hone their skills at an important juncture in their creative paths. We very much look forward to following their journey.
Will Mackie, Senior Programme Manager, Talent & Development from New Writing North said:
New Writing North are hugely grateful to Jerwood Foundation for making this unique programme possible. We’re delighted to be supporting three exceptional writers in J.A. Mensah, Katherine Horrex and Kym Deyn as they navigate this period of their writing lives. These Fellowships offer invaluable bespoke creative, financial and professional support to writers whose work I’m certain will go on to enrich the literary culture of our region and beyond. Thanks also to my fellow judges, Rowan and Julia, who were a joy to work with.
The three selected writers will end the year-long development scheme with a completed first draft and clear pathway.
For further information please visit New Writing North.
February 17, 2026
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