Thanet Writers Summary of 2019

As a whole, 2019 has been a challenging yet rewarding year for Thanet Writers, with numerous successes to celebrate.

In 2019 we have published a total of 52 short stories, 52 poems, 154 essays on writing craft, and 52 book reviews. Since launching, Thanet Writers has published over 1000 pieces of writing by a total of 167 Thanet-linked writers, meaning we have potentially paid out over £10,000 to writers for their work. We have also created weekly features including video performances, interviews, and investigations, as well as text-based interviews, research articles, spotlighted notable writers with connections to Thanet, and launched a monthly roundup of submission opportunities for writers outside of submitting to Thanet Writers.

Being supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England has allowed Thanet Writers to continue to pay writers for non-exclusive print rights for accepted submissions, as well as contract an ever-expanding team of editors and staff. In 2019, Thanet Writers increased paid staff by 50%, employing more local writers than ever before.

The first ever Thanet Writers Conference took place in 2019, featuring guest speakers, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities. Held at the Tom Thumb Theatre, and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, as well as kindly supported by the Margate Bookie, the Thanet Writers Conference 2019 was a resounding success. Tickets sold out and the event was attended to capacity.

A further expansion has seen Thanet Writers supporting and endorsing three writers’ groups, as well as continuing to host the regular Thursday Writers’ Group at the Chapel Ale and Cider House. Dead Hoarse Writers, Julie’s Journaling, and Writers’ Gremlins were all supported and endorsed by Thanet Writers throughout 2019, and were National Lottery Funded through the Community Fund in partnership with Ageless Thanet.

Thanet Writers continued to support the Margate Bookie literary festival at the Turner Contemporary this year, as well as supporting the Margate Now Poets-in-Residence scheme with Whisky & Beards, Margate Bookie, and the Turner Contemporary, in coordination with the Turner Prize.

Thanet Writers is a non-profit community organisation which is here to support and encourage writers to grow in confidence, creativity, richness, and variety. If you would like more information, please get in touch or find Thanet Writers on Facebook or Twitter.

Writers with a link to Thanet are welcome and encouraged to submit to Thanet Writers, and there are plenty of events happening in the local area.

If you have had a success in 2019, please do let us know. We would love to hear from you!