Get Writing at Tŷ Newydd
Literature Wales launches National Writing Centre’s 35th Creative
Writing ProgrammeIn 1990, Wales’ National Writing Centre, Tŷ Newydd, opened its iconic teal doors to
welcome budding writers for the very first time. Today, Literature Wales, the national
charity for the development of literature has launched its 35 th creative writing
programme, a varied and rich mix of residential courses and retreats which will take
place at the Centre in Llanystumdwy, north Wales.
The 35 th Course Programme has been carefully designed to do what those before it has
done – to inspire writers to push their writing to the next level. Tŷ Newydd welcomes
hundreds of writers each year. Some are experienced and looking to explore a new
genre, some have penned many poems or stories but are lacking in the confidence to
take the next step, and some are completely new to the art of writing.
“Tŷ Newydd is my favourite writing centre, in a gorgeous setting,
everyone in the office is so warm and welcoming, I’d recommend it
highly to any writer. It has everything – sea views, river walks, and an
indefinable dreamy atmosphere perfect for creating and teaching! Its
Welshness makes it so special, a mythic homeliness to cure hiraeth.”
Pascale Petit
Tŷ Newydd was launched as Wales’ National Writing Centre with the first course tutored
by Gillian Clarke and fellow poet, Robert Minhinnick in April 1990. Since then,
thousands of aspiring and emerging writers have passed through the centre’s iconic teal
front door. To celebrate this important milestone in the centre’s history, this year’s
programme features almost 40 courses and retreats all offering high-quality and
inspiring experiences across a wide variety of genres. From poetry and prose to memoir
and travel writing and everything in between, Tŷ Newydd has all writers covered.
A range of formats is offered, such as weekend, day-long and Monday to Friday
residential courses and retreats, offered either in English, Welsh or bilingually. Two 6-
week digital courses will also be running during the winter, offering the Tŷ Newydd
experience from the comfort of a writer’s own home.
The 2025 course programme brings together tutors who represent some of the most
exciting and prominent creative voices working in the industry. They include award-
winning memoirist Amy Liptrot, internationally renowned poet Roger Robinson, Costa
First Novel Award winner Ingrid Persaud, Wales’ first National Poet Gwyneth Lewis,BBC National Short Story Award winner Cynan Jones, multiple award-winning poet and author Andrew McMillan, celebrated poets and playwrights Owen Sheers and Clare
Pollard, Yara Rodrigues-Fowler named on Granta’s once-in-a-decade ‘Best Young
British Novelists’ 2023 list, Wales’ current Archdruid Mererid Hopwood, 2021 T.S. Eliot
prize winner Joelle Taylor, 2024 Wales Book of the Year Winner Tom Bullough,
award-winning Curtis Brown Literary Agent, Cathryn Summerhayes, and many more.
Leusa Llewelyn, Artistic Director of Literature Wales said: “Looking back
over 35 years of Tŷ Newydd history fills us with immense pride. Not only have we
welcomed highly respected ad exciting tutors and guest readers, but we’ve also
built a reputation of offering courses of the highest-quality, in a cosy, nurturing,
supportive and nature-abound setting. It’s a home from home for writers from all
walks of life.
Coming to Tŷ Newydd is often a magical experience. It remains an absolute thrill
to hear of the motivating effect our courses have on writers’ careers and we can’t
wait to welcome new and familiar faces alike through our doors in 2025. It’s time
to get writing!”.
Browse the new Tŷ Newydd course programme at www.tynewydd.wales, where you can
also find information about the format of courses, the house, accommodation, the
surrounding area, travel tips, financial support and more.