Refreshing Scottish Literary Talent: Coaching for Creatives Supports 10 Mid-Career Writers to Discover Next Steps
In a move to support the next steps of their careers, 10 talented mid-career writers hailing from all over Scotland are poised to receive a significant boost to their professional journeys. Through personalised one-on-one coaching, group Listening Circles, and transformative Action Learning Sets, Coaching for Creatives is set to nurture the writers on their own journey, fostering peer support and empowerment in the process. The Refreshing Your Practice program, supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, acknowledges the depth of literary talent present in the country and seeks to provide these writers with the tools and community they need to flourish.
The 10 mid-career writers selected for this program represent a diverse array of genres, styles, and voices. From contemporary fiction to spoken word, speculative fiction and Gaelic language, these writers have already demonstrated their abilities and credentials, and are now being supported on the next stage of their craft. The cohort includes Alan Windram, Gavin Inglis, Jo Gilbert, Josie Giles, Maisie Chan, Malachy Tallack, Morag Law, P. M. Freestone, Polly Clark and Rachelle Atalla.
Previous participants in Refreshing Your Practice include Adam Murphy who completed a book as a result of the process and Rodge Glass who is publishing his next book due to the support from the programme.
One of the core tenets of this initiative is the power of peer support. By bringing together writers at similar career stages, Coaching for Creatives aims to create a network of mutual encouragement, collaboration, and inspiration. Through shared experiences, these writers will navigate the nuances of their profession while elevating their creative output.
Participating writer Mòrag Law says “As a freelance Gaelic writer, I feel the programme will support me in exploring new directions and new audiences for my work. I'm also looking forward to developing networks within the wider creative community.”
Viccy Adams, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Coaching for Creatives for a second edition of Refreshing Your Practice, having seen the positive impacts of the first programme in 2021/22. These writers span a broad range of literary genres and styles and will explore how coaching can guide them in developing their creative work and contribute to a resilient and inclusive Literature sector in Scotland. Coaching support at the right time can give writers the necessary tools to better advocate for their conditions as freelancers, to understand and push boundaries with their creative talents and allow them to take space and time to reflect on how far they’ve already come.”
Coaching for Creatives aims to make coaching accessible to creatives through one to one coaching, packages of support aimed at organisations and providing opportunities for training. Recently, they announced two successful candidates for the Dynamic Coaches programme aimed at diversifying the coaching community. This young but growing company is playing a significant role in supporting the well-being and productivity of the creative industries across the U.K.