TopWrite is Swanwick's access scheme for writers aged 18-30
The applications window for TopWrite 2022 will open in late 2021
The applications window for TopWrite 2022 will open in late 2021
What is TopWrite?
Are you...
- aged between 18 and 30?
- committed to writing?
- eager for an opportunity that introduces you what writing as a career might actually be like?
If so, TopWrite could be the opportunity you’re looking for…
- committed to writing?
- eager for an opportunity that introduces you what writing as a career might actually be like?
If so, TopWrite could be the opportunity you’re looking for…
What does TopWrite offer?
TopWrite offers very heavily discounted places (in the region of 25% of the cost of full-price ticket) at the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School for aspiring young writers.
Take a look around the website. If Swanwick sounds like it’s for you, and the three bullet points above describe you, then keep an eye on this page.
Full details and application forms will appear here towards the end of 2021.
Take a look around the website. If Swanwick sounds like it’s for you, and the three bullet points above describe you, then keep an eye on this page.
Full details and application forms will appear here towards the end of 2021.
Apply early!
In the meantime, read what TopWriters from the last few years have had to say about the scheme, below.
TopWrite 2019:
‘SO satisfied with my experience! TopWrite is the best thing I've signed up for – possibly ever – as I had a week of writing, learning and meeting people with the same interests. What more can you ask for?!’ – Ruby
‘I very much recommend it. Attending Topwrite has made the dream of publication feel like a very real and tangible possibility. It not only gave practical tips for my writing, but also provided invaluable guidance on living as a writer.’ – TopWriter, 2019
‘I can see why people come back every year.’ – Alexandra
‘I very much recommend it. Attending Topwrite has made the dream of publication feel like a very real and tangible possibility. It not only gave practical tips for my writing, but also provided invaluable guidance on living as a writer.’ – TopWriter, 2019
‘I can see why people come back every year.’ – Alexandra
TopWrite 2018:
‘TopWrite provided all I expected and so much more. It was most definitely worth the asking price as you get so much for your money! Swanwick really does seem to have a magic all of its own. Friends are made in a matter of seconds here, while the beautiful surroundings constantly inspire. I have learnt far more than I thought possible in only a week.’ – Bryony Adshead
‘I thought it might be similar to the lectures and workshops that I do at university. This was not the case - the wealth of speakers and classes was brilliant. It exceeded my expectations. Brilliant speakers at Swanwick are like nice bottles of white wine, plentiful but greatly appreciated.’ – Katie Handley
‘There is such a gorgeous community spirit you couldn't help but feel welcomed and valued as a writer. It has provided me with a group of writing friends I would never have found otherwise.’ – Grace Owens
‘What I gained from TopWrite was above and beyond my expectations. I arrived at the Hayes expecting a week of talks and the odd writing exercise, and yes, I got that. But I also got something out of the week that can’t be taught; inspiration. Being surrounded by so many people who all share the same passion as you, the same desire for their work to be published, it’s hard not to be inspired.’ – Lucy Gardner
‘In terms of support we were given during TopWrite, I felt this was perfect. I definitely feel that TopWrite was worth my time and the price.’ – Pierre Perera
‘Swanwick has absolutely contributed to my life as a writer. I actually feel like I can call myself a serious writer now.’ – Sarah Hunter
‘I was happy to meet such a huge variety of people who just accepted that I was a writer, published or not. I enjoyed learning about the craft so much that I have enrolled in a Creative Writing MA.’ – Sofia Ashdown
‘My visit to Swanwick has given me a great addition to my life as a writer. It has given me a community.’ – Timothy Mackworth Praed
‘I thought it might be similar to the lectures and workshops that I do at university. This was not the case - the wealth of speakers and classes was brilliant. It exceeded my expectations. Brilliant speakers at Swanwick are like nice bottles of white wine, plentiful but greatly appreciated.’ – Katie Handley
‘There is such a gorgeous community spirit you couldn't help but feel welcomed and valued as a writer. It has provided me with a group of writing friends I would never have found otherwise.’ – Grace Owens
‘What I gained from TopWrite was above and beyond my expectations. I arrived at the Hayes expecting a week of talks and the odd writing exercise, and yes, I got that. But I also got something out of the week that can’t be taught; inspiration. Being surrounded by so many people who all share the same passion as you, the same desire for their work to be published, it’s hard not to be inspired.’ – Lucy Gardner
‘In terms of support we were given during TopWrite, I felt this was perfect. I definitely feel that TopWrite was worth my time and the price.’ – Pierre Perera
‘Swanwick has absolutely contributed to my life as a writer. I actually feel like I can call myself a serious writer now.’ – Sarah Hunter
‘I was happy to meet such a huge variety of people who just accepted that I was a writer, published or not. I enjoyed learning about the craft so much that I have enrolled in a Creative Writing MA.’ – Sofia Ashdown
‘My visit to Swanwick has given me a great addition to my life as a writer. It has given me a community.’ – Timothy Mackworth Praed
Topwrite 2017:
‘I feel like I’ve found a second home. I felt like I was catching up with old friends that I’d never met before. One of the things I loved is that it doesn’t matter if you’re writing your first novel or your fiftieth, there’s no hierarchy. We’re all there because we have a shared love of writing. It’s a terrific place.’
‘Being surrounded by so many writers in general and people who, though they might not know me, believed in my ability to become a writer, gave me more confidence to pursue it as a career (and tell people that’s what I’m doing).’
‘The whole community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I loved that everyone was approachable.’
‘I made more progress with my novel in that one week than I have in a whole year of my MA. It was amazing and something I don't think you can really put a price on. It's the best thing I have done in my writing career so far. So often trying to become a writer feels like it is reserved solely for those no don't need to hold down a regular paying job and Swanwick gave me one week of my life where all I had to do was write - that is completely invaluable.’
‘I felt so emboldened to ask for things that I might not have felt comfortable doing without the status of TopWrite to back me up. I did not have a single negative moment.’
‘I had become a bit disheartened about getting anywhere with my writing in the future but I am now hopeful for my potential future success in writing once more. I didn't know anyone else as interested in writing as I am before I attended Swanwick and I now have an abundance of writer friends with whom I can discuss current and future ideas, receiving and providing encouragement at will.’
‘The week completely exceeded my expectations in a number of ways. I left feeling more confident in my writing, with practical advice and ideas to take away, feeling hugely motivated and enthusiastic and with a whole bunch of new friends and contacts. The location was fantastic too. I really felt like I’d “got away from it all”.’
‘TopWrite offers a great sense of community for writers as well as practical advice, invaluable contacts and a glimpse at what a future career in writing might look like. It looks good!’
‘Being surrounded by so many writers in general and people who, though they might not know me, believed in my ability to become a writer, gave me more confidence to pursue it as a career (and tell people that’s what I’m doing).’
‘The whole community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I loved that everyone was approachable.’
‘I made more progress with my novel in that one week than I have in a whole year of my MA. It was amazing and something I don't think you can really put a price on. It's the best thing I have done in my writing career so far. So often trying to become a writer feels like it is reserved solely for those no don't need to hold down a regular paying job and Swanwick gave me one week of my life where all I had to do was write - that is completely invaluable.’
‘I felt so emboldened to ask for things that I might not have felt comfortable doing without the status of TopWrite to back me up. I did not have a single negative moment.’
‘I had become a bit disheartened about getting anywhere with my writing in the future but I am now hopeful for my potential future success in writing once more. I didn't know anyone else as interested in writing as I am before I attended Swanwick and I now have an abundance of writer friends with whom I can discuss current and future ideas, receiving and providing encouragement at will.’
‘The week completely exceeded my expectations in a number of ways. I left feeling more confident in my writing, with practical advice and ideas to take away, feeling hugely motivated and enthusiastic and with a whole bunch of new friends and contacts. The location was fantastic too. I really felt like I’d “got away from it all”.’
‘TopWrite offers a great sense of community for writers as well as practical advice, invaluable contacts and a glimpse at what a future career in writing might look like. It looks good!’
TopWrite 2019
|
TopWrite 2018
|
TopWrite 2017
|
Topwrite 2016
|
TopWrite 2015
|
TopWrite 2014
|
TopWrite 2005 - where it all started!
If you would like to make a donation or join the Friends of Swanwick for projects such as TopWrite, you can find out how to do this on the Support us page.
