Author Description

The writers whose work is collected in this anthology have all proven that they have courage, not just through the quality of their work but through their determination to challenge themselves creatively and personally. Faber Writing Academy's Writing a Novel program offers a unique opportunity for writers to face their challenges and learn from them. Through a combination of evening and weekend workshops, individual consultations and visits from writers and industry figures, it aims to equip students with the skills and resources they require to succeed as writers. It is clear that these hard working writers have learnt and grown on the course. The enthusiasm and determination with which they have faced the challenges they've encountered has been exciting and often humbling. The artist Chuck Close once quipped that 'inspiration is for amateurs-the rest of us just show up and get to work', a sentiment that Anne Enright echoes in her usual subversive fashion when she tells us the only way to write a book 'is to actually write a book. A pen is useful, typing is also good. Keep putting words on the page.' They're right, of course, but in a way A.L. Kennedy brings us closer to the truth about writing with her simple exhortation, 'Be without fear.' Under the guidance of our award-winning course directors Carrie Tiffany and James Bradley, we are pleased to publish this collection of students' work; a testament to both their bravery and talent. Contributors are: Sarah Price, Stephanie Wang, John Somerville, Clementine Bendle-Thompson, Karl Bourke, Sarah Menary, Margaret Wieringa, Virat Nehru, Dina Ross, Aiman S. Ahmad, Jackson South, Danielle Scorer, Debbie Baker, S.M.A. Carter, C.M. Dee and Leah De Forest.