"These bursaries will help inspire new writers."
In July 2025, the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival will include ‘Creative Thursday’.
This writing day is funded by the Jane Gregory Bursaries, which offer three underrepresented writers the unique opportunity to attend the event.
The 2025 festival will see the bestselling author Vaseem Khan lead a workshop as part of ‘Creative Thursday’.
He is the current Chair of the UK Crime Writers’ Association and has written two award-winning crime series set in India.
These are the Baby Ganesh Agency series and the Malabar House historical crime novels.
‘Creative Thursday’ is an immersive day of workshops and talks by industry experts and bestselling crime writers.
Along with Vaseem, these also include Mick Herron, Will Dean, and Laura Shepherd Robinson.
This workshop was previously attended by people who are now successful crime writers, including Mari Hannah and Suzy Aspley.
Suzy’s thriller Crow Moon was shortlisted for the McDermid Debut Award in 2024.
Speaking of her experience on ‘Creative Thursday’, Suzy said:
“I took part in Creative Thursday in the summer of 2019 which was a pivotal year for me.
“I remember the brilliant and inspiring writing session with Isobel Ashdown and Kate Rhodes and getting the chance to pitch at Dragon’s Pen when Jane Gregory was on the panel.
“Coming back last year as an author on the McDermid Debut Prize shortlist was a dream come true.
“I’m certain these bursaries will help inspire new writers to find their creative path and create new crime fiction stars of the future.”
Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar, added:
“The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has a long tradition of nurturing and inspiring new crime writing talent through its writing programme, awards and annual New Blood panel.
“We are thrilled to offer under-represented aspiring writers this fantastic opportunity to come along to ‘Creative Thursday’, learn from the very best in the business, and make vital connections with industry insiders.
“We look forward to reading your application – whatever stage you are at on your crime writing journey.”
The Jane Gregory Bursaries were created to support and steer newer generations of crime writers.
Jane Gregory is a literary agent who helped co-found the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.
She enthused: “Everyone needs a little help along the way, and I sincerely hope that these bursaries will offer some amazing opportunities to aspiring writers.
“The funding will help to ensure that anyone, regardless of their situation or background, can have access to creative writing, whether they plan to write for themselves or if they wish to develop into a literary prize winner and bestseller.”
The three recipients will also receive a contribution towards their travel costs and opportunities to attend the festival.
‘Creative Thursday’ will take place as part of the festival in Harrogate on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
Applications are currently open and they close on Friday, April 18, 2025.
Underrepresented writers, who may lack opportunities due to disabilities, identity, health or social circumstances, are welcomed to apply.
You can find out more information here.
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