Emerging Writers' Festival

Many emerging and early career writers hit a brutal “valley of death” after their first or second book. Caught between conflicting demands: the relentless pressure of bills that won’t wait for inspiration, and the solitary, time-intensive and largely unpaid work of crafting their next novel.  

The Time to Write Paragraph Fellowship was established to support such writers through the commercial reality they face, enabling them to carve out more time to write. Nominations come from eminent writers, publishers, literary agents, festival directors, creative writing professionals, editors and journalists from across the country.  

This session announces the two winners of the $25,000 2026 Paragraph Fellowship. Enjoy a reading of both their works, and a panel conversation between the 2025 Paragraph Fellow Grace Chan, EWF Executive Director & Co-CEO Jes Layton, and the chair of Time to Write, celebrated author Toni Jordan. 

Please note that this event will also be Livestreamed, and can be attended online. Ticket holders will receive a Livestream link by email, ahead of the event day.

---