FIREFLY PRESS LAUNCHES PROGRAMME FOR NEW WRITERS FROM WALES

FIREFLY PRESS LAUNCHES PROGRAMME FOR NEW WRITERS FROM WALES

Firefly Press is excited to announce Firefly Ignite: a programme of free online sessions for new and aspiring writers from underrepresented backgrounds. These sessions are open to writers born, raised and/or living in Wales, and aim to demystify children’s publishing.

You can find out more about the sessions below.

Firefly Ignite: Shining a Light on…

  • Agents – with literary agent Anwen Hooson – Tuesday 23rd May at 7pm
  • Editors – with Firefly editors Penny Thomas, Rebecca F. John and Rebecca Lloyd – Monday 5th June 7pm
  • Authors – with authors Yvonne Banham, Claire Fayers, Luke Palmer and Alex Wharton – Monday 19th June 7pm

These sessions are perfect for those who want to write for children, teens and young adults but don’t know where to start, or what to do next. Each session will provide an introduction and insight into a different stage of publishing and share some top tips for aspiring authors. There will also be an opportunity to put your own questions to any of our guest speakers.

The Firefly Ignite programme is eligible to writers who are currently underrepresented in children’s publishing. This includes (but is not limited to) LGBTQ+ writers, writers of colour, writers from working-class backgrounds, neurodiverse writers, writers from ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, and writers with a disability/ illness. We ask that you self-identify and do not ask that you prove your eligibility.

All events are free and will be held on Zoom. The sessions will be in English, but we welcome both Welsh and English language writers to join. Unfortunately, as Firefly does not publish picture books, we will not be discussing books for this age group.

If you would like to attend, you can register free here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/firefly-ignite-shining-a-light-on-childrens-publishing-tickets-626057935137

This opportunity has been made possible through support and funding from Creative Wales and the Books Council of Wales.

Firefly are an award-winning independent children’s and YA publisher based in Wales, publishing quality fiction in all genres for 5-19 years olds.

If you have any questions about the programme or eligibility, feel free to email lucy.mohan@fireflypress.co.uk

Lucy Mohan joins award-winning indie team at Firefly

Lucy Mohan joins award-winning indie team at Firefly

Lucy Mohan

Magazine editor and bookseller Lucy Mohan is to join Welsh indie Firefly Press in a new role as editorial assistant, with a remit to identify and work with new and diverse audiences.

The appointment marks a continued expansion to the Firefly editorial team following the appointment of senior editor Rebecca F. John last month, and increased hours for staff across the company.

The part-time role is funded by the Books Council of Wales and represents a significant opportunity for the children’s press which celebrates its tenth anniversary next year, said Publisher Penny Thomas.

‘Lucy clearly has a real love of children’s and YA books, and experience working with young people in creative writing,’ said Thomas. ‘With a small, busy team at Firefly her appointment will give us bandwidth to look at who we are publishing for and ensuring we are doing everything we can to reach new readers, particularly from underrepresented communities in Wales and across the UK. We’re really grateful to the Books Council of Wales for funding this innovative role.’

Lucy Mohan says: ‘I’ve been a fan of Firefly for a long time and I’m absolutely honoured and thrilled to be joining the team. Children’s and YA books are a huge passion of mine and so I cannot wait to help bring new books to life and share them with readers.’

The Books Council of Wales says: ‘We are very pleased to be able to fund this opportunity that continues the work of ensuring diversity, inclusion, and equity in the publishing landscape of Wales.’

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