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Royal Literary Fund

@royalliteraryfund.bsky.social
71 followers 2 following 140 posts

Supporting Writers Since 1790. The Royal Literary Fund (RLF) helps writers in financial need and annually delivers over £5 million in grants, education, community, and workplace programmes.

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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"As a poet from a working-class background, I’ve found you’re either apologising for what you’re doing, or waiting for permission. You shouldn’t do either." For National Poetry Day, RLF beneficiary Matt Abbott reflected on finding his place as a working-class poet: bit.ly/4hqlGDC
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
🎧 RLF's Collected: The Podcast 🎙 For #InternationalTranslationDay, Belarusian poet and translator Hanna Komar discusses the joys and sensitivities of bringing poetry into English, and the challenges of writing in the face of authoritarianism. Listen here: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“Believe in the stories that call out to you and write them even when you think nobody else will be interested.” Taran N. Khan, journalist and author of Shadow City: A Woman Walks Kabul, shares her book recommendations and the best writing advice she’s ever received: bit.ly/4rDADFx
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
“Adaptation is not a matter of transferring a work intact from one medium to another. It is a process of redistributing meaning.” For the film adaptation of Anita Desai’s novel In Custody, Shahrukh Husain translated it into Urdu. She reflects on her experience of the process: bit.ly/4yUHTzj
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Anita Desai's In Custody – on screen, and in translation
Screenwriter Shahrukh Husain on adapting Anita Desai's 1984 Booker-nominated novel In Custody, about an Urdu poet.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Financial difficulties can affect professional writers at any stage of their career. Our hardship grants provide financial support, from short-term to long-term, to writers facing a range of circumstances. Find out what support you may be eligible for here: bit.ly/3UDOcFL
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The one-woman play Man to Man, starring Tilda Swinton, opened this month at the Royal Court Theatre to widespread acclaim. We asked director Stephen Unwin to reflect on returning to the show 40 years later and the remarkable translation by RLF beneficiary Anthony Vivis: bit.ly/46AMieK
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
"Writers are artists, and artists do not need to be tortured." Award-winning writer and former RLF beneficiary @damianbarr.bsky.social shares his biggest writing influences, what he's proudest of, and what he wishes he'd been told before he became a writer: bit.ly/4xXsnT7
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🎧 RLF's Collected: The Podcast 🎙 Celebrated memoirist and novelist Cathy Rentzenbrink discusses how she exorcised the ghost of her brother from her novels by writing The Last Act of Love and why writing can be a struggle. Listen here: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
RLF Writers’ News – September 2026 ✍️ From new books to broadcasts, literary events and awards, discover the latest news from across the RLF community. Read the full roundup: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/rlf-writers-ne…
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RLF Writers’ News: September 2026
News, events, book releases, broadcast dates and theatre productions form our RLF writers in September 2026.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
“The single most distinctive quality of great literature is strangeness.” - John Gardner From embracing your unique voice to trusting your instincts, RLF writers celebrate the power of originality. Read the full article: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/seven-suggesti…
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
🎧 RLF's Collected: The Podcast 🎙 Lauren J Joseph, acclaimed author, actor and RLF Fellow, joins Ann Morgan to discuss how acting informs her writing process, and why the time after finishing a manuscript can be so difficult. Listen here: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Join one of our free Reading Round sessions at The Queen’s Reading Room Festival on 19 & 20 September, led by Katharine McMahon, Wren James @wrenjameswriter.bsky.social and Testament: bit.ly/4hQCrby Plus, get a free Festival Pass with code FESTIVALPASS26. 📸 by Fernando Manoso
A group of women of various ages sit at a Reading Round session, smiling and laughing. One of them holds a book.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Our grants are designed for writers facing hardship, at all stages of their writing lives. Visit our FAQ page to find out if they could help you: bit.ly/RLFsFAQ
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
’Don’t be easily discouraged!’ Writer SE Durrant reveals her writing day, her influences and the best literary advice she has ever received. Read the full interview here: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/my-writing-lif…
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
🎧 RLF's Collected: The Podcast 🎙 Author Val McDermid joins fellow crime writer and band mate Doug Johnstone to discuss how publishing has changed, the novel she ran away to write, and why she's having more fun with more genres than ever. Listen here: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Sameera Steward is an acclaimed screenwriter, RLF beneficiary and JB Priestley recipient, who previously took part in 2025 Dramatic Writers Roundtable, here she considers surviving, and thriving, as a screenwriter in 2026. Read here www.rlf.org.uk/posts/a-constant-sta…
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Justine Palmer, Head of Grants at the RLF, shared how the RLF supports writers through a wide range of circumstances, from major life changes to financial challenges later in life. Watch the full webinar on YouTube or find out more about our grants programme: www.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
📚 RLF Writers’ News – August 2026 From new books to broadcasts, literary events and awards, discover the latest news from across the RLF community. Read the full round up: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/rlf-writers-ne…
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
🎧 RLF's Collected: The Podcast 🎙️ Author and RLF beneficiary Davina Quinlivan joins Sonia Faleiro to discuss *Possessions*, her acclaimed imaginative memoir of growing up Anglo-Burmese in Britain. They also explore class, books and ideas of Englishness. Listen here: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
RLF Fellow Maeve Clarke reflects on her role in the Creative Team for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, and the stories behind the event. Read more: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/let-the-games-…
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
"I feel the most satisfaction when I meet readers who have been to historical locations because of reading my books." Alice Loxton reflects on writing history and the advice that has shaped her career. Read more: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/my-writing-lif…
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
"When making big life choices in your writing career, trust the still small voice of your own intuition." Sunday Times bestselling author Manni Coe reflects on writing, instinct and the routines that shape his work. Read more: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/my-writing-lif…
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
🎧 RLF's Collected: The Podcast 🎙 Daisy Buchanan joins Ann Morgan to discuss the National Year of Reading, books and anxiety, All Grown Up, and navigating social media as an author. Listen here: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Happy Birthday to our Patron, HM The Queen. We're grateful for Her Majesty's longstanding support for literature and the Royal Literary Fund, most recently joining us in Ashdown Forest to celebrate 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
📚 RLF Fellows' News – July 2026 From new books to broadcasts, literary events and awards, discover the latest news from across the RLF community. Read the full roundup: Read the full roundup: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/rlf-writers-ne…
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Reflecting on last week's celebration in Ashdown Forest with the RLF's Royal Patron, HM The Queen, marking 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh. 🍯 Joined by celebrated children's authors and illustrators, we honoured AA Milne's legacy.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
To mark the National Year of Reading and 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh, children's writer Jim Beckett reflects on AA Milne, Christopher Robin, and the enduring importance of sharing stories with children. Read more: bit.ly/4h09ute
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
RLF's Reading Round has brought adults together through shared experience of reading and poetry 📚 As part of the National Year of Reading, we're expanding the programme with groups launching in libraries, NHS settings, hospices and, for the first time, prisons. Read more: bit.ly/4f62CrE
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Today we celebrated 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh and AA Milne's legacy with the RLF's Royal Patron, HM The Queen. Joined by Sita Brahmachari, Dame Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Jane Riordan, a game of Poohsticks crowned Axel Scheffler as this year's champion! Photography: Fernando Manoso Ltd
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
🎧 New episode of *Collected: The Podcast* 🎙 To mark 100 years of *Winnie-the-Pooh*, Sally Kindberg joins Julia Copus and Jonathan Tulloch to explore the enduring legacy of AA Milne, alongside stories from Sally's wonderfully varied career. Listen now: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
📚 My Writing Life: Emma Thompson "Just sit there and do it. Don't worry about failing because you will fail often." Emma Thompson on writing, creativity and embracing failure. Read more: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/my-writing-lif… Photography ©️ Nick Haddow.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
WritersMosaic at Bradford Literary Festival 📚 This weekend, WritersMosaic presents two special events celebrating storytelling; featuring various RLF and WritersMosaic writers with live music from Rory A. Green. Find out more and book tickets: bit.ly/3Tb6Ir6 & bit.ly/4b5KvAX
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
This Pride Month, we're revisiting Straight Jacket, Matthew Todd's influential book on LGBTQ+ mental health, identity and the lasting impact of shame. Ten years on, Matthew reflects on the book's legacy and why its themes remain as relevant as ever. 📖 Read more here: bit.ly/4eCtyAu
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
📚 My Writing Life: Kerry Young ✍️ “I wish someone had told me that I showed promise as a writer.” The acclaimed author of Pao, Gloria and Show Me a Mountain reflects on perseverance, encouragement, writing routines and the advice that shaped her career. Read more: bit.ly/4uUToUW
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
On National Writing Day, we're highlighting the support available to writers. In our latest webinar, Justine Palmer (RLF) and Robyn Law (Society of Authors) discuss seeking help, supporting fellow writers, and accessing practical resources. Watch the full webinar on YouTube.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Last weekend, RLF writers Harry Man, Tahmina Ali and Bob Beagrie joined audiences at The Poetry Pharmacy in York for an evening of poetry and conversation, featuring work by fellow RLF writers Kate Worsley, Rebecca Goss and Stephanie Norgate. Next event tickets: bit.ly/4xQP4sQ
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
🎧 RLF's Collected: The Podcast 🎙 In this episode, award-winning translator, author and editor Daniel Hahn discusses his latest book on translating Shakespeare, and explores the role of translation in connecting readers with stories from around the world. Listen here: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
How does the RLF support writers? In a recent webinar, Justine Palmer, Head of Grants, explains how our grants programme supports writers through difficult personal circumstances, with confidentiality and anonymity at its core. Watch the full webinar on YouTube and find out more on our website.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
We're delighted to announce the return of RLF's Collected: The Podcast for a brand-new season! 🎙🎧 To kick off the latest series, music journalist, rock biographer and sports writer John Aizlewood shares stories from a varied writing career. Listen to the full podcast: podcast.rlf.org.uk
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
What does it really take to sustain a career as a writer today? In our most recent webinar, we explored the financial realities many writers face today ✍️ Watch the full webinar on YouTube and learn more about the grants programme on our website: www.rlf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
📚 RLF Fellows’ News – June 2026 ✍️ Publishing highlights include new work from Rebecca Colby, Maisie Chan, and Martina Evans, plus launches, readings and events across June 📖 RLF Fellows feature in a packed month of festivals, panels, and live events in the UK. 📍 Read more: bit.ly/4fsNzdE
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
📚 My Writing Life: Ming Ho ✍️ In this article, Ming Ho reflects on the realities of sustaining a creative career. From learning the “hustle” behind the craft, to writing through procrastination and finding inspiration in personal history. Read more here: www.rlf.org.uk/posts/my-wri...
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
✍️ Abigail Avis takes us behind the scenes of editing her forthcoming novel Wet Ink in part two of our four-part series. From structural edits to final proofs, she reflects on balancing deadlines, family life, and drafts alongside insights from her agent & editors. Read more: bit.ly/3PpaPi4
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Last week, we hosted Collected: Live at Middlesbrough Library: “Beating Writer’s Block”. With Harry Man, Bridget Deane and Tahmina Ali, the session explored poetry, screenwriting and creative habits that support writing. Thanks to everyone who joined us for such a lively conversation.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Last week RLF Fellow Ishy Din and beneficiary Penny Pepper – joined us at the Summer Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Penny Pepper presented a copy of her memoir, First in the World Somewhere, to our Royal Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, who was delighted to be handed her latest work in person.
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
📚 My Writing Life with Bill Bryson ✍️ As the author of 18 books including 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' –the biggest-selling popular science book of the 21st century – Bill Bryson knows a thing or two about writing and its critics. Read more: bit.ly/4eJoB9w
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
📚 RLF Fellows’ News – May 2026 ✍️ New books, prize wins, live events & Hay Festival appearances from RLF Fellows — including a Winnie-the-Pooh celebration with Emma Thompson & Paterson Joseph and WritersMosaic events. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/4nnTkLC
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
📚 My Writing Life - Jill Dawson ✍️ “Waiting to hear back. Waiting to be paid. Waiting for a book to come out…” Poet, novelist and RLF Fellow who grew up in Durham. She is the author of 12 novels including her most recent, 'Pixie'. Here, she shares her writing life and advice: bit.ly/48twL1E
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
🎧 Collected Podcasts: 🎙 Episode 506: Sara Shaarawi; Interviewer: Ann Morgan; Work featured from Nicola Baldwin and Gabriel Gbadamosi 🎙 Episode 507: Hanif Kureishi; Interviewer: Paul Dodgson; Work featured from Marianne Colbran; Sonia Faleiro; Ian Ayris Listen here: bit.ly/4rWrWGb
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Royal Literary Fund @royalliteraryfund.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
As we celebrate World Book Night and the National Year of Reading, we are sharing reflections from RLF writers on the books that stay with them. From childhood discoveries to formative reading experiences, these are the stories that have left a lasting mark. Read more: bit.ly/4bePb74
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