Naomi and Hannah at the Northern Writers’ Awards

Hannah Hodgson from Squad 9 and Naomi Thomas from our latest Squad 10 have both been featured in this year’s Northern Writers’ Awards.

Hannah is one of the competition’s poetry winners, and said, “Winning this award has come as a huge confidence boost. I found out while very unwell in hospital, and despite everything that was going on I couldn’t stop smiling! This award is unique in that it recognises potential for a project and person, and the future of these two things.”

Meanwhile, Naomi was highly commended in the category for younger writers, saying, “This award has encouraged me to take myself seriously as a writer. The fact that other people have enjoyed my work has made me feel much more confident in exploring what I’m passionate about in my writing, and using the styles that excite me, rather than doing what I think will ‘look good’. I’m so grateful for such an incredible opportunity to have my stories recognised.”

Both Hannah and Naomi will receive ongoing support from New Writing North, connecting them with the publishing industry and future opportunities for continuing their writing.