BUDDING creative writers in Bromsgrove and Redditch are being invited to apply for a place on a year-long support and career development scheme, organised by Writing West Midlands, the literature development agency for the region.

The free scheme, which is now in its fifth year, recruits between 10 and 15 writers annually, who could write in any medium from poetry or prose, to radio or TV scripts.

They will be provided with more than £1,000 worth of career support over the course of the year, as well as receiving advice from the staff at Writing West Midlands, and getting to meet other writers at similar points in their careers.

Martin Sketchley, a novelist who is currently involved in the scheme, said: “My participation in Room 204 has proven invaluable in making new contacts and getting my career back on track. The one-to-one sessions have been particularly important, with progress made and doors opened following the advice of Writing West Midlands' staff. I’d recommend the programme to any writer who feels they may need guidance and support regarding the next step.”

The scheme also offers participants the opportunity be introduced to agents, publishers, radio producers and project-development support.

Jonathan Davidson, chief executive of Writing West Midlands, said: “Room 204 is one of the most exciting aspects of our work. It’s an opportunity for us to directly support and influence the careers of writers in the region, many of whom we believe will go on to become significant in their areas, regionally and nationally.”

The scheme is open to writers of prose, creative non-fiction, poetry and scripts, as well as children’s fiction, and anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to apply. Submissions will be open until

Friday, February 26. For more information visit writingwestmidlands.org. Successful applicants will be informed by April.