In a groundbreaking initiative, the Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has announced its new Scriptorium awards, aimed at supporting low-income writers and those lacking a dedicated workspace. Each year, 10 selected writers will have the opportunity to stay in a cozy cottage for up to a month, completely free of charge.
At the heart of this initiative is Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo, who shared with us the inspiration behind this project. “I bought this cottage as my retirement plan, and I thought it could serve as a writer’s retreat,” Evaristo explained. Her decision was influenced by her own journey; “For a long time, I didn’t have a permanent home. I lived a very mobile lifestyle and didn’t earn much from my writing.”
Evaristo brought this idea to the RSL, which quickly blossomed into the Scriptorium awards. “It just felt right to provide a space for people to write,” she said, emphasizing that priority will go to those facing financial hardships or without a dedicated writing nook.
The selected writers will have the cottage to themselves during their stay, with no guests allowed. “It’s a very peaceful space,” Evaristo noted, describing Ramsgate as a charming area that’s close to the sea, filled with lovely walks and beautiful beaches. The cottage itself, built around 1900, offers a serene environment, complete with a bedroom, study, living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom.
The term “scriptorium” refers to a writing room, particularly in monasteries where manuscripts were painstakingly copied. Evaristo highlighted the contrast between the U.S. and the UK regarding writing residencies. “In the UK, there aren’t as many free writing opportunities available.”
As Evaristo pointed out, while society may consider itself more egalitarian now, many talented individuals still come from less privileged backgrounds and could greatly benefit from support. “It’s vital that we create initiatives like this to help people pursue their passion and artistry,” she stressed.
The awards are intended for “professionally active” writers, yet Evaristo underscored the troubling findings from the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society. In 2022, authors’ median earnings fell to £7,000 a year, down from £12,330 in 2006. “Many essential writers may not achieve commercial success, but they play a crucial role in advancing arts and society,” she explained, noting that literature receives the least public funding compared to other art forms.
Writers interested in applying for the Scriptorium awards can do so through the RSL website next spring, where they will provide details of their published works among other relevant information. Notably, Evaristo will not be involved in the review process for applications.
Living in London, Evaristo is the author of 10 books, including the acclaimed “Girl, Woman, Other,” which won the Booker Prize in 2019. Since 2022, she has proudly served as the president of the RSL, championing efforts to support writers and their creative endeavors.
