The Writers of Wales Database
Click here for the list of writers, and here for performance groups
Introduction
This is a database of Welsh and Welsh-based writers, as well as Welsh-based performance groups. The entries include biographical details and information about publications, tutoring experience and other work in the creative writing field. Fuller biographical details can sometimes be obtained directly from the writer or from their publisher. Photographs and book cover images are often carried , and in a number of cases extracts of work can be seen by clicking on links within the entry.
Where a writer has agreed to be a part of the Academi’s Writers on Tour Scheme - and to be readily available to give readings, workshops or lectures - a sub-section entitled 'Eligible Writers on Tour subjects offered' will be featured below their Writers of Wales entry. If a writer does not wish to be generally available for public events, we can nevertheless usually undertake to forward a letter or e-mail to that writer. Most writers, however reclusive, give the occasional reading or lecture even if they don’t wish to go on the road. For more information on how the Academi’s Writers on Tour scheme operates, click on the ’Funding For Events’ button in the main menu to the left.
Writers who feel they should be included in the database are welcome to contact us, and we also welcome suggestions for names who should be included - the database is constantly amended and updated. Email post@academi.org
How to Search
The Writers of Wales database can be searched through the facility to the right after clicking the ’List of Writers’ button on the left. You can search for writers in three ways - by name, by genre, or by browsing the alphabetical list. Either:
1. Type a writer’s name into the box. Click ’Submit’.
2. Select ’Poetry’, ’Prose’, ’Drama’, ’Storytelling’, ’Children’s Writer’, ’Crime’ or ’Science Fiction, Dark Fiction and Fantasy’. Click ’Submit’.
3. Click on a letter of the alphabet to see all the writers whose surnames begin with that letter.
Your search results will appear on the right hand side.
To search for performance groups simply click on the ’Performance Groups’ button on the left.
Further Detail on Genres
Writers have been allocated genres relevant to their current body of work. As such, some writers are associated with more than one genre (e.g. Dannie Abse is listed under ‘Poetry’, ‘Prose’ and ‘Drama’). You can refine your search by clicking on more than one genre. To assist you further, a limited number of popular prose genres are also listed. Please note that writers allocated to these sub-genres are also still listed under ‘Prose’ (e.g. Rhys Hughes is listed under both ‘Prose’ and ‘Science Fiction, Dark Fiction and Fantasy’).
Definitions
Genres:
Prose – Has published non-rhythmic spoken or written language (e.g. novels, travelogues, academic texts)
Poetry – Has published rhythmic spoken or written language (e.g. haiku, sonnets, ballads)
Drama – Has published prose or poetry intended for performance (e.g. scripts, adaptations)
Storytelling – Has performed prose or poetry as a narration (e.g. oral, chanting, sung)
Popular Prose Genres:
Children’s Writer – Has published prose and/or poetry intended for children (please see note below)
Science Fiction, Dark Fiction and Fantasy - (e.g. Philip Pullman)
Crime - (e.g. Edward Marston)
Please note that being listed as a ‘Children’s Writer’ simply refers to the genre of that writer’s work. It is not confirmation that the writer has been appropriately referenced to work with children. For further information, visit the Children Protection part of the Academi website or contact us directly on 02920 472266).
Academi is in the process of improving the search capability of the Writers of Wales database. As such, not all writers will be currently allocated the appropriate genres. If you are a writer and feel you have been misallocated, please contact us at post@academi.org. Similarly, if you are searching for writers and have not found a suitable match, please ask us for assistance by emailing or ringing the Academi office on 02920 472266.