dRAFTed is an initiative offering Nigerian writers quarterly financial support, helping to stabilise daily life while they work on their craft. The Roaring Lion Newcastle is proud to have run dRAFTed since January 2026, and plans to continue supporting talented writers for the foreseeable future. This quarter’s writing talent was immense, with over 275 applicants since the start of this year, making the judging panel’s decision a genuinely difficult one. Congratulations to our four winners: Ademola Adefolami Aisha Yahkub Angel Nwamaka Okoh Paul Chibuike Emenike This is a huge achievement, and you should be incredibly proud. We would also like to say well done to everyone who entered this quarter. If you weren’t selected this round, we encourage you to apply again! The next application window for Q4 will open on 1st October 2026 and close on 31st October 2026. Find out how to apply below: https://theroaringlionnewcastle.com/blog/introducing-drafted-a-monthly-support-fund-for-nig We woul

We are pleased to announce that Milton Keynes’ Indie Book Fair will return on Saturday 26th September 2026, from 10:30am until 5pm at the Middleton Hall, as part of the MK Lit Fest 2026. The Roaring Lion Newcastle is proud to support this festival, alongside 100 other independently published authors and small presses. The MK Lit Fest, debuting in 2017, prides itself on bringing contemporary writing to the city. Additionally, the festival aspires to give a platform to emerging voices, especially to marginalised writers such as members of the LGBTQ+ community and people of colour. The MK Lit Fest values locality, offering people opportunities within the city and diversity. The Indie Book Fair will be an amazing opportunity to learn more about the work of independent publishers and authors. Attendees will get the chance to talk to authors about their craft or receive advice, hear them read from their work, and buy exceptional books from a wide range of genres (including poetry, children’s

The Roaring Lion Newcastle is holding a book giveaway for TWO lucky winners. You could either win ‘For the Condemned’ by Joseph Nnamdi or ‘Many Ways to Die’ by Chukwuemeka Famous, along with some beautiful bookmarks. Following our successful release of these two books at the end of June, we would love to offer you the chance to get your hands on a copy of one of these fantastic pieces of literature. You might see our promotion across numerous social media platforms, but make sure to head over to our Instagram account, @theroaringlionnewcastle, to enter! Here are our simple steps to enter: 1. Follow us on Instagram 2. Like the promotional Instagram post 3. Tag a friend in the comments 4. Share the post to your story If your comment has been liked by our account, you have successfully entered. Winners will then be selected randomly! A few more details to keep in mind: 1. This is UK only 2. The competition runs from 17th August-31st August 3. This will close at 11:59pm (BST) 4. One winner

We are thrilled to announce our two new books that will be with readers this summer! Written by daring, fresh voices in literature, these resonant titles will be available for pre-order in June. The first book we’re proud to present is ‘Many Ways to Die’, a collection of short stories detailing resilience and loss within marginalised communities. From Nigerian author Chukwuemeka Famous, this collection highlights human resilience, with Famous proving himself to be a resonant and evocative writer of today. These short stories reflect Famous’ African experience, guaranteed to provide an interesting and poignant read for all, with its themes of community and identity. As a winner of the Ebedi International Writers Residency, Chukwuemeka Famous brings his recognised intellect and talent to this new piece. The second title we’re proud to present is Joseph Nnamdi’s ‘For the Condemned’, a dark fantasy thriller interweaving themes of power and justice throughout. Set in the 2000s, Nnamdi asks

We are delighted to announce the inaugural fellows of the quarterly fund dedicated to supporting Nigerian writers. The selected fellows, in no particular order, are: 1. Súnmisọ́lá Olúdé 2. Chizitere Madeleine Nwaemesi 3. Korede Vough 4. Juliana Nwazodoni Programme Lead, Pamilerin Jacob commented: “dRAFTed was created to serve as a steadying hand and the selection of Fellows followed that criteria. The strength of statements, current income, as well as previously published work helped paint a portrait of those we consider most in need of that Hand. "There were applicants whose artistic vision was undeniable but could not be selected because they fared better, say, in matters of current income compared to fledglings. "There were also applicants whose vision seemed blurry, but previously published work helped clarify poverty is the culprit, not the artist. All this does is reassert that this is a programme that hands out laurels, not crowns. It is a privilege to have read through all subm

Launching 1st January 2025 The Roaring Lion Newcastle (TRLN) is proud to announce dRAFTed, a new initiative designed to support Nigerian creative writers experiencing financial hardship. dRAFTed delivers a lifeline for storytellers; fiction writers, essayists, poets, and spoken-word artists- and provides assistance to help them meet basic expenses and continue doing what they do best; creating. Our Mission dRAFTed is committed to empowering Nigerian writers by easing the financial burdens that can interrupt the creative process. Through quarterly support, the fund enables writers to remain focused on their craft and maintain stability in their daily lives. Application Process The application window opens on the 1st day of the respective quarters (January, April, July, and October) and closes on the last day of the month. Writers can apply by completing a simple online application form, which includes: 1. Personal Information Name, date of birth, contact details, and address. (A headsho