How a travel grant can help you as a writer

There are several opportunities for writers of every genre to apply for a writer's travel grant. The stress of making plans, chasing around for airfares and accommodation, and adding to this car hire, train travel, and day-to-day living is all taken care of. Several groups at this time of year promote grants for every subject. Whether you write, Historical fiction as I do, Romance, Science Fiction, or Murder Mysteries, there is remarkable scope to explore what is on offer.

Applications are now open for the ninth round of the Neilma Sidney Literary Travel Fund.

Named in honour of poet, novelist and short story writer Neilma Gantner (1922-2015), the travel fund recognises the unique value of travel in developing new writing and literary careers.

The travel fund is open to emerging, mid-career and established Australian writers and literary sector workers. This includes writers, editors, agents, publishers, librarians, booksellers, employees and associates of literary organisations and journals, and other professionals living in Australia.

Applicants can apply for grants between $2,000 to $10,000.

Applications close at 11:59 PM on Friday, 14 April.

Overview and impact is perhaps the most important part of the process. Here you write at least one A4 page summary of your proposed travel details (dates, duration, activities, etc.), why you are best placed to undertake the opportunity, what you hope to achieve, how the opportunity will benefit your writing practice, your career development, and/or the broader Australian literary sector, and if you are proposing international travel, why it is necessary for your work that you travel overseas at this time.

If you are reading this, open your computer and start writing. Good Luck to you. You can do it.