A NEW programme looking to celebrate creative writing and reading has launched at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) – with the help of award-winning author Derek Owusu.

Owusu – who was awarded the prestigious Desmond Elliott Prize for his debut novel That Reminds Me – will attend his first Writing and Reading for Pleasure (WRAP) event at the university on November 16.

Owusu’s work, exploring themes such as race, identity, sexuality and mental health, was picked up by #Merky Books, a publisher with releases curated by popular musician Stormzy.

It’s a great initiative and I can’t wait to get started and engage with like-minded students.

Derek Owusu

The author will lead several activities for students, including a writing masterclass and a book club specially devoted to his book. Students will get the chance to explore the important topics covered in That Reminds Me alongside the author himself, making the most of one of the 500 free copies shared by the University as part of the programme.

Workshops

WRAP is an extra-curricular project between NTU, its students, staff, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature and established authors. It will provide online writing workshops and book groups, meet ups, masterclasses and talks from readers and authors.

The programme will also provide participants with the opportunity to explore their own writing, meet new people and engage with different authors each term. It is about loving words, listening to new voices, reading for pleasure and having the freedom and confidence to speak out. WRAP student ambassadors will also be involved in its co-production.

Owusu said: “Discussing works of literature and putting them together is the passion of my life. I’m so happy to touch on both with the University. It’s a great initiative and I can’t wait to get started and engage with like-minded students.”

Inspiration

WRAP is part of Curated & Created, the University’s cultural programme, which brings enjoyment and inspiration to students, staff and the local community from a range of cultural and creative activities.

Barbara Matthews, Executive Dean for Culture at Nottingham Trent University, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Derek Owusu has agreed to be our first featured writer and that Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature is working with us to create such special opportunities; opportunities to delight in the power of creative writing and reading to bring smiles to our faces.”