An author and creative writing graduate from Keele has secured a coveted place on a writing programme with a world-famous publisher.  

Becka Spruce, who graduated from her MA in Creative Writing at Keele in January this year, is one of just 11 Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy writers selected to join Penguin’s WriteNow programme, which was set up to seek out, nurture and publish new writers from under-represented communities and backgrounds in publishing.  

WriteNow is designed to give participants the tools, information, and access needed to navigate the publishing industry and launch their career as an author, with Becka and the 10 other authors chosen from over 2,000 applicants for their exceptional writing skills and exciting pitches. 

Over the next twelve months, Becka and the other writers will receive one-to-one support to develop their manuscript from a Penguin Random House editor, as well as insight and access to the wider publishing industry through a series of workshops and networking opportunities. 

The novel Becka is now working on with Penguin, titled Elderwing, is an adult science fiction novel, in which Ellis Williams – a biologist, photographer and recovering addict – embarks on a journey of self-re-discovery amidst the dangers of deep space. 

Becka said: “I’m so excited to be part of this year’s WriteNow programme! Being chosen for the final cohort has given me the confidence to believe in my work, and to know there’s a place for stories like mine on the bookshelves.” 

As well as completing her MA at Keele, Becka also completed her undergraduate degree at Keele, studying English Literature and Creative Writing. She received awards for Best Creative Writing Portfolio and Best Student in 2023, and her writing has also previously been published in Keele’s annual creative writing anthologies, The Things We Write, between 2020-2024.