Case Study: Rachel Dawson’s Transformative Journey with Literature Wales
In 2012, Rachel Dawson was a budding poet who enjoyed writing and performing poetry. Twelve years later, she’s working on her second novel having found great success with her debut, Neon Roses (John Murray), which has been shortlisted for the Polari Prize, the Betty Trask Prize and the Wales Book of the Year Award. This case study explores how Literature Wales has contributed to Rachel’s writer journey, from initial engagement to becoming a mentor.
Involvement with Literature Wales
Rachel first encountered Literature Wales through Christina Thatcher when she joined Roath
Writers. Initially focused on poetry and spoken word performances, Rachel’s creative journey took a turn due to a toxic job that led to a hiatus from writing. After leaving the job for mental health reasons, she turned to writing once more, now focusing on prose for the first time. Encouraged by Christina, she applied for a New Writers’ Bursary from Literature Wales, a pivotal moment that reignited her passion for writing.
“At the time I was working full time in a new job and could never have imagined a future for myself as a writer.”
The New Writers’ Bursary was Representing Wales’ predecessor, offering emerging writers a financial award, one-to-one mentoring, and a bespoke course at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre. The financial support allowed Rachel to take a break from paid employment and focus on completing her novel, Neon Roses.
“Having a break from paid work gave me the time and clarity I needed to refine Eluned as a character and give Neon Roses its voice”
Rachel’s mentor was Rebecca F. John, and the Tŷ Newydd Course she attended was led by Katherine Stansfield. The mentoring from Rebecca and workshops with Katherine had a profound impact on Rachel’s development. Katherine’s sessions on character, voice, and point of view were particularly influential, and Rachel has since incorporated these lessons into her own teaching. Rebecca’s comprehensive feedback, from line-level edits to structural advice, was invaluable and ensured her rewrites were effective. She also provided guidance on navigating the publishing industry, especially on approaching agents and publishers, marketing, and positioning oneself in the industry.
“Rebecca was very generous with her time and gave me a huge range of feedback. She gave me a lot of very realistic, no-nonsense advice about the publishing industry, and I believe that this was instrumental in my securing representation relatively quickly.”
Being endorsed by Literature Wales was crucial when seeking an agent. Her involvement in competitive schemes and mentoring by Rebecca F. John added credibility. Neon Roses was published by John Murray Press in 2023, and Rachel credits Literature Wales’ support in its acknowledgements. The novel has been shortlisted for the Polari Prize, the Betty Trask Prize and Wales Book of the Year, which she says was an exciting milestone.
In 2024, Rachel was selected for Hay Festival Writers at Work. The opportunity was overwhelming and enriching, “a unique, once in a lifetime sort of thing!”. The program helped Rachel conceptualize her second novel, which is currently in development and explores queer parenthood and a love for history.
Something Rachel has found most valuable from her involvement with Literature Wales is the relationships she has formed and the networks it has provided. She has wonderful, cherished friendships with writers she spent time with at Tŷ Newydd and Hay Festival, and has maintained enriching connections with like-minded individuals as well as useful professional connections, fostering a supportive network.
More recently, Rachel has seen herself transform into a “working writer”. She utilizes Literature Wales’ website to improve her visibility, having a profile on the Writers of Wales Directory and listing events on out What’s On page. Rachel is taking part in readings and seminars, and is being offered paid opportunities to work as a writer outside of her involvement with Literature Wales.
“Even though I still have a paid job that isn’t writing, being involved with Literature Wales makes me feel that I am truly a working writer, and part of the writing landscape of Wales.”
Rachel is currently a Representing Wales mentor, requested as first choice by a member of the cohort. In 2025, she will be debut as guest reader during a course at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre. She hopes to develop this work, aspiring to work as a tutor and mentor, transferring what she’s learnt along the way to others.
“I am so happy to be a Representing Wales mentor. After receiving such good mentoring it feels like I’ve come full circle in my Literature Wales journey. I feel very lucky to be a mentor and to be trusted with my mentee’s work. It’s such a privilege!”
Conclusion
Rachel’s journey with Literature Wales highlights the transformative power of support and mentorship in the literary world. From reigniting a passion for writing to achieving professional milestones, we are proud to have played a role in supporting Rachel to shape her writing career and fostering a vibrant literary community.