Bestselling author James Patterson has announced a new initiative to support emerging writers, offering grants of up to $50-thousand to encourage them to finish their manuscripts. "I know how hard it is to write one — and how easy it is to get frustrated and stop writing. But the world needs stories. That’s why I’ve launched a grant campaign to help writers get the time, the tools and the support they need."
On Wednesday, Patterson shared the first 12 recipients of his “Go Finish Your Book” campaign, which was created to give writers the time and space to complete their projects. The program builds on his long history of supporting literacy programs, bookstores, and librarians.
The campaign was launched in partnership with PEN America, the Authors Guild, the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and other organizations. Selected writers, chosen from hundreds of submissions, are working in genres ranging from memoirs to graphic novels. One recipient, Jungin Angie Lee, is completing a short story collection focusing on friendship, family, and disability.
Lee describes the award as a much-needed boost of confidence and motivation. Patterson says his goal is to encourage writers whose projects might otherwise be left unfinished due to life circumstances. The Go Finish Your Book program reflects Patterson’s commitment to fostering new voices and ensuring that important stories are completed and shared.
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