Selected from a competitive field of 502 eligible applications, Mark’s submission for £10,000 was one of 98 chosen. She said: “I’m so thankful to Arts Council England for granting me this award. It’s a life-changing opportunity that is going to make a world of difference to my writing practice and my story.”
Joy Francis, Words of Colour’s executive director, said: “We are incredibly pleased for and proud of Heather. She is a highly valued member of a fantastic team of talented creatives who have the space to develop their artistic aspirations. Although I cannot say much about the book’s plot, what I can say is that it is both original and thrilling. Heather is an exciting writer and definitely one to watch.”
Marks is also the winner of the 2018 Quarto Translations Diversity Award, run by the Golden Egg Academy, for her story set in both 18th century Bristol and the Caribbean.
Photo credit: Lee Townsend