Novelist joins university support team

STUDENTS at the University of Dundee will now be able to enhance their writing skills with the help of an award-winning novelist and short story writer.

Meaghan Delahunt, who has been appointed Royal Literary Fellow for 201718, will join existing Royal Literary Fellow and author Joan Lennon providing academic writing support through the university’s centre for the enhancement of academic skills, teaching, learning and employability (Castle).

The fellowship scheme was conceived by the Royal Literary Fund to place professional writers in higher education institutions to offer writing support to all students. The principal aim of each fellow’s work is to foster good writing practice across all disciplines.

Meaghan, author of “To the Island”, “The Red Book” and “In the Blue House” has taught creative writing in universities and for the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice. Her work has been widely translated and her stories broadcast on BBC Radio 4. Originally from Melbourne, she now lives in Edinburgh and is working on her fourth novel and a piece of non-fiction.

“I’m delighted and excited to take up this opportunity,” she said. “I have often visited the University of Dundee as there is such a vibrant creative writing programme here.

“I very much look forward to being part of the university and supporting students during my fellowship.”

Since 2004 Dundee University has hosted 12 fellows, including John Keay, Gordon Meade, Jonathan Falla, Bashabi Fraser, Chris Arthur and Cynthia Rogerson. Continuing fellow Joan Lennon is an acclaimed author of books for children and young adults.

“Silver Skin” was shortlisted for Scottish Teen Book of the Year 2017 and her new book “Walking Mountain” will be published by Birlinn on June 15.