Writing NSW is delighted to announce that Coffs Harbour writer Robyn Pryor is the recipient of the 2025 Curlew Regional Grant, supported by Brittany Riley. This $1,000 grant supports a regional NSW writer to grow, connect, and create by enabling them to participate in a one-day Writing NSW workshop of their choice, with additional support for travel, accommodation, and a week-long opportunity to use our peaceful writing room at Callan Park.

Pryor, who is currently working on her crime fiction novel To The Marrow, will attend the Writing Thrillers: How to Hook Your Reader workshop with acclaimed author Petronella McGovern. Having completed four drafts of her manuscript, Robyn’s current focus is polishing her work until it “sparkles” and preparing it for submission to agents and publishers. Based in Coffs Harbour, Robyn has so far relied on online learning due to the prohibitive cost of travel, making this in-person opportunity particularly valuable.

Drawing on her background as a psychologist, hypnotherapist, and leukaemia survivor, Robyn brings deep insight into the human condition to her writing, exploring “why good people sometimes do bad things.” She workshops regularly with two online writers’ groups, but looks forward to the rare opportunity to connect face-to-face with fellow crime writers. “This workshop will give me the invaluable chance to be in the same room as Petronella McGovern and learn from her wisdom and experience,” Pyror said.

Brittany Riley said: 

“I love seeing regional writers succeed, and I wanted to give back to the literary community whose belief, wisdom, and inspiration helped get my country foot in the door. Congratulations, Robyn. I can’t wait to see your debut novel!” 

For enquiries, please contact:

• Anna Creamer, Writing NSW: acreamer@writingnsw.org.au