During the opening of the Explore the North festival, De Aanzet, a new talent network for emerging writers from Drenthe, Groningen, and Friesland, was launched. The first four authors who will receive a year of guidance and advice have been announced.
Lieke van den Krommenacker, Liene Schipper, Hannes Schievink, and Laura Mijnders were selected from over one hundred applicants. These writers will receive personal guidance, workshops, and opportunities to showcase their work at festivals in 2026, on the way to writing their first book. In addition, each writer will receive a contribution of €12,500 to help them realize their plans.
De Aanzet was established by We the North, NOORDWOORD, Explore the North, and the Stichting Literaire Activiteiten in Drenthe (Foundation for Literary Activities in Drenthe). It helps writers improve their writing and market their work effectively.
