City Lit catches up with Trudy Mensah, one of the winners of this year's Malorie Blackman Scholarship for Unheard Voices. We find out more about her writing experiences, winning the scholarship and her ambitions.
A Q&A with one of this year’s Malorie Blackman Scholars on creativity, community, and carving space for unheard voices.
City Lit is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025–26 Malorie Blackman Unheard Voices Scholarships — an initiative that champions emerging writers from underrepresented backgrounds. Among this year’s talented cohort is Savannah Prince, a writer from the South West whose lyrical voice and powerful storytelling stood out to our judges. In this Q&A, Savannah shares her journey into writing, the role it plays in her life, and what she hopes to explore through her time at City Lit.
Tell us a little bit more about yourself and your writing background?
I am a twenty-nine-year-old writer based in the South West. I started writing four years ago after struggling with chronic health issues. Initially, writing was a form of therapy, a way to make sense of myself and my thoughts. Over time, it’s become a craft I deeply respect and admire. Something I want to tend, pursue, and develop.
What role does writing play in your life, and why is it important to you?
I’ve always grown up around books. My parents made reading a priority; weekly trips to the library, summer reading challenges, and a home filled with stories. Writing has become a lifeline, a passion, a dream, and a discipline. It allows me to explore ideas, connect with others, and contribute to a wider conversation. It’s a way to empathise, reflect, and create meaning.
Who are your favourite writers and what stories have inspired you?
I’m drawn to character-led stories with lyrical, evocative prose and strong working-class voices. Some recent favourites include Saltwater by Jessica Andrews, Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and Motherhood by Sheila Heti.
What made you decide to study at City Lit?
I’ve wanted to study creative writing in a formal but accessible environment for years, but it always felt out of reach. When I found City Lit, it felt like the perfect place: quality teaching, affordable online courses, and a welcoming, championing atmosphere.
What made you decide to apply for the Malorie Blackman scholarship?
I saw the scholarship last year after the deadline had passed. When I realised, I met the criteria, I marked the date in my calendar and promised myself I’d apply this year. Opportunities like this are powerful, they acknowledge the barriers many writers face and remind us that our voices matter.
What do you hope to achieve through the scholarship scheme?
I want to experiment with form and genre. When I started writing, I jumped straight into a novel, but I skipped the playful, exploratory phase. I’d love to try poetry, short stories, and build confidence in dialogue and workshopping. Most of all, I want to develop the skills to write with intention and clarity to understand the how and why behind my creative choices.
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