But that’s not all…We were also very excited to announce the Inspire Me Scholarship.

One place on our May event was reserved for a very special writer, someone who was serious about developing their writing and committed to chasing their writing dreams, but who might not have been able to attend an event like this under normal circumstances.

And here’s the best bit: that place had been paid for in full by an Irish author who wished to remain anonymous. Here at The Inspiration Project HQ, we were so touched by this author’s generosity that we decided to add €100 for the scholarship recipient to use to get to Seafield and to help cover any additional expenses while they were there.

We asked applicants to submit up to 300 words telling us why they should get the scholarship. There were no rules, other than the applicant had to be over 18 and get their submission in by the deadline. We then faced a very difficult decision. We could have easily awarded a dozen Inspire Me Scholarships, the standard of applications was so high. But we all agreed that there was one in particular that truly stood out.

Congratulations to Carrie Nelson, the very first recipient of our Inspire Me Scholarship!

Carrie will now receive:

• A place on the Inspiration Project, 25-27 May 2024. That’s 2 nights B&B in a luxury room at the Seafield Resort & Spa, Ballymoney, Gorey, Co. Wexford, a welcome drinks reception, one evening meal plus full use of Seafield’s award-winning Oceo Spa, as well as a full day of our ‘Inspiration Shots’ coaching sessions, one-on-one mentoring and time and space to write throughout the weekend. The Inspiration Project doesn’t end when you leave, as you’ll also get post-event inspiration top-ups and the opportunity to showcase your work on our website. (Value €449.) For more information see About the Project, About Us and our FAQs page.
• An additional €100 towards expenses. As The Inspiration Project founders, we were so touched at this anonymous author’s incredible generosity we want to help towards additional expenses, such as travel, or meals outside those included in the event fee.

Carrie says:

‘Being awarded the inaugural Inspire Me Scholarship has given me a huge shot of confidence! I am so excited to take part and meet Hazel, Carmel and Catherine to thank them in person for picking me for this wonderful opportunity.

The event is going to give me the peace and time to check out from life and get on with the task of (finally!) finishing my book.

I believe that there is room out there for all voices. It is through incredibly generous initiatives like the Inspire Me Scholarship that we will start to see stories which reflect real life and real people, and the real challenges that they face.’

Carrie, we truly cannot wait to see you in Seafield and help you to dream, dare, do - thank you for applying! And thanks once again to our anonymous sponsor - you have done a truly great thing.

If you would like to book a place at our May event, CLICK HERE. To find out more about The Inspiration Project, take a look around.

We hope to be able to award more scholarships in the future, so make sure you’re signed up to The Inspiration List and you’ll be among the first to hear about them.