Sarah Butler | Open University

I have been working as a CHASE funded student since October 2015, studying for a PhD in creative writing. CHASE funding has allowed me to focus solely on my novel and associated research, which, after over a decade of freelance working and having to fight for time and space to write, is a real gift. I have attended the Encounters conference and a CHASE Material Witness workshop, both of which gave me new and welcome insights into my research, and developed my networks with other CHASE students across the consortium. CHASE funding gives me the opportunity to breathe, to take my time, to follow leads and try new things