Aspiring young writers from the region are being encouraged to enter a competition launched by the Council.
The Young Crime Writers’ Competition 2013 is open to anyone living in Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire or Bristol, who was 17 or under on Monday 7th January. Entries must be handed in to local libraries by Tuesday 5th March.
The maximum story length is 1,000 words and there is no minimum length. The theme of the story is crime or thriller of any kind.
The judging panel includes thriller writers C.J. Carver and Tim Weaver, who both live in Bath, and Lynne Fernquest, Editor of the Bath Chronicle which is sponsoring the competition.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This is a great opportunity for any budding young writers to seek inspiration from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s local libraries and create their own engaging masterpieces of storytelling. Last year’s competition produced some top class entries with intriguing plots, characters, motives and weapons, and I’m sure the judging panel will be in for a treat again this year as our talented youngsters get their creative juices flowing.”
The overall winner will receive a trophy, sponsored by the Bath Chronicle, and three thriller books selected by the judging panel; with book prizes for second and third too. There will also be five Highly Commended awards, all of which will receive a certificate.
Lynne Fernquest, Editor of the Bath Chronicle, said: “There are so many great storytellers in the area and this is a wonderful opportunity to unearth some top class young writers. Thrillers are always an exciting read and we feel sure that there are plenty of great stories out there waiting to be told. I for one am thoroughly looking forward to reading them.”
All eight short listed entries will be published Bath & North East Somerset Council’s website and in a book of short stories. The eight winners will also be invited to an award ceremony on Tuesday 23 April at Bath Central Library.
Posters and entry forms about the competition can be found at all local libraries in Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol. There is also a workbook guide to help budding young writers on their way – email [email protected] for a digital copy.
For more information visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/librarynewsandevents.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Libraries will also be launching a short story competition with a ghost theme (for all ages) a little later this year as part of their summer events programme.
