Budding authors can book a place in special ebook
LIBRARIES in Derbyshire have received funding from Arts Council England to take part in BBC
Novels That Shaped Our World – a programme that celebrates the novel and reading.
As part of the project, Derbyshire County Council libraries are exploring the theme of “isolation” through a writing competition open to all residents aged 16 and over who live in the county, not including the city of Derby.
The competition opened at the start of this month, and it closes at the end of March.
Entrants must write up to 500 words. They can submit fiction, memoir or poetry, but all entries should centre on the theme of isolation.
Prizes of book tokens will be awarded to the top three entries chosen by independent judges, celebrated authors Emma Pass and Anna Stuart.
All entries will be published in a compendium ebook on the Derbyshire Libraries Borrowbox platform available for all customers to read and enjoy.
Councillor Barry Lewis, leader and cabinet member for strategic leadership, culture and tourism, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for experienced or budding writers to have their work appraised by published authors.
“Not only will the project foster local talent, but all the writers’ work will also be available to a wider audience.”
Derbyshire Libraries is also offering two free writing workshops on Zoom from the judges.
Places are limited and free tickets are available by visiting
www.eventbrite.co.uk
Anna Stuart is hosting “Getting Started – a guide to the nuts and bolts of writing” for adults on Saturday, 27 February 10am to 11.30am.
Emma Pass is hosting a Young Adult writing workshop on Saturday, 6 March 2pm to 4pm.
To find out more, visit
www.derbyshire.gov.uk/libraries
and click on get involved under library events.
The BBC Novels That Shaped
Our World programme is a series of library activities and events to celebrate the novel and the joy of reading.