DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL: We are seeking writers and poets to enter our competition

Derbyshire libraries 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, our 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 opens on 1 February 2021 and closes on 31 March 2021. 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 3 entries chosen by independent judges, celebrated authors Emma Pass and Anna Stuart.

All entries will be published in a compendium eBook on Derbyshire Libraries BorrowBox platform available for all customers to read and enjoy.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Council 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 are also offering 2 free writing workshops on Zoom from the judges.

Anna Stuart is hosting Getting started – a guide to the nuts and bolts of writing for adults on Saturday 27 February 2021 from 10am to 11.30am 

Emma Pass in hosting a young adult writing workshop on Saturday 6 March 2021 from 2pm to 4pm. 

Places are limited and must be booked.

Find out more about the BBC Novels That Shaped Our World competition.

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.