OOH ALL SORTS OF THINGS!

The idea of Curae was that it could be fun, a focus, a prompt and that was reason enough. I also wanted to make sure that, for those serious about developing their writing and taking the first (or next) steps into a career in writing, we would be there to guide and encourage.

Lovely things will, I am sure, be added to this lot – some AMAZING stuff is still under discussion.

There will be a shortlist of fifteen and three overall winners. A number of entrants who are additionally under-represented in publishing will also receive a dedicated mentoring session from an experienced writer, including some of those in the judging panel – and you will also find some of last year’s stars of Curae are getting involved. Step forward Sara Emmerton, Jess Moxham, Sheena Hussain, Kerry Mead and Feline Charpentier. Brilliant writers all – and all at different stages of their writing career; helpful to see that.

Three winners – a poetry, nonfiction and fiction writer – receive:

*a £250 bursary each. This may grow if we receive more donations nearer the time

*a six month subscription for three category winner from Bookbrunch – ALL the publishing news right there

*publication in a beautiful paperback from the award-winning Renard Press, edited by Will Dady and introduction from me

*book tokens fo all

*mentoring session for a fiction winner with literary agent Jo Williamson from Antony Harwood Ltd.

*a curated second-hand book subscription each for of three winners from Tree House Bookshop.

*a non-fiction winner receives mentoring from Penny Wincer, fiction from Kit de Waal and poetry from Stu McPherson

*book coaching session with Elliot and Thompson’s director, Sarah Rigby for one writer

*beautiful hand-crafted bookmarks from Sunshine Hippo for all

*mentoring session with Clare Coombes from Liverpool Literary Agency

*mentoring session with Joe Sedgewick of TLC and Seventh Literary Agency

*a year’s worth of support from me

*two hours’ mentoring with author and playwright, Dr Louise Powell

Shortlisted writers (which obviously includes the eventual winners) receive:

*publication

*agent showcase with Watson Little’s Hannah Weatherill

*Cheshire novel online summer school course and extended course with prize curator and editor, Sara Naidine Cox

I will strive to publicise and platform your work as much as possible and there will be at least one online event where you will be able to read your work to an audience. A bookshop event may also take place, but this will be planned nearer the time in consultation with you – because of the time constraints you are likely to have.