Here’s something for the younger writers of the Island to get involved with. After the success of the Winter Writing Comp hosted by the Wight Fair Writers Circle, there should be plenty of entrants. Ed
Hayling Island crime writer, Pauline Rowson, who has written novels set on the Isle of Wight, has teamed up with Isle of Wight Libraries to launch the search for the South’s best young crime writers in a national competition organised by the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) and sponsored by CRIMEFEST, Britain’s international crime fiction convention.
Competition entries will be judged by Pauline Rowson, author of the marine mystery series of crime novels set in the Solent area and on the Isle of Wight. The winner from the south will go forward for a national prize to be announced during National Crime Fiction Week, which starts on 13 June.
The CWA represents the interests of published crime writers, and library authorities nationwide.
The competition will appeal to writers aged up to 18 (born on or after 1 September 1992). Stories up to 1,000 words should be submitted between 10 January and 18 February through participating libraries, which include Portsmouth, Southampton, the Isle of Wight, and West Sussex.
Certificates and prizes for winners
Each shortlisted entrant will receive a certificate at an awards ceremony in April while the area winner will be awarded a certificate and a £10 book token and will go forward for the national prize, which includes a selection of signed books from the UK’s top crime authors and tickets to CRIMEFEST 2012, an annual convention which draws top crime novelists from around the world.
Pauline Rowson, who has a holiday caravan on the Island at Sandhills, says, “This is a great opportunity for young people to create their own murder mystery or thriller. Last year the stories were outstanding and I’m looking forward to reading this year’s entries.”
Entry forms are available through the Isle of Wight Libraries from 10 January.
There is also a checklist on Pauline Rowson’s Website to help budding your crime writers compose a winning story.
Image: Benson Kua under CC BY 2.0
