Streetcake – Prize and Mentoring

I’m almost half way through the Robot workshops I’ve been running over half term for Sheffield Libraries and I’ve been having the best time. Honestly, it’s been exactly what writing should be: fun, bursting with colour and ideas, and a commitment from everyone to make those ideas into something others can enjoy – and that’s no small thing when you’re six years old. I can’t wait to share the results.

And I’m thrilled to announce that I’m one of the judges for Streetcake’s Experimental Writing Prize. I spend most of my waking life either encouraging people to look at things from different angles, and to express their feelings and observations in new and interesting ways, or trying my best to do that myself and I’m really looking forward to seeing the entries and mentoring the winner. And it’s not just me judging (I’m in the excellent company of Sascha Akhtar, SJ Fowler, and Ed Cottrell), and there’s not just one category, so you know what to do. Full details here.

Supported by the Arts Council England, streetcake magazine are launching an experimental writing prize for short fiction and poetry. The opening date for submissions is the 4th March 2019. Entrants need to be 18 – 26 years of age and will be in with a chance of winning the exciting first prize of mentoring from an experienced writer in their chosen genre, as well as personalised feedback and book bundles. Please visit the streetcake site for more details and entry information

February. Half Term. Sheffield. Robots.

It’s been a busy time since my operation and I’ve barely had time to catch breath – aside from trying very hard to recover (almost there!) I’ve been doing loads of good things (including losing a stone in weight!) – I’m finishing up the anthology of work for my First Story residency at Melior Academy, and I’ve been loving my other residency over at Leeds West Academy. Loads of cool Hive teachings too. Writing has been happening, editing, a lot of trains – the usual stuff. And it’s all been good.

There aren’t too many places for my half term workshops for Sheffield Library Service next week, but I’m sharing this just in case they might be able to squeeze a couple extra in. As usual, it’s going to be brilliant fun and I really can’t wait!