Brit Writers’ Awards Unpublished 2010 gets the nation scribbling

An exciting competition is inspiring new writers across the UK to craft stories, poems and songs, and be in with a chance of winning £10K.

The Brit Writers’ Awards (BWA) Unpublished 2010 is offering £10,000 to the UK’s most promising new writer. This is the biggest literary prize ever offered in the UK to previously unknown writers, and aims to uncover talent in people who might never have considered writing before.

Already attracting widespread political support – and the admiration of celebrities, authors and leading lights from the publishing world – the Brit Writers’ team is engaging with people from all walks of life, while creating a high-profile stage for new writing.

Its glittering awards ceremony in March promises to throw an international spotlight on all shortlisted entrants.

Alex Salmond MSP, the First Minister of Scotland, is delighted to see people being inspired to put their thoughts, ideas and imaginings into words.

“Creative writing allows people to express themselves and voice their opinions in a constructive way, resulting in positive social change,” he said. “I was thrilled to see the diversity of writing categories – giving everyone a chance to enter the competition.”

Every week now, the BWA is receiving entries from unpublished writers of short stories, novels, poems and songs to be judged by a raft of established authors, journalists, creative-writing tutors and musicians.

There are also three categories for under-16s: poetry, short stories and songwriting. A major part of the BWA activities has been engaging with schools, aiming to nurture a love of writing in the UK’s youngest creative brains. More than 200,000 children are registered to take part – with many teachers, parents and siblings also taking up the challenge.

This year’s Mercury Music Prize winner, 26-year-old rap artist Speech Debelle, supports the BWA for giving people of all ages and backgrounds “the chance to shine”.

And she has advice for would-be writers: that’s to keep going. "Whatever you're working on, get it finished – don't give up. It's important to just get it all down," she said.

Prizes will be awarded to a finalist in each category, while the overall winner will receive £10,000. All shortlisted entrants will benefit from the attention of leading publishers, literary agents and producers at a glittering gala dinner in March 2010. 

Get scribbling! The deadline for entries is 5pm (UK time) on Friday 26th February 2010. To find out more, get inspiration and tips, and watch the fantastic BWA film created by the special-effects whiz behind the Harry Potter movies, visit www.britwriters.co.uk today.