Calling all budding Cornish creative writers!

Applications are now open for a brand-new creative writing award, giving budding young writers in Cornwall the chance to kick-start their careers and achieve their writing dreams.

The Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award sponsored by Falmouth University and Seasalt Cornwall has launched to nurture aspiring wordsmiths and help them on their way to seeing their work in print, or performed on stage or screen. It has been designed with everyone from future poets and novelists to journalists and scriptwriters in mind.

Successful applicants will be matched with an established Cornwall-based writer for invaluable mentorship, expert advice and guidance. Award recipients will also benefit from £150 worth of books and will be given the opportunity to access a further cash award of up to £1,000 each which can be used to develop a particular project or to fund much-needed equipment.

The Award is the latest initiative of Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund which since 2005 has provided grants worth more than £300,00 to Cornwall’s next generation of superstars. The Fund helps young talents who otherwise lack the means to achieve their potential across a wide range of skill areas, from sports and performing arts to music and science. With the support of Falmouth University and Seasalt Cornwall, the Creative Writing Award is specifically dedicated to the written word and Cornwall’s brightest prospects in the field.

Some of Cornwall’s most esteemed creative talents are involved in the new award, including award-winning author Philip Marsden. The Falmouth-based writer, who has come on board as award curator, comments: “Writing careers start in many different ways, and the first steps are not easy. I like to think that throughout Cornwall are lurking any number of hopeful young writers, quietly reading and writing and wondering how to get going. The award is intended to give them a helping hand, putting them together with established authors to explore how best to nurture their particular interests and talents.”

“I am much looking forward to reviewing the applications and to giving young hopefuls the opportunity to learn from some of Cornwall’s most talented writers.”

Paul Hayes, CEO of Seasalt Cornwall, adds: “Sharing our love of Cornwall in words and images is hugely important to us here at Seasalt. Our team are passionate about encouraging creativity in others, particularly the next generation – we couldn’t be more proud to support this brilliant new award and the opportunity to help young Cornish writers realise their ambitions.”

Anybody aged between 16 and 23 years with a flair for writing can apply for the Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award. Administered by Cornwall Community Foundation, applications are now open for the first round of awards.  For more information, click here.