Beth Underdown, our author judge and lecturer in creative writing at Manchester University gives writers some tips to get their entries noticed. What will you be looking for in the competition line up? Somebody who really wants to tell me a story. If it’s a story unlike any I’ve read before, even better. Any advice…
We spoke to Nelle Andrews about what she’s looking for in this year’s BPA first novel award and this is what she had to say… When reading submissions, what is it that makes you want to read on? Strong narrative hook; good writing; plausible characterisation; clever opening What do you look for in that first…
After six months of reading through hundreds of entries in all genres from around the world, our judges Literary Agent of the Year Madeleine Milburn and author of The Maid’s Room Fiona Mitchell, have picked their winners. WINNER Jules Lampshire My Poor Deluded Girl – Commercial Fiction After a stranger dies falling from a bridge…
Bluepencilagency announces the First Novel Award Shortlisted authors and titles. Our 2018 judges were Literary Agent of the Year, Madeleine Milburn and author of The Maid’s Room, Fiona Mitchell. BREEDER Mandy Robotham DOLL …
Nine writers joined Sara and Emma for our Autumn retreat. We returned to beautiful Asthall Manor, childhood home of the Mitford sisters, where the sun shone and it felt more like summer than Autumn. We were wonderfully looked after by our cook Fiona Cullinane. Writers worked on their novels during the week with one on…
At this year’s Winchester Writer’s Festival we ran a one day workshop to a group of 25 writers on the tricky subject of Structure! It’s a character’s desires, fears and actions that shape story. We looked at how the protagonist’s character arc can give structure to a novel. We discussed what a central narrative is,…
Bluepencilagency announces the First Novel Award Longlist. Our 2018 judges are Literary Agent of the Year, Madeleine Milburn and author of The Maid’s Room, Fiona Mitchell. Prizes for the winner and runner up include an introduction to Madeleine as well as £1,250 in cash and an editorial report. The Award is given to unpublished writers…
Thank you to everyone who attended our workshop on structure last week at the Winchester Writers’ Festival on the importance of structure. We were joined by 24 talented and enthusiastic writers and over the course of the workshop they produced a 100-word flash fiction piece inspired by a postcard, incorporating Sara and Emma’s tips and…
We are thrilled to confirm our two guest tutors for the October retreat at Asthall Manor, Oxfordshire. Best selling authors Tessa Hadley and Claire Fuller will give afternoon talks and evening readings to writers attending our five night retreat from October 7 – 12 2018 at the childhood home of the literary Mitford sisters. Professor of…
