The Magic and Music of Writing

Chris Evans generally delights me first thing in the morning (sorry Terry, but it's true, he's a GEM of a replacement!) but last week I found myself BEYOND delighted as he announced the 500 Words Short Story Competition for children aged 13 and under.

It's such a FAB-U-LOUS idea and because I can't enter myself (not even if I had, as a friend cheekily suggested, a "bit of a fringe trim") I've signed up to be one of the Readers - not Judges, they're WAY more important than I could ever hope to be and include royalty such as Dame Jacqueline Wilson, foxy David Walliams and Man Booker Prizewinning Author Howard Jacobson (video clip).

And after hearing Howard Jacobson's words of encouragement on the Chris's show during the announcements,  I just HAD to post this video. This is clearly a man totally in love with writing and his enthusiasm for story-telling is so infectious I've been re-running it and feeling the excitement fizzing through my veins.

What an ambassador for the art!

Strictly Writing Award!

Well folks, the suspense is finally over and we at Strictly Writing are very proud to announce the first Strictly Writing Award!
The competition is open to anyone with a story to tell, funny, sad, serious or light-hearted - come one, come all!  And with a cash prize of £300 and no entry fee, it's just about the best thing the Easter Bunny could bring!
The limit is 2000 words and to be in with a chance of winning, go to the Strictly Writing site and read all the rules and stuff.
It's exciting!