Once Upon a Time… your writing could win a prize

Edge Hill University has teamed up with partners to launch the Once Upon a Time creative writing competition.

West Lancashire Borough Council's arts development service, Lancashire Writing Hub and Lancashire County Council are working with the University on this new initiative for writers.

Don't know where to start? Then book a place at the free workshops taking place at Ormskirk and Skelmersdale libraries. All work must be original, you can write a modern fairy tale or submit a winter poem.  The deadline for submissions is 8th January 2011.

In each section there are two categories, under 16 and over 16s. Prizes include professional illustration of your work, a £250 prize and promotion of your work.

The works submitted will be judged by Professor Robert Sheppard, professor of poetry and poetics at Edge Hill University, Helen Juste, arts development manager at West Lancashire Borough Council and Ruth Heritage, director of the Lancashire Writing Hub.

Professor Robert Sheppard, who is also the University's Programme Leader of MA Creative Writing, said: "This competition is impressive because it includes both poetry and prose. It's good to be working closely with a cultural institution in Ormskirk as this cements an important partnership for writers and artists at the University."

Councillor Andrew Fowler, Portfolio Holder for Community Services and Health, added: "This event provides a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to improve their writing and provides budding poets and authors with the chance to show off their skills.  Not only will they have the chance to win a great prize, those short-listed will also be available to read in participating venues. They will also be published on all participating organisation websites. If you've got a story or poem to share, then why not enter?"

The arts development service is hosting short story and poetry workshops at local libraries. Places will be limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Skelmersdale Library is hosting a workshop on 27^th November in short story writing and Ormskirk Library a poetry workshop on 4^th December.  Sessions run from 1.30 to 3.30pm and a £5 refundable deposit is required to book.

For more information about entering the competition, or to book a place on a workshop, visit www.chapelgallery.org.uk or call 01695 571328.  All short listed entries will go on display in the Chapel Gallery café alongside the Type/Script exhibition in January.

Winners will be invited to a presentation event and winning entries will be published on Chapel Gallery's website and read aloud.