Writer’s memory recognised with new award

19 February 2018

Janet Mary Budd Award will promote the work of new and unpublished writers

A late writer’s memory is being honoured with the creation of an award to promote the work of new and unpublished writers.

The Janet Mary Budd Award has been established by the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) screenwriting team to recognise the mature student’s passion for encouraging aspiring writers.

Janet, who was a part-time student on the MA Scriptwriting course from 2012 to 2014, won the Matt Greenhalgh Award, the prize for the student who wrote the best feature script.

Bill McCoid, Course Leader for MA Scriptwriting, said: “Janet was someone who wanted to encourage new talent. She was into writing of all kinds. Her period as a student at UCLan was a very happy part of her life and she flourished. We just wanted to do something that would keep her memory alive as a writer and at the same time do something which she would approve of, to encourage new fresh talent.”

The Prestonian passed away in May 2016.

The organisers are looking for writers to come forward with their entries in three categories: flash fiction (maximum of 250 words), short stories (maximum of 5,000 words) and poetry.

Submissions will be accepted until 1 April 2018. A team of writing experts will judge the submissions and the shortlisted entries will be published in the annual anthology. Three winning pieces will be selected to receive a first prize of £250, second prize of £100 and third prize of £50.

The rules of the competition and information on how to submit your work are available on https://www.facebook.com/JanetMaryBuddAward/ or by emailing wychpublishing@outlook.com