Young writers and story-tellers in Merseyside will have an opportunity to make a name for themselves this year, with the launch of the Athenaeum literary competition.
The event, which is now in its 11th year, has attracted thousands of entries since its inception. It is supported by The Liverpool Post, Radio Merseyside, the Liverpool and Merseyside branch of the English Speaking Union and Liverpool City Council.
The competition is open to people aged between 16 and 19. Writers must produce a 1,000-1,200 word article on a subject of their own choice, and can be in short-story, poem, essay or travel piece format.
The articles will be judged by a panel which include Frank Moran, the founder of the competition, and other judges include Ian Cubbin of the Athenaeum, Liverpool Post columnist David Charters and Radio Merseyside’s Roger Phillips.
Moran, a former president of the Athenaeum, said: “It is always a delight to read the work of talented young people who have so much to offer society. I am confident that this will be the best year in a competition now established as the leader in our region.”
The initial judging process will see a shortlist of people selected, and then these finalists will be given a topic for a further article to be submitted by January 16.
The winner will receive £1,000, with other prizes including a year’s designation as the Writer in Residence at the Athenaeum, plus publication of his/her entry in the Liverpool Post.
People wishing to enter the competition can find entry forms at the Athenaeum, Church Alley, Liverpool L1 3DD. Telephone: 0151 709 7770.