Aspiring South Wales writers could do a lot worse than to head down to the Wales Millennium Centre next Tuesday evening. In a ceremony in the Centre’s über-stylish Bar One venue on 2 February, Academi will be announcing the winners of its 2009 Rhys Davies Short Story Competition.
Judged this year by Niall Griffiths, Stevie Davies and Jon Gower, the prize is one of the UK’s most prestigious celebrations of new literary talent. The prize is open to all previously unpublished stories in English of less than 2,500 words in length – and to all writers born or living in Wales. The winner will receive a £1,000 prize, and it’s hoped that a selection of the winning stories will be broadcast on Radio Wales and Radio 4.
The evening, which kicks off at 7:30pm with a wine and canapé reception, will also give the opportunity to take part in a debate on the short story form with Deborah Kay Davies, winner of the Wales Book of the Year 2009 competition.
Given the calibre of the award, as well as the fact that it’s hosted by Academi – the Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency and Society of Writers – it’s almost certain to be the ideal opportunity to mingle with some of the Welsh literary glitterati. Just make sure you’re wearing your “thoughtful” face.
For more information, or to book tickets, contact Academi on 029 2047 2266 or at [email protected].