Wicked Young Writers 2020
The Wicked Young Writers Awards has announced that entries are open for its 10th anniversary year. Created by the producers of the musical Wicked in partnership with the National Literacy TrustUK-based organisation which has campaigned since 1993 to improve literacy standards across all age groups. Excellent research information and details of the many initiatives the charity is currently involved in. www.literacytrust.org.uk. It also has a useful page of news stories on UK literacy, which links to newsletter http://www.readitswapit.co.uk/TheLibrary.aspx, the annual national writing competition is for 5 to 25-year-olds, and is intended "to reward excellence in creative writing and encourage young people to find their own voice". The awards ceremony takes place at London's Apollo Victoria Theatre, home of Wicked. The Duchess of Cornwall is awards patron.
The judging panel for 2020 is author Cressida Cowell; Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust; Nicky Cox MBE, editor in chief of First News; Michael McCabe, executive producer of Wicked; poet and mental health ambassador Hussain Manawar; writer, comedian and actor Charlie Higson; and author, illustrator and poet Laura Dockrill. The ambassador for a second year is author Dan Freedman.
Michael Morpurgo, who helped set up the awards and was one of the first judges, said: "Happy birthday Wicked Young Writer Awards! I was delighted to get involved all those years ago because I felt there was a great need for a writing award for all ages. One that wasn't prescriptive but would allow young people to write about what they felt, to find their voice with the encouragement of their parents and teachers."
Douglas said: "Over the past 10 years, young writers from across the UK have been capturing our imaginations, moving us to tears and making us laugh out loud through the Wicked Young Writer Awards. Writing can inspire children and young people's creativity and give them the freedom to explore their thoughts and feelings. Not only that, but children and young people who enjoy writing tend to go on to do better at school and lead happier lives. I can't wait to read the entries from this year's young writers as we celebrate 10 years of this incredible award."
