Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Awards

Professional writers from Cornwall, including poets, famous authors, and playwrights, are teaming up to support the next generation of writers with Young & Talented Cornwall. Throughout the year, these writers will mentor eight young and talented writers in fictional and non-fiction storytelling. Exploring dark fantasy, gothic fiction, and journalism. 

Meet the writers

Each writer has been paired with a mentor who will guide them during the year. They will also receive a £150 book voucher each, and up to £1,000 to help with specific projects or to buy necessary equipment.

Congratulations to:

• Clara Spake Urwin (16, Gunnislake) – An aspiring author mentored by Anna Wilson, a well-known children’s author and nominee for the 2023 Wainwright Nature Prize.
• Aaleyah Kiah Bate (22, St Blaise) – A writer focused on dark fantasy and gothic fiction, guided by Craig Barr Green, a writer and children’s bookseller.
• Poppy Louise Wintrip (17, Truro) – An aspiring writer and performer, learning from Mark Crees, a skilled essay writer and professional author.
• Olivia Mills (22, Gwinear) – A poet aiming for Oxford University, mentored by Ella Frears, a poet and artist with many achievements.
• Madison Vincent (19, Perranporth) – An emerging author and creative writing student, working with Patrick Gale, the artistic director of the North Cornwall Book Festival.
• Evie Luckhurst (19, St Ives) – An award-winning writer and future journalist, mentored by Katrina Naomi, a celebrated poet.
• Freya Rose Jenkins (20, Isles of Scilly) – A literature student and poet, mentored by Philip Marsden, an award-winning author and the Curator of the Creative Writing Award.
• Georgia Death (22, Newquay) – A theatre artist aiming for the Edinburgh Fringe, guided by Anna Maria Murphy, a playwright and poet known for her work with Kneehigh Theatre.

A celebration at Falmouth University

On October 17th, the award recipients received their certificates from Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, and Award Curator Philip Marsden at Falmouth University during the Falmouth Book Festival. 

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho said: “Now in its third round, the Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award has already helped 12 young writers hone their skills under the expert guidance of our distinguished mentors. Our latest recipients were chosen from a record number of applicants and have a transformative year ahead of them. They exemplify the exceptional talent so abundant in Cornwall of which I am incredibly proud.”

Philip Marsden, the award curator, mentor, and author, added, “Once again, Cornwall has produced a wonderful array of talented young writers. Reading the applications, I saw their enthusiasm and ideas shining from the page. I find it hugely exciting to think where a year’s mentoring will take them.”

Now in its third year, this program is sponsored by Falmouth University and Seasalt Cornwall, with support from Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants.

Anybody aged between 16 and 23 years with a flair for writing can apply for the Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award. For more information, head to www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org