Writer Sophie Wows at Cornish Book Festival

“I’ve always been more interested in the story itself than the words on a page.”

Sophie Wainwright is a young writer from the Isles of Scilly and one of the first to recieve a Young and Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award. As well as winning a cash prize to support her in her writing, Sophie was assigned a mentor to support her. Her mentor, Wyl Menmuir, is an award-winning author whose recent book, ‘The Draw of the Sea’ explores Cornwall, his adoptive home, drawing together beautiful writing, interviews, and setting.

Sophie and Wyl have been working together since 2023 and, this September, attended the famous North Cornwall Book Festival together. At the festival – as well as enjoying many talks, storytelling sessions, and book stands – they were interviewed by renowned author Patrick Gale. The interview took place in front of an audience of 14-18 year olds. Sophie was able to inspire even more young writers to explore the joys of writing and apply to the Young and Talented Cornwall Writing Award in the future.

Thank you to Seasalt and Falmouth University, generous sponsors of this award, and Steampship Co. who have kindly covered Sophie’s travel from Scilly to the mainland.