New Writing Ventures 2006

Veteran actor Bernard Kay, Eleanor Thom and Linda Black are the winners of New Writing Ventures 2006, announced on 25 September in a ceremony in central London. Now in its second year, New Writing Ventures Awards are a showcase for emerging writers of poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. 

Bernard Kay won the Creative Non-fiction category for his memoir Maybe a Bastard. Eleanor Thom, who is now represented by Euan Thorneycroft of A M Heath, won the Fiction section for Burns. Linda Black is the Poetry winner. They each win £5,000 and a place on the Ventures Development Programme.

Click on the names to read the work of the shortlisted writers, who win £1,000. FICTION: Carol Rifka Brunt for Mine; and  Lenya Samanis for Cherry Blossom.

CREATIVE NON-FICTION: Joanna Guthrie for Hurricane Season; and  Vinita Joseph for Gravity.

POETRY: Patrick Brandon and Mark Waldron.

For biographies and examples of work of the winners and runners-up, and to read the work of the commended writers, click here.

We are thrilled to have gained the services of some very well respected writers to form our selection panels, including Ali Smith, herself on long list for the Orange prize for her latest book, The Accidental. The three selection panels comprise: Candida Clarke, Patricia Duncker and Courttia Newland (Fiction); Michael Laskey, Esther Morgan and Roddy Lumsden (Poetry); Ali Smith, William Fiennes and Edward Platt (Creative Non-fiction).

Already a crucial date in the calendar of literary agents and publishers scouting for new talent, the awards are unique. Not only do they offer financial support, but also mentoring and professional advice to the shortlisted authors, preparing writers for future success. Each shortlisted writer receives £1,000.  All nine writers will also receive a place on the year-long New Writing Ventures Development Programme which includes individual mentoring, workshops and professional advice. The winners of the New Writing Ventures Awards 2006 were announced on Monday 25 September at an evening reception at the Great Eastern Hotel in London. The winner in each of the three categories of the New Writing Ventures Awards 2006 receives £5000.