Winner Announced as Writing Competition Goes Global

Creative writers filled Hull Central Library on Saturday awaiting the big reveal for the Val Wood Prize 2016. Shortlisted writers for this year’s ‘Hull in 500’ competition attended the ceremony to read their stories and receive cash prizes, presented by Val Wood.

As Hull’s award-winning author, Val Wood has sold an estimated 2 million novels worldwide and continues to engage her fan base with the annual release of romantic and historical novels, set in the Nineteenth Century and based on fictional characters who live in Hull and the surrounding region. Of the competition she says:

“Judging the competition this year was been very hard as we have received entries from lots of talented, as yet, unknown writers from not just Hull, but all over the world. I do feel that the shortlisted entries really deserve recognition, the writers are extremely talented as writing short stories can be a real challenge for any writer.”

Jessica Leathley, Senior Librarian, who has supported the competition for the last three years says:
‘Hull Libraries are always delighted to support the Val Wood Prize. This year’s theme of ‘Hull in 500’ has challenged the creative talent of writers to present a Hull themed story in 500 words. The competition attracted a wealth of entries and highlights the quality and depth of local talent.”

“This competition really went global this year and we were astonished to receive entries from the USA, Nigeria, Iran and The Netherlands bringing a truly international flavour to the Prize. I would like to congratulate all the entrants on the quality of their stories and thank Val for inspiring such a diverse range of writing.’

As sponsors of the prize money, local wireless internet service provider, Quickline Communications supports Val’s creative writing competitions. The company’s Managing Director, Steve Jagger says:

“As a local firm, I feel it is very important for us to support creative initiatives, especially those promoting culture in Hull. We make a contribution to give the winners a financial reward for their efforts. Val is an inspirational lady and we are pleased to be a part of her creative writing competition.”

The winner of the competition was Lynne Emmerson with her story, The Button Box. She received £100. The runner up was Belinda Fowler with her story, Hull 3016 she was awarded £50 and two commendations of £25 were awarded to Karen Turner and Ellen Eves. The prizes were kindly donated by Quickline Communications and The James Reckitt Library Trust.
The competition will return next year. Val says “As it is City of Culture year we will be pulling out all the stops for 2017.”