Cornish Writers Help Nurture the Next Generation of Talent: Young Writers Embark on Life-Changing Mentorship

Eight talented young writers from Cornwall are set to achieve their dreams thanks to the Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award, supported by renowned authors, poets, and playwrights. Now in its third round, the award, part of the Lord Lieutenant’s Fund, offers life-changing mentorship to some of Cornwall’s most promising writers.

A Year of Mentorship and Support

The Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award, sponsored by Falmouth University and Seasalt Cornwall, with backing from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants, is providing a year-long series of mentoring sessions to help these young talents refine their skills. The award also offers a £150 book voucher and access to up to £1,000 to support project development or purchase essential equipment.

This year’s recipients, aged 16 to 23, cover a wide range of genres, from dark fantasy and gothic fiction to journalism and poetry. They will be paired with professional writers who have achieved significant recognition in their fields, offering the young creatives invaluable insights into their chosen crafts.

Meet the Young Writers and Their Mentors

• Budding author, Clara Spake Urwin (age 16 from Gunnislake, is being mentored Anna Wilson, who has written over 50 books for children and was shortlisted in 2023 for the Wainwright Nature Prize.
• Aaleyah Kiah Bate (age 22 from St Blaise) is a writer of dark fantasy and gothic fiction with a passion for screenwriting and has been taken under the wing of Craig Barr Green, a writer, lecturer and children’s bookseller.
• Professional writer and essayist, Mark Crees, has been featured in various literary journals and is sharing his expert knowledge and experience with Poppy Louise Wintrip (age 17 from Truro) who dreams of making her mark on the writing and performing industry.
• Ella Frears, a poet and artist whose work has been shortlisted for major awards, is supporting Olivia Mills (age 22 from Gwinear) who has her sights on a place at Oxford University having already had her work extensively published and exhibited.
• Patrick Gale, renowned author and artistic director of the North Cornwall Book Festival, is helping Madison Vincent (age 19 from Perranporth) work towards her dreams of being an author.
• Having previously won the Rotary Short Story Competition and awarded the Gorsedh Kernow Award, Evie Luckhurst (age 19 from St Ives) is working towards a career in journalism. Evie is being mentored by Katrina Naomi, an award-winning poet who has been published in prominent literary journals.
• Literature and Creative Writing student, Freya Rose Jenkins (age 20 from the Isles of Scilly) is being mentored by Philip Marsden, Young & Talented Cornwall’s Creative Writing Award Curator and award-winning author of travel, fiction and non-fiction works.
• Previous Young Songwriter of the Year at Looe Music Festival, Georgia Death (age 22 from Newquay) has her eye on the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and plans to establish her own theatre company. She is being mentored by Anna Maria Murphy, a playwright and poet known for her work with Kneehigh Theatre and BBC Radio 4.

Celebrating Young Talent in Cornwall

The awardees were celebrated at a special event on Thursday, 17th October, at Falmouth University as part of the Falmouth Book Festival. Certificates were presented by Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, and Philip Marsden.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho remarked, “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.”

Award Curator Philip Marsden added, “Once again, Cornwall has produced a wonderful array of talented young writers. I find it hugely exciting to think where a year’s mentoring will take them.”

How to Get Involved

Young writers aged 16 to 23 who are passionate about creative writing can apply for the next round of the Young & Talented Cornwall Creative Writing Award. For more information, visit www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org or follow @YTCornwall on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

This opportunity is giving Cornwall’s vibrant literary talent the tools and guidance they need to make their creative dreams a reality.

Photo: Recipients of the Young & Talented Cornwall’s Creative Writing Award celebrate with mentors and sponsors