Free workshops at Durham's Clayport Library

by John Dean

YOUNG authors are being given the chance to learn the art of short story writing at a North-East library.

Durham County Council's Clayport Library, in Millennium Place, Durham, is to stage two free workshops as part of its support for Orange New Voices, the national short story competition run through The Northern Echo.

The first event, for teenage writers, will take place between 4pm and 5pm on Thursday, March 30.
The second, an Easter holiday workshop for writers aged 11 to 12, takes place between 2pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday, April 12.

Darlington writer John Dean will offer advice at both sessions, and places should be reserved by calling Carol Attewell at Clayport Library on 0191-386 4003.

The competition, which has three categories, is sponsored by telecommunications company Orange and backed by Darlington Arts Centre.

First prize in the adult category is £600 with second and third prizes of £250 and £150.

Stories in the junior category for 11 to 16-year-olds must be no more than 2,000 words. The winner will receive £300 with prizes of £150 and £100 for second and third place, as well as book tokens from Darlington bookstore Ottakar's.

A new category this year is for writers aged 16 or over to produce a story of no more than 2,000 words for children aged eight and under. First prize is £600, with second and third prizes of £250 and £150.

The closing date is May 31. Full details of rules and conditions are available on The Northern Echo website at www.theshortstory.co.uk or by sending a stamped, addressed envelope to John Dean, c/o The Northern Echo Newsdesk, PO Box 14, Darlington, County Durham DL1 1NF.

20/03/2006