An internationally best-selling author, screenwriter and journalist – who has also judged the Booker Prize – will judge a Guernsey short story competition.
Louise Doughty has written ten novels, including best-seller ‘Apple Tree Yard’, been nominated for prestigious writing prizes and judged writing competitions.
She’s also had several TV shows including a 4-part BBC adaptation of ‘Apple Tree Yard’, staring Emily Watson, and Canary Islands thriller ‘Crossfire’, starring Keeley Hawes.
Now, she turns her attention to Guernsey where she will judge short stories submitted to the Guernsey Literary Festival’s anthology.
Returning for a second year, the theme for this year’s anthology is ‘Small Treasures’.
Writers are being asked to consider “a lost object, a fleeting moment, a quiet act of kindness or a discovery that changes everything” in their submitted work.
Mrs Doughty said: “The theme of ‘Small Treasures’ could not be more fitting for this prize, and I’m delighted to be involved.
“My very first breaks in the business came through two competitions… they are brilliant opportunities for new writers – I’m really looking forward to reading the entries.”
Anthology
Twenty finalist stories will feature in an anthology, published by Blue Ormer, to be launched at next year’s Guernsey Literary Festival.
Writers with a connection to the Bailiwick are encouraged to interpret the theme in their own way.
Organisers are pointing to celebrations taking place in Guernsey as part of the European Year of the Normans in 2027 as possible inspiration.
Reflecting on last year’s competition, Ruth Thomason, Anthology Organiser, said: “We loved seeing how writers drew inspiration from our islands to create such original and memorable stories.
“We can’t wait to see how this year’s writers interpret the theme, and to celebrate another wonderful collection of local stories at next year’s Festival.”
Feedback groups
To support the Bailiwick’s writing talent every entry will get brief written feedback from the competition’s filter judges – authors Ben Hinshaw, Anna Stothard and Debrah Martin.
Critique groups will also be available for entrants, where writers will be able to share their work, receive feedback from peers and develop their stories before submission.
Mrs Thomason added: “The success of our first anthology exceeded all of our expectations.
“The standard of the entries was incredibly high and highlighted both the enthusiasm for creative writing and the wealth of literary talent we have across the Bailiwick.
“We’re delighted to welcome a judge of Louise’s calibre to this year’s competition, and it’s a real testament to how quickly the anthology has established itself.”
Entries for the short story competition opened on 1 August and will close on 16 November. Full details, guidelines and information on the optional critique groups can be found on the Guernsey Anthology website.
