The Val Wood Prize has become a staple on the International writing competition circuit since it began in 2014, awarding cash prizes to budding writers along with website publication of their stories.
Entrants have been challenged to address different themes over the years, such as women’s rights, history and the city of Hull but this year, the competition is challenging writers to get romantic and create a story in the form of a love letter.
As the competition now enters its fifth year, the award-winning author Val Wood is celebrating by presenting ten full sets of her novels to Hull libraries.
Hull Central Library plays a crucial role in the delivery of the competition and judging the entries which come from around the world. Throughout her 25 years as a published author, Val has worked tirelessly to promote the benefits of library services and with BBC Radio 4 naming her as one of the most borrowed authors in the UK, it seemed fitting to present libraries in the region with more stock to loan their readers.
Beverley based author, Val says: “My publisher, Transworld donated a number of my books to libraries to mark the 25th Anniversary of my first novel. It seemed fitting for me to present them to Hull Libraries as they have been so supportive throughout my career and in the last five years, the staff at Hull Central Library have been integral to the huge success of The Val Wood Prize, which continues to grow year upon year.”
Val has sold over 1.5 million books in the UK and releases a new novel every year, many of which top the bestseller chart but her career began when she won the inaugural atherine Cookson Prize with The Hungry Tide which, was published by Transworld the following year. She says:
“Although I had spent most of my life with stories in my head, publishing was different, something rather scary and humbling too. Twenty-five wonderful years later I am still bemused by my good fortune, gratified that my imagination continues to soar and that my career has presented me with so many wonderful opportunities. The Val Wood Prize is a way to encourage other people at the beginning of their writing journey and rewarding exceptional creative talent.”
The Val Wood Prize: ‘Love Letters’ is open for entries now until 21 September. Full details of entry can be found on Val Wood’s website valeriewood.co.uk
