2016 marks the 25th birthday of the Glasgow Women’s Library and to celebrate this wonderful legacy, the library is inviting all women to submit their short stories and poems to their annual writing competition, Bold Types, using the number 25 as a theme. There are so many of us aspiring female writers out there, who may have written in secret, or felt that our subject matter wasn’t worthwhile. We love to read and write and create and express, but still fear letting our work see the light of day. Well no more! Let us face this fear and be bold. Here are five good reasons to write and submit your work to the GWL.
- This is something that is apparent the moment you walk in the door of the library – this is a place dedicated to the works and support of women. From the moment you enter to the moment you leave you are in a safe space dedicated to the written words of all women and to inspiring women to reach their goals. What better place to let your work finally be seen?
- The Library doesn’t just inspire with its collections, but offers practical help for aspiring writers. The Bold Types: Editing Mistress-Class is taking place the week before the competition deadline and offers tools and help in making your writing the best it can be.
- When your work is submitted you can rest happy knowing it will be read and considered by a fantastic group of judges – women who have been where you have been and succeeded: Anne Donovan, accomplished novelist and short story writer, whose works include Buddha Da and Being Emily and whose texts are currently part of the Scottish Literature in Scottish Schools set texts. Nadine Aisha, an activist and feminist poet whose works echo with her activism and who is the writer in residence for YWCA Scotland’s #femfest 2016. Ethyl Smith, previous competition winner and newly published author and last but not least The GWL’s Librarian Wendy Kirk. You can rest easy knowing your work is in their hands.
- By submitting your writing, you’re becoming part of something bigger. The competition is just one small way to get involved with the Library (there are many more! Come and explore them all!) It is also supported by Book Week Scotland, a celebration of the written word and those who write that takes place across the entire nation. In your own way you can add your words to the words of the nation.
- Do it for you. You know you have something to say and here is a chance to say it. You have something to give that only you can create. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
Bold Types: Scottish Women’s Creative Writing Competition Showcase takes place on Thursday the 24th November, 5.30 to 7.30 pm. Submission deadline is Thursday 10th of November. Submit by emailing your work of up to 1000 words to info@womenslibrary.org.uk with Bold Types Competition Entry in the subject line. For more information please follow this link.
