If you fancy yourself as the next JK Rowling, have a flair for writing and are bursting with creative ideas, this is the chance you’ve been waiting for. Grazia has once again teamed up with the Orange Prize for Fiction for a second year to find a star female writer. Best-selling author Rosamund Lupton (Sister and Afterwards) has written the opening paragraph of a new story. All you have to do is complete the first chapter in 800-1,000 words. It’s up to you what you write: we’re looking for imaginative, original story-telling. The winner will be announced by Grazia Editor Jane Bruton at the Orange Prize for Fiction award ceremony on 30 May – where you’ll be joined by some of the world’s best novelists, agents, publishers and editors. Plus, you’re invited to an exclusive event, 'How to get your first novel published' on 28 May at London’s Southbank Centre (www.southbankcentre.co.uk) where Rosamund will be joined by fellow best-selling author Kate Mosse, Lauren Laverne and leading literary agents and editors. You’ll hear expert advice on how to get your foot in the door of the publishing world.
THE STORY SO FAR…
Rosamund Lupton has started the story - it’s up to you to finish this chapter in 800-1,000 words.
THE JOURNEY
The swaying of the train made her hands grip around her bag as if it was anchored and could support her. Outside the window, the trees were a blur of greens and it seemed to the woman as if it were the trees not the train which were moving, hurrying away from her, putting green distance between them. She’d started the journey with clearly defined logical reasons for it, which she’d neatly stacked up like a wall. But the rocking of the train, the judder as it had speeded up, had toppled them and the truth was now visible, poking out and ugly to her. Outside the window the moving haze of green trees was replaced by the still hard edges of a grey platform. She’d arrived.
What happens next? Tell us in 1,000 words
HOW TO ENTER
Your entry must include an original 800-1,000 word ‘first chapter’ of , following on from Rosamund Lupton’s first paragraph; a brief autobiography (200 words max); a passport photograph of the entrant attached to a sheet of A4 paper; full name, address, phone number (mobile where possible), occupation and date of birth.
Read our terms and conditions here then send your entry by Tuesday 8th May to Scarlett Russell, Grazia, Endeavour House, 189 Shaftsbury Avenue, London WC2H 8JG
WHAT YOU’LL WIN
First prize is £1,000 and the publication of your story in Grazia. The winner will also attend the invite-only party at The Royal Festival Hall on 30 May where they will receive their award on stage (prize include hotel and travel). Two runners up will receive £500 each and publication of their story this very site! All three winners will receive the six shortlisted books for the Orange Prize for Fiction 2012 (see www.orangeprize.co.uk for the full list).
THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL IS:
Rosamund Lupton,
Best-selling novelist
Lauren Laverne
Broadcaster
Kate Mosse,
No 1 bestselling novelist and co-founder of the Orange Prize
Hattie Brett
Grazia Associate Editor
Scarlett Russell
Grazia Entertainment Editor
Victoria Harper
Grazia Associate Editor
CONTACT INFORMATION:
For submissions: send your entry to Scarlett Russell, Grazia, Endeavour House, 189 Shaftsbury Avenue, London WC2H 8JG
Website: http://www.graziadaily.co.uk
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