Fantastic New Prize for the Aesthetica Creative Works Competition: Writing Course with Arvon Foundation

I am delighted to announce that Arvon Foundation is getting involved with the Aesthetica Creative Works Competition.

Arvon writing courses were established 40 years ago by the writers John Fairfax and John Moat (inner circle of poet laureate Ted Hughes), Aesthetica editor Cherie Federico has this to say, “Arvon courses are so well respected throughout the creative writing and publishing industries. Time spent with Arvon is an invaluable investment in your writing career, this prize is a fantastic opportunity for our winner to develop their talents even further.”

For anyone serious about improving their writing, an Arvon residential writing course provides four and a half days to live and work in an inspiring coutryside location. The Arvon writing houses are situated at various picturesque locations across the country, each led by two expert published writers.

A day at Arvon involves a morning workshop led by one of the resident experts, free writing time in the afternoon, with readings and social events in the evenings. This is an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, share stories and draw inspiration from new ideas and experiences.

Finalist in the 2008/9 Aesthetica Creative Works Competition with impressive short story Sidetrack, Aesthetica favourite Hana Sklenkova told our competition manager Pauline Bache how much she valued her time with Arvon: “I attended two courses, one back in 2005 at Moniac Mhor in Scotland, and again in 2007 at Ted Hughes' centre in Hebden Bridge. I had an amazing time, both times. It was great to be somewhere where writing matters, in such beautiful surroundings, cut-off from the hassle of the outside world, and to be able to focus on my work and have the chance to share it with both the tutors and other writers who took part. Their feedback, experience and encouragement were invaluable and I learned a lot in those five days. Stimulating and definitely worth it.”

Find out what other past students have to say.

The Aesthetica Creative Works 2009/10 competition is still open for entries until 31 August. With three categories, poetry, short fiction and artwork, for a chance to win this invaluable experience, take a look at our competition page for further details on how to enter and the other fantastic prizes – including £500 for first place in each category.

I’m afraid the hard copy of the 2008/9 annual has all sold out, but if you wanted to take a look at last years winners, the digital annual is still available in our shop.

Final note - for handy writing tips and hints, check out the Arvon Blog.

Best of luck to everyone!