The Athenaeum was founded in 1797 to provide a meeting place where ideas and information can be exchanged in pleasant surroundings. The heart of the Athenaeum is its famous library, one of the greatest proprietary libraries in the United Kingdom.
Now in its 21st year, the annual writing award, held by the Athenaeum, in partnership with the Liverpool Echo & Radio Merseyside, is the premier North-West writing competition for young people:
The Frank Moran Young Writers Award
Formerly known as the Athenaeum Writer in Residence Award
The Award
The Award Includes;
- Designation as Writer – In – Residence for one year
- Prize of £1,000.00
- Possible publication of the winning entry in the Liverpool Echo
- Poential of winning piece being read on Radio Merseyside
- Honorary Membership of the Athenaeum for one year including access to the Library.
- An Invitation for the winner and their parents to attend The Athenaeum Annual Dinner.
In addition to the £1,000.00 prize, The Athenaeum will donate £100.00 to the school of the winner, to be used for the School Library. The winner will be expected to attend the following years ceremony and speak about the effect the award has had.
We will expect from the winner an appropriate report on the year’s activities and rewards.
Eligibility
The award is open to all young people who will be between the ages of 16 and 19 on the 14th January 2025, the final date for the receipt of entries.
How to enter
Writers are invited to submit an example of some 1,000 – 1,200 words of original prose which can be in the form of a short story, a travel essay or something about which they feel passionate. It may be serious or amusing. What the judges are looking for is an example of their work which they are proud to have written. Entries can be submitted via our website, www.theathenaeum.org.uk. Electronic copies must be sent as PDF or Word files, written in size 12, Times New Roman font.
The Closing date for entries is 14th January 2025
The Selection Process
The judges will select finalists in January, with the chosen writers being invited to a reception at The Athenaeum at the end of January.
The finalists will be invited to write a further piece of 1000-1200 words, the subject to be announced at the finalists’ reception. Entries will be required to be submitted in February.
The winner of the Award will be announced at The Athenaeum at a reception in March 2025. The winning entry and other finalists’ entries will be announced on Radio Merseyside.
For further information contact: The Athenaeum, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD. Tel: 0151 709 7770
Email: writers@theathenaeum.org.uk.
Frank Moran Young Writers Competition 24-25
Apply online now to this year’s competition for your chance to win the £1,000.00 grand prize!