We won't muck around with a rambling intro this time. Let's announce the winner of the W&A Working-Class Writers' Prize 2022!
Congratulations to...
Winner: There She Goes, My Beautiful World by Gosia Buzzanca
Our judge, Jessica Andrews, shares her thoughts on the winning story:
I was drawn to the bright, specific images in this extract; a dress printed with The Lion King, a checked thermos, the smell of warm wires. There is a sophisticated manipulation of voice and perspective and the entwined timelines are intriguing, as a way to reflect on the past and present. I feel that this project deals with important themes and has a lot of potential.
As the prize winner, Gosia will receive a £200 cash prize, mentoring sessions with Jessica Andrews, access to a number of W&A events, one year's membership to The Society of Authors, a writing guide bundle and a selection of Bloomsbury books. Congrats, Gosia!
We asked Gosia to share what winning the prize means to her:
What an honour to be chosen as a winner of Writers & Artists Working-Class Writers' Prize 2022. I would love to thank Jessica Andrews, whose work I admire, for her generous feedback and deciding on me. Thank you to the entire W&A team, especially Clare Povey, for being so thoughtful with her approach to running this prize. Thank you to my fellow short-listees, what a wonderful bunch of writers you are and what a privilege to be amongst you.
It is a huge gift to be seen, but also a relief. It’s a realisation that what you have to say, your art and your effort matters. It’s one thing to know it for ourselves, but another to see a reflection of it in the world at large. As a working-class writer this can be particularly hard to find and it is a priceless thing to know that my words resonate. I could only wish the same resonance to others who seek it.
Runners-Up
First Runner-Up
Perseverance by Lauren C. Maltas
Jessica shares why she selected Lauren's story:
This is emotionally evocative and filled with astute observations. It is an insightful, honest exploration of mother-daughter relationships and the characters feel alive.
Second Runner-Up
On The Shore by Figen N Gungor
Jessica shares her thoughts on Figen's story:
This is an engaging exploration of memory and the writing is vivid and precise. There is a strong sense of character and narrative voice and the plot is complex and well-wrought.
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A huge round of applause for our other shortlisted writers: Monica Wang, Natalie O'Keeffe, and Hannah Stevens will all receive a year's membership to the Society of Authors and a book bundle of creative writing guides.
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With this prize, we're aiming to provide feedback on all entries by the end of November. We're hugely appreciative for your patience and hope that this is something we'll be able to provide moving forward with every prize and competition.
W&A Admin
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