In this extract from the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2022, author Ingrid Persaud describes the life-changing effect that entering competitions and prizes has had on her writing career.
When I am introduced now, people often mention that I won both the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and the BBC National Short Story Award (NSSA) for my first short story, ‘The Sweet Sop’. But I’m not a genius who opened her laptop and immediately wrote an award-worthy text.
‘The Sweet Sop’ flowed out of years spent grappling with language, with meaning, and with finding a way to express myself. I felt immensely lucky and honoured to win those two awards. But in the wake of the ceremonies and celebrations, I quickly found out just how much of an impact winning awards could have on a fledgling writing career.
Agents are the first gatekeepers in the publishing world and I, of course, didn’t have one; but on the night I won the BBCNSSA I let slip that I wasn’t yet represented.
Agents who a day before would not have read my emails, much less the unfinished novel manuscript I was working on, queued up to offer their services. Add serendipity to the mix and I signed with Zoë Waldie of RCW Literary Agency, and three years on I know I’ve chosen well. She is a fierce critic and my loyal champion. Her integrity and expertise means I can entrust the management of my writing life to her hands.
In a crowded field, prizes and awards help to give our work a platform – a fighting chance of finding the readership it deserves. I hope my zigzag path and inability to qualify as a best young thing to hit the writing scene give you hope and courage. Now, get back to your desk, open that blank page and write. The muse will come, but she’s often stuck in traffic. Meanwhile your passion awaits you.
Ingrid Persaud was born in Trinidad. Her debut novel, Love After Love, won the Costa First Novel Award 2020. She also won the BBC National Short Story Award in 2018 and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize in 2017. She read law at the LSE and was an academic before studying fine art at Goldsmiths and Central Saint Martins. Her writing has appeared in several newspapers and magazines including Granta, Prospect, Five Dials, the Guardian and National Geographic. Follow her on Twitter @IngridPersaud.
Author image: Nick Gregan
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