As the countdown to Norfolk Day continues, we have teamed up with the new National Centre for Writing to run a special competition asking readers to celebrate our county with words.
'What does Norfolk mean to me?' is the theme of the writing competition which is open to people of all ages and asks entrants to pen up to 300 words. People can write about everything from the beautiful landscapes of the north Norfolk coast to the stunning ancient architecture of Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle, and they have the freedom to write in any style they choose, from poetry to a short story.
There are two categories - one for under 18s and one for adults - and the prize for the two winners is to have their work published in the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News as well as receive a National Centre for Writing goody bag and a £20 Book Hive voucher.
The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, July 20.
Chris Gribble, National Centre for Writing chief executive, said: 'The National Centre for Writing is proud to call Norwich - England's first UNESCO City of Literature - and the surrounding region its home. We are a city of stories, where some of our greatest writers and thinkers have found inspiration and space to write; including Julian of Norwich, Harriet Martineau, Thomas Browne, Ian McEwan and Kazuo Ishiguro.
'Further afield, the beautiful and varied landscapes of Norfolk have influenced work by William Wordsworth, Anna Sewell, Arthur Ransome, Arthur Conan Doyle and John Betjeman.
'As such, we want to celebrate Norfolk Day through the power of words. We hope that many talented writers and translators, who we know live and work in the area, will join us by submitting poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction that has taken inspiration from these surroundings.'
The very first Norfolk Day, which is being led by the EDP and Norwich Evening News in partnership with BBC Radio Norfolk, is planned to be a great celebration of our county and will take place on Friday, July 27.
The writing competition is open to anybody living in the east of England and people should submit their entries by emailing info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk with the subject heading 'Norfolk Day competition.' Entrants should include their name, address and the category they are entering. Under 18s must include the name and email address of a parent or guardian. For more information, visit www.nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk or email info@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk
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