Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award 2026 The international writing competition is open to unrepresented and unpublished authors for a novel in any adult fiction genre. Winner: £1,500 + Agent Introduction Runner up: £500 + Agent Introduction. Closes 31st May 2026.https://bluepencilagency.com/blue-pencil-agency-annual-competitions/bpa-first-novel-award-2026/

Is the suspense of waiting for the rest of the commended list driving anyone else out of their minds? With such a flimsy deadline for the full winners list, I am beside myself with anxious anticipation and it is stressing me out. Anyone else with me on this? Or are you just shaking it off?

Does anyone else experience this? When it feels as though you're writing memories or just 'transmitting' a voice? I mainly get it when I'm writing historicals, and it's an absolutely joy. It feels so smooth and effortless. When I write comic fantasy, it feels harder, because I'm having to be conscious of so many other things.

Apparently they're reputable, so if you have got an ms for children give it a go?

A little celebration that I hope doesn’t break any rules… my novel, Perotine, was one of the top ten shortlisted in last year’s competition. It was subsequently picked up by a small publisher, and launches on Tuesday. This weekend, I’ve travelled from Jersey (home) to Gloucester to give two talks and then in the coming weeks I’ve got two appearances at home, plus a trip to the Guernsey Literary festival to discuss the book. In May, I’m also making several appearances in Wales. Exciting and very busy times! 📚 I’ve also dropped my Marlowe and C placement in several times in my promo. 😄 Good luck to everyone, this year!