Writing a path to literary success

For many writers, literary awards can open the door to new opportunities, offering them new audiences and bringing their work to a global platform. In Suffolk, the Creative Suffolk Author Award in partnership with the University of Suffolk and The Ipswich Institute New Angle Prize, helps to do just that for writers in our region. It highlights the strength of diverse literary voices across the county and rewards the work of a writer who has made an important contribution to the literary landscap

Here, Dr Amanda Hodgkinson, Associate Dean, School of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Suffolk, and Patience Gyampeh, Associate Professor in Midwifery, who is a judge for the prize, explain how beneficial the award scheme can be.

Why would you encourage writers to enter creative writing awards?

Amanda: Entering awards can offer a range of benefits for writers at any stage of their career. Awards can serve as a mark of quality and achievement. Winning, or even being shortlisted, can raise a writer’s profile and help validate their creative work. Alongside the Creative Suffolk Author Award, which is for published writers, we also have a University-wide Student New Angle Prize writing award, which offers all our students the chance to enter their creative writing about East Anglia, and win a writing award each year.

Awards often bring increased visibility which can open doors to publication opportunities, networking; all contributing to enhancing a writer’s industry credibility.

Taking part in award schemes often connects writers with other authors, editors and industry professionals which can lead to collaborations, mentorship and further opportunities.

Entering awards not only provides a platform to showcase a writer’s talent, but also acts as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

What’s the benefit of entering prizes for writers?

Amanda: Prizes can draw attention from the reading public, from publishers, agents and the broader literary community, which can lead to further opportunities. Being shortlisted or winning an award validates work and can raise a writer’s profile within the publishing world.

Patience: Many awards offer critiques from experienced judges, providing insights that can really help a writer refine and enhance their work. Entering awards is not just about the potential for a win. It’s a valuable experience for personal growth and career advancement.

What are you most looking forward to reading when it comes to this year’s entries?

Patience: I’m excited to see a blend of innovative storytelling and authentic voices. I’m particularly looking forward to entries that push boundaries and break away from traditional forms, explore diverse perspectives that offer fresh viewpoints and culturally rich stories that mirror our multi-faceted world.

I’d like to read stories that convey deep emotion and tap into raw human experiences and provoke a strong emotional response, and those that engage the imagination through magical realism, unexpected twists or innovative plot devices. 
Overall, I anticipate a collection of entries that not only challenge and inspire, but also offer a profound glimpse into the unique worlds each writer has created.

What’s the best part of being a judge for the Creative Suffolk Author Award?

Patience: The opportunity to discover innovative voices. There’s something incredibly rewarding about delving into a diverse array of narratives. Every entry offers a unique perspective and being able to spotlight those that push boundaries not only enriches my own understanding of the craft, but also contributes to nurturing a vibrant literary community. Being a judge allows me to celebrate talent while encouraging writers to continue honing their skills and sharing their stories.

How can winning a book award elevate writers’ future careers?

Amanda: It can serve as a powerful catalyst in a writer’s career by offering several benefits including enhanced visibility from readers, publishers, agents and media, as well as credibility and validation.

Award wins often open doors to new publishing deals, speaking engagements and invitations to literary festivals or panels, further advancing a writer’s career, and create an expanded audience, increasing both sales and the writer’s long-term fan base. 

What advice would you offer writers at the start of their careers?

Amanda: I’d encourage them to make writing a regular habit, even on days when inspiration seems scarce, putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) builds discipline and refines your creative voice. I’d also say read, read, read! Writers are first and foremost readers and you should aim to read a diverse range of genres and styles to understand different narrative techniques. This can spark creativity and inspire writers to experiment with different voices and formats to help discover what feels authentic to them.

I’d always tell them to seek constructive criticism from trusted peers or mentors as it can be invaluable but stay resilient as rejections are a natural part of the journey. It’s important to be open to learning about your craft, to be open to adapt and persist; every writer faces setbacks, and they can be powerful learning moments.

By developing a regular practice, remaining open to learning and maintaining a supportive network, you’ll be well on your way to nurturing a fulfilling and sustainable writing career.

Why is it important for the University to support creative writing awards?

Amanda: University support for creative writing awards is vital. These awards help identify and nurture emerging writers in our region, providing them with the recognition and validation they need to grow. The University of Suffolk offers creative writing courses for undergraduate, MA and PhD, creating the new voices of tomorrow and supporting our cultural landscape and writing community.

With a vibrant Creative Writing and English community here, this kind of support also fosters a culture of creativity and innovation within the University, enriching both the academic environment and extracurricular life. Awards really can serve as a launching pad for writers’ careers, opening further opportunities and enhancing the institution’s reputation as a supportive space for creative expression. 

Organised by the Ipswich Institute, in partnership with the University of Suffolk, the winner of the Creative Suffolk Author Award, alongside the winner of the New Angle Prize for Writing, will be announced at an awards dinner at Hintlesham Golf Club in September.

A showcase of the shortlisted writers for the New Angle Prize will be held on 22 May at 7.00pm in the Ipswich Institute Reading Room. Tickets are available here.