Themes of love and relationships dominate BBC Young Writers’ Award

Stories exploring love and intimacy by writers in the North of England dominate the BBC Young Writers’ Award shortlist.

Now in its eighth year, the award, run with the University of Cambridge, is open to all writers between the ages of 14 and 18 and was created to discover and inspire the next generation of writers. It is a cross-network collaboration between BBC Radio 4 and Radio 1.

The five contenders for the annual prize were announced on live on BBC Radio 1’s “Life Hacks” on 25th September. The shortlist includes a gothic vampire tale, a gender-defying wartime story, a subversive portrayal of a first kiss, a contemporary ghost story and a modern account of love and intimacy.

Katie Thistleton, chair of the judging panel, said: “What a year of exceptional entries. It has been an absolute privilege to read so many bold, and yet quietly intimate, stories of such astonishing quality. Relationships seem to be a real focus for our shortlisted writers this year, and yet each has found a totally unique and original – sometimes subversive – way to explore the subject, whether drawing on lived experience, or subjects they are passionate about. 

“I’m in awe, and I know my fellow judges feel the same. Each and every writer on this list has a brilliant writing future ahead of them and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

Thistleton is joined on the judging panel by author and co-founder of Black Girls’ Book Club, Melissa Cummings-Quarry, poet Nikita Gill, YouTuber and digital creator Joel Rochester, and Irish novelist and podcaster Caroline O’Donoghue.

“These stories are tales so rich in imagery, lyrical words and with such unique plots! I feel honoured to have read through these truly exceptional stories and would like to commend all the writers for the way they have handled even the most difficult subject matter with nuance and great care,” Gill added. “The quality of this year’s entries is beyond brilliant and I look forward to seeing these writers continue to thrive in their excellent work.”

The five shortlisted stories, each under 1,000 words, will be broadcast on BBC Radio 1. The stories will also be available to read on the BBC Radio 1 website. The winner will be announced live from the award ceremony at BBC Broadcasting House on Radio 4’s “Front Row” on 4th October.

Dr Bonnie Lander Johnson, fellow, lecturer and director of studies at the University of Cambridge, said: “The BBC Young Writers’ Award with the University of Cambridge continues to highlight brilliant prose from emerging writers. Urgently relevant, thoughtful and funny, these pieces will surprise and entertain. 

“A changing world needs stories more than ever: we encourage all budding writers, regardless of their background, to share with us their vision of the world we all live in. We encourage all readers, regardless of their age, to sit down and enjoy the craft of these young people.”

The shortlist in full:

“Dandelions” by Nabiha Ali, 16, from Lancashire

“Little Acorns” by Elena Barham, 19, from Sheffield

“Bite” by Emily Betts, 17, from Northamptonshire

“Peach” by Eshana Dasanjh, 18, from Leeds

“The Poltergeist” by Dora Fidler, 17, from Barnet