Got a book idea? Write first three pages and you could win £75,000
A new book prize has been launched for those 'overlooked by the publishing industry', with applicants needing to submit just the first three pages of a planned novel.
The winner will then be supported for a year to develop their three pages into a full-blown novel.
However, even if that full-length work reaches the peak of the English language literary fiction world and wins the Booker prize, it would only secure the author £50,000.
The Next Big Story competition has been launched by The Novelry, a creative writing school which has recruited a judging panel including Yann Martel, the former Booker Prize winner.
Louise Dean, an author and
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Pioneering Australian singer dead - as fans remember the '60s rocker as a 'great showman'
Pioneering Australian musician John Brownrigg, best known as a member of late-1960s rock outfit The Sect, died on Friday, aged in his 80s. The English-born performer rose to fame after joining the band of six young men in Queensland in the late '60s, under the name The In Sect. No cause of death was given and it is believed he was in poor health for some time. Brownrigg had previously performed in a group called The Feelgoods and developed a reputation across Queensland as the energetic co-vocalist and key musician of The Sect, who were renowned for their live shows. With encouragement from members of The Masters Apprentices, they signed to Columbia and released their debut single Lonely Road, written by Moscos, followed by St. John's Wood, penned by Doug Ford and Jim Keays. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The Sect also supported legendary Motown act The Four Tops during the American vocal group's tour of Australia before disbanding in 1970. After the band split, Brownrigg, along with Ron Walters and Paul Doo, formed a group called Star Spangled Banner in 1972. This progressive rock venture released a self-titled album and single in 1973 under Havoc Records. Brownrigg was the principal songwriter and vocalist and the band's only released album later became a highly sought-after collectable. In the years that followed, Brownrigg remained a respected figure in the Australian music community and continued to perform to packed bars and clubs across the country until shortly before his death. Fans took to social media to pay tribute following news of his passing. 'It is sad to lose John – he was a good bloke and a great singer/showman. We will all miss him. RIP,' one heartbroken fan wrote. Another added: 'Saw The Feelgoods live in Brisbane. Excellent band. I recall John singing "Hooked on a Feeling" at a Brisbane nightclub. Great singer.' Further details surrounding his passing have not been made public, including his cause of death. Throughout his career, Brownrigg's charisma and powerful vocals left an indelible mark on Australia's rock scene, earning him a loyal following that spanned generations. Even after The Sect disbanded, Brownrigg's passion for music endured, inspiring countless musicians and fans alike with his talent and dedication. His legacy lives on through the timeless music he created and the memories shared by those fortunate enough to have witnessed his electrifying performances. Brownrigg is survived by several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Washington Black cast in full as epic period drama welcomes Paradise and Lucifer stars
Washington Black is on Disney Plus and Hulu and the all-new series is based on Esi Edugyan's award-winning novel of the same name Washington Black has just landed on Disney Plus and Hulu, the historical adventure drama is inspired by a book bearing the same title. Set in Barbados and Nova Scotia during the early 1800's, Washington Black, which premiered on July 23, traces the journey of a young lad forced to flee his home on a sugar plantation following a heartbreaking death. He finds himself under the guardianship of Medwin Harris, an intriguing individual who had a distressing childhood as a Black refugee in Nova Scotia. The eight-part series was executive produced by Sterling K. Brown, who also features in the show as Medwin Harris. Here's everything you need to know about the full cast, boasting some big names as well as some promising newcomers. Who stars in Washington Black? Washington Black - Ernest Kingsley Jr George Washington 'Wash' Black is the young lad compelled to escape his home in Barbados, portrayed by Ernest Kingsley Jr. The stage and telly star recently played Kai'ckul in The Sandman, and featured in the third series of War of the Worlds. Christopher 'Titch' Wilde - Tom Ellis Titch, seen in the show's trailer, sees great potential in Wash, agreeing to let him assist with his work. He is brought to life by Tom Ellis, a 46 year old Welsh actor recognised for his roles in Miranda, Lucifer and The Flash. The father-of-four tied the knot with American screenwriter Meaghan Oppenheimer in 2019. Medwin Harris - Sterling K Brown Medwin takes Wash under his care, portrayed by Sterling K Brown. The 49 year old American actor, known for his roles in Paradise, This Is Us and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, is a father of two and married to actress Ryan Michelle Bathe. Tanna Goff - Iola Evans Tanna Goff is portrayed by Iola Evans, a British actress recognised for her roles in Choose or Die and Out of Darkness. In 2020, she made a guest appearance on the popular ITV series Vera, playing the character Phoebe Dwyer. Erasmus Wilde - Julian Rhind-Tutt Erasmus Wilde is brought to life by Julian Rhind-Tutt, a 58 year old English actor best known for his role as Dr Mac Macartney in Green Wing. He is married to Natasa Zajc, a Slovenian makeup artist and yoga instructor. Willard - Billy Boyd Willard is played by Billy Boyd, a 56 year old Scottish actor and musician, who fans will remember as Pippin Took from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. His other notable roles include Seed of Chucky and Master and Commander. Big Kit - Shaunette Renée Wilson Shaunette, a 35 year old actress hailing from Guyana, is known for her role as Dr. Mina Okafor in The Resident. James Wilde - Charles Dance Charles, a seasoned English actor aged 78, has an impressive portfolio including roles in Game of Thrones, The Crown and The Golden Child. As for the remaining cast, Gaius is portrayed by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, an American-Ugandan stage and film actor with credits in The Riches, The Lincoln Lawyer and The Chi. Billy McGee is played by Edward Bluemel, a 32 year old English actor known for his roles in A Discovery of Witches and Killing Eve. His most recent roles were in Belgravia: The Next Chapter and My Lady Jane. Miss Angie is portrayed by Sharon Duncan-Brewster, a 49 year old British actress known for her roles in Dune, Bad Girls and as Trina Johnson in EastEnders. Mr. Goff is played by Rupert Graves, a 62 year old English film, TV and theatre actor known for Sherlock and A Room with a View.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gene Simmons 'chokes up' as he remembers Ozzy Osbourne after 'tragic' death
Gene Simmons has paid tribute to his friend Ozzy Osbourne, who sadly died on Tuesday at the age of 76 Gene Simmons"choked up" as he remembered Ozzy Osbourne after his "tragic" death. The heavy metal icon passed away at the age of 76 on Tuesday (July 22), just weeks after a grand farewell concert with his Black Sabbath bandmates. His family released a statement, saying: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love." On Wednesday's (July 23) edition of BBC Breakfast, presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay reflected on Ozzy's career and legacy, before speaking to his friend, Gene Simmons, reports the Express. "Such a sad day. When you listen to that music, when we see those pictures, what are you thinking about your friend, Ozzy?" Jon asked. Speaking live from Los Angeles, the Kiss star said: "It's been such a sad day you know, it started this morning here in California with my phone ringing and the texts going off, and I thought it was just fake news. "Ozzy dead?! I thought it was just psycho babble on TikTok, and soon enough I learned the tragic news. "I know that right now millions of fans around the world are crying and shocked and can't believe it. My heart goes out to Sharon and the family and the fans. It's just beyond anything." Gene then shared memories of first meeting Ozzy back in 1974 when they were both newcomers in the music industry. "I ran into Ozzy and he was, I don't know how to say this, but an English gentleman... Off stage, [he was] sweet as can be, and on stage, a mad man," he explained, comparing Ozzy to Jekyll and Hyde. Gene then unexpectedly paused the story as he found himself getting emotional during the interview. "Sorry, got choked up. Sorry about that," he candidly said as he tried to compose himself, before continuing his reflections. He went on: "Most of the fans will know Ozzy as the Prince of Darkness, and if you were lucky enough to meet Ozzy as a human being off stage, you'd be shocked because he treated people exactly the same way. "No airs about him... It's fair to say that there was never an Ozzy Osbourne before Ozzy, and there never will be another Ozzy. In science, they call it a singularity. He's just a unique and lovable person." Gene concluded: "I don't know what there is to say, but I would recommend all the fans turn off your TV sets, shut down your cell phones, go into your room, shut the door and put on some Black Sabbath." Elsewhere on the show, Jon and Sally read out tributes from several music stars, including Sir Elton John, UB40's Ali Campbell and Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood. They also spoke to entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson, who was at the Black Sabbath bench in Birmingham, where dozens of flowers and tributes had been laid. "I came down here last night and there were fans gathering, and what was telling, Sally, was so many of them were wearing the t-shirts from that farewell gig that took place just two weeks ago at Villa Park," he said.
