West End hit show Wicked has announced that its third Wicked Young Writers' Award will once again be headed by popular children's author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, original author of the story behind the hit show and film War Horse.
The award is open to entries from writers aged 5 to 25 years in five different age categories up to the closing date of 31 July. The judging panel includes Wicked executive producer Michael McCabe, author William Fiennes and Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust. A shortlist of 100 finalists will be announced in the autumn.
Morpurgo said, "The Wicked Young Writers’ Award is something very close to my heart. Last year my fellow judges and I were delighted to read so many stories that were passionately felt and honestly written down, and where the young writers had found their own unique voices. I’m looking forward to another successful year."
There is a dedicated web site containing full details of the competition and tips for writers at www.wickedyoungwriters.com.