The inaugural Poole Literary Festival, in partnership with The Media School at Bournemouth University, has launched the UK’s first prize for New Media Writing.

Entrants are asked to compose an interactive narrative or poem, designed specifically for delivery online or via mobile phone. The creators of the winning entries will win £250, a brand new Apple iPad, and be advised by digital publishing specialist Creative Content, on getting their winning ideas published.

The only remit is that entries should illustrate the things ‘new’ media can do that ‘old’ media can’t. There are few other restrictions and the competition is open to anyone. The idea is to tell a story with an element of interactivity on the part of the audience. This story can be any genre, fiction or non-fiction, poetry, prose or documentary.

This is a fantastic opportunity to embrace the potential of new media to engage a new generation of storytellers. It’s also a great chance for innovative and original work to be recognised at this unique event, and is set to attract international attention.

Michael Bhaskar, a member of the judging panel, said: “This award is breaking genuinely new ground in looking at how digital technology is transforming written communication. As the first award of its kind globally it will be a landmark in the increasingly exciting arena of new media writing and I am thrilled to be involved.”

Judges will select short listed candidates work to be exhibited at Poole Literary Festival alongside some top-name authors and a packed programme of literary events. The winner will be revealed at a special awards ceremony at Poole’s Lighthouse Centre for the Arts on the final day of the festival, 31 October 2010.

Sue Luminati, Founder and Director of Poole Literary Festival commented: “This competition offers the chance for writers working in new media to showcase their work, raises awareness of the creative potential inherent in digital media, and looks to the future of the written word. PLF is delighted to be able to offer the opportunity to writers working with new media to wow us with their entries – we can’t wait to get started!”

The New Media Prize opens for entries on 31 March 2010 and the competition is free to enter. For further details and to enter, visit http://www.poolelitfest.com/new-media-prize.php

About Poole Literary Festival
The Past, Present and Future of the Written Word
PLF is a not-for-profit organisation founded in April 2009 by Sue Luminati, and run with the help of a dynamic steering group of unpaid volunteers. Former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo is Patron and the inspiration behind establishing a Festival of Literature in Poole.

The Festival will provide the opportunity to meet both favourite and new authors through the programme of workshops, discussions and events for adults, children and families. By creating an environment where people can dive into a world of words, to ignite literary passions and leave them wanting more!
The Festival will be a varied mix of big names alongside the up-and-coming, with some surprises to create that edge and catch us unawares. But most of all it will be fun!

The enormous growth in Literary Festivals in recent years is good news and a remarkable success story which will include Poole

For more information about the Poole Literary Festival, the judging panel or this release, please contact:
Kathleen Inglis, Freelance writing, editing and PR
T 077730 22246 E lenasarah.inglis@googlemail.com

The Director of PLF and Founder of the New Media Prize may be contacted here:
Sue Luminati – sue@poolelitfest.com 01202 768993