BY the end of last month, 60 writers from across Essex had submitted short (10 – 15 minute) scripts for this year’s Essex Book Festival writing competition Making Waves. Today, the competition organisers are delighted to announce the long list of 30 writers who have made it through to the next stage.

In alphabetical order of writers’ surnames, they are:

Norma Armand; David Bissenden; Jack Carfrae; Ryan Cowling; Suzanne Dawson; James Emberson; Liz Fisher-Frank; Bob French; Anne V Grikitis; Mark Harris; Hollie Hughes; Doreen Kingsland; Dina Lapney; Lucy Lowe; Julie Mackay; Jane Maddocks; Jo Norris; Sian Notley; FD O’Reilly; Linda Payne; Thelma Quince; Brenda Sabin; Rosie Sandler; Griff Scott; Clare Shaw; Sally Tarpey; Chris Van Holby; Deanna Walker; Steven Walker; Camilla Whitehill.

Making Waves project manager Andrew Burton said:

‘All 60 scripts have received an initial reading and these are the 30 we feel show particular promise. We have been truly impressed by the general quality of the entries and would like to thank everyone who submitted a script for taking part. Myself and fellow members of the judging panel will meet in late November to face the unenviable task of selecting a short list of five writers from this very strong field.’

The five shortlisted writers will be announced on Monday, 2 December and will go on to receive a fantastic package of writer support from overall competition judge, BBC Radio Drama Producer Jessica Dromgoole. All shortlisted pieces will be produced and podcast by Colchester-based audio theatre company Frequency Theatre during the Essex Book Festival in March 2014 and one overall winner will also receive a £100 cash prize!

To find out more about Making Waves, to learn who has made it to the shortlist on 2 December, and to hear the resulting dramas during the March 2014 Essex Book Festival, visit www.essexbookfestival.org.uk/extra/making-waves-longlist-announced/

Essex Book Festival is a month-long annual celebration of literature which takes place across the county during March. Operated by an independent board of trustees, the Festival is supported by Arts Council England, Essex County Council and the University of Essex.