Hello everyone,
I am Anna (aka Dr Anna Vaught - and you may know me as Bookwormvaught across socials). I am the creator of the Curae prize, a unique literary award for unpaid carers who are also writers or would like to be. It is in its second year and I should really like some support.
So, it is running for a second time and on neither occasion was it awarded funding. Hundreds of people enter and, subsequently, I work with the shortlisted and winning authors over a year, as much as I have capacity for, to develop their writing and work towards publication if they can do that or would like to. A wealth of prizes is offered for free from across industry - from agent workshops, to sessions with a book coach, online summer school, dedicated mentoring and they all have their work published in a beautiful fund-raising anthology which the publisher, Renard Press, does for free.
Why am I writing now? We have struggled to find support this year from press in all areas and the demise of twitter has made getting the word out harder. Moreover, a promised source of bursary funding is no longer possible for reasons beyond my control and, VERY IMPORTANTLY, if the proposed government cuts go ahead, it will have impact on unpaid carers. There are 7.5 million at least in the UK alone. I want to give these households more and offer them cheer and resources. Therefore, I invite you to contribute to a new prize bursary fund which will be distributed between our final winners - announced 1st June. It is my hope that if we raise enough there will be enough for an extended online writing course for them, or regular mentoring, perhaps books - or maybe even funds towards respite so they can do something for themselves. Caring is predicated on love, but carers need support too. This, and my passionate belief that creative work is core, not a little bolt-on extra, are what made the Curae prize. I also made what I had needed and didn't have.
With my love and appreciation,
Anna x
Organizer
Anna Vaught
Organizer
England