New Travel Writer Award 2022
News
Student stories fly high in global travel writing competition
Tuesday, 8 February, 2022Students of Bath Spa University’s MA Nature and Travel Writing course are celebrating after being recognised in the 2022 New Travel Writer of the Year competition.
The competition, run by Bradt Guides in conjunction with the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards, invites writers to submit a short, original work based on a true story from the author’s personal experience. This year’s theme was It was Strangely Quiet.
Jane Adams has been shortlisted for her piece Waiting For Wilma, which recounts a morning in the Florida Keys preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Wilma.
Jane, who has recently graduated from the course with a distinction, said:
“I’m thrilled my piece has been shortlisted. I would never have dared to enter such a prestigious competition prior to the course, but with the support and guidance of my tutors, Stephen Moss and Gail Simmons, and the encouragement of my fellow students, it seemed a natural thing to try.”
Entries from three more students were praised by the judges:
- Fireworks at Midnight by Rachel Henson (Highly Commended)
- The Bones Beneath by Jennifer Thompson (Highly Commended)
- Saint Peter’s Valley by Matthew Walsh (Commended)
Speaking of his students’ achievements, Dr Stephen Moss, Course Leader for MA Nature and Travel Writing, said:
“I am absolutely delighted – not just for the students whose talent has been recognised by the judges, but also for the MA course as a whole, which is now recognised as world-beating. We hope Jane wins – but even if not, she and her fellow students should be very proud.”
The New Travel Writer of the Year competition has been running for over twenty years, with many winners and finalists going on to successful writing careers. This year’s winner will be announced in March at the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards in London.
You can find out more about the award and read the competition entries on the Bradt Guides website.