Tag: #brunelwriter

The Creative Writing Prize in partnership with Johnson & Alcock

On By brunelwriterIn Academic/Career, Brunel University, Brunel Writer, Creative writingLeave a comment

Creative Writing at Brunel University of London is pleased to announce the Creative Writing Prize in partnership with literary agency Johnson & Alcock.

The competition gives aspiring writers the opportunity to flex their creative muscles and potentially gain representation from a literary agent.

Dr Frazer Lee, Postgraduate Programme Lead and Reader in Creative Writing said: “The Creative Writing department is thrilled to partner with Johnson and Alcock literary agency for the Creative Writing Prize. The prize represents a truly fantastic opportunity for our talented postgraduate taught students, and we are excited to announce the winner at Winter Graduation.”

Here’s all you need to know:

About Johnson & Alcock:

Johnson & Alcock is a leading literary agency, now in its seventh decade and constantly expanding and innovating. Our four book agents work with our head of rights and a full administrative team for a vibrant list of authors from all over the world, both new and emerging writers and the long-established, in fiction and non-fiction. These include prizewinning and bestselling authors and literary estates across genres and in all forms of media, both in the UK and internationally.

Am I eligible?

Entries will be accepted by:

  • Students on Brunel’s Creative Writing MA course who are submitting a book project for the dissertation module in the current (2024 – 2025) and next academic year (2025 – 2026).

What’s up for grabs?

The winner receives:

  • A 1-to-1 session with an agent (in person or online)
  • A full manuscript read (should you decide to complete the book) and editorial feedback
  • The potential to be offered representation by Johnson & Alcock once the MS is completed (NB: subject to suitability. Please note that no guarantee of representation is made and the agency’s decision is final)

Runners up (up to two students) will receive:

  • An online consultation with an agent

How will the winner be chosen?

Literary agents from Johnson & Alcock will make their decision based on the sample chapters submitted as part of your final dissertation project.

When will the winner be announced?

At Winter Graduation in December. Keep an eye on #BrunelWriter socials for the announcement.

Joining the LinkedIn Sea by Grace Amui

On By Editor - Grace AmuiIn Academic/Career, Brunel University, Brunel Writer, Creative Non-fiction, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Every year, The Brunel Writer Prize is awarded to the student with the highest graded article submission for the Creative Industries module on Brunel University’s Creative Writing Programme. Grace Amui was a runner-up for The Brunel Writer Prize 2024 with her journey and tips to “Joining the LinkedIn Sea.”

© Disney

You see it, the end on the horizon. The finish line with a gown, certificate and Professor Andrew Jones calling your name – hopefully pronouncing it correctly.
 
Graduation.
 
It’s exciting. As High School Musical demonstrates, expect singing, or screeching depending on your vocal ability. No judgment though.
 
If you’re anything like me, you realise there’s a world beyond our Uxbridge campus. A sea of people who seem to know each other and know what they’re doing with these very people who know each other.

But how can we, the new fish, submerge into this creative community?
 
I’ll give you a hint. It’s used for entertainment, procrastination and most importantly connection.
 
Yep. Social Media or… social networking.

Which one?


For creatives, there’s a sea of choice between TikTok’s #Booktok, Twitter – now X, the rarest letter of the alphabet – and Instagram, taking Reels and Threads from them both. However, here’s your invitation to explore a special ocean space I admittedly used to think was solely for Baby Boomers.
 
That’s right: LinkedIn.

© Disney – Don’t run, Forest, don’t run!

It’s not only for swimming accountants with decades of experience. Nor salmon with unusual Elon Musk-level knowledge of Artificial Intelligence. LinkedIn is simply another tool for building connections.

If leaving university sounds daunting, here’s how you can join this professional wave of “grown-ups.” 

  1. The Profile Photo: Unlike Instagram, where a cat driving a Ferrari proves a priceless photo for your meme account, LinkedIn profiles are about you. Yes, the profile photo should be your lovely face.

Keep it simple, head and shoulders – not the shampoo, although, again, I ain’t judging. Smile with a plain white background or industry logo where you’ve worked as a subtle self-promotion.

© Disney – Say, cheese!
  1. The Big CV: Upload a CV that gives information about roles you’ve had in the field you’ll apply for. No CV? Check out Brunel Careers and ASK for examples or use Chat GPT to start. Just remember Simona Janssen’s words: “Artificial Intelligence always needs a little HI“: Human Intelligence.
  1. Avoid the silent treatment: Now that your profile shines, post. Not about the holiday in Spain… what happens in Madrid stays there. Still, share relevant work in your sphere. New blog? Share it on your LinkedIn page. Attended a leaders’ talk? That too. Share, share, share when these happen with – you guessed it – more photos. These posts show that you’re even more than your CV. Why?

It tells the big fish you mean business!

  1. Followers or… friends: On this social network, think of followers less as strangers and more like potential friends you’ve met at a Christmas party – minus the drinks. LinkedIn’s head of marketing, Tobi Demuren, said more online friends cause LinkedIn’s algorithms to suggest your profile to others! Like networking, the more individuals you know, the better. So, get adding!
  1. Smaller communities: In any sea, there are smaller fish-communities. Join places like #Brunelalumni. That’s automatically 8000+ possible LinkedIn connections, including me! You’re basically famous now.
  1. LinkedIn Learning: These diverse courses enhance both you and your CV. From navigating “Artificial Intelligence” to “Overcoming Overthinking.” This may seem irrelevant, but the big-shark professionals produce these for those with LinkedIn premium…

Or Brunel students! Yay, FREE LinkedIn courses.

Fish in a Pond

As with anything, joining the ‘grown-ups’ table may feel daunting, but don’t let that predator, Imposter Syndrome stop you from taking that empty chair: which was really set for you in the first place. 

Remember, you have something to give this world. 

Then, Creative, just keep swimming.

© Disney – No seriously, swim and see. 

Grace Amui presents her poetry internationally and at age 22, her first musical, “This Is Me,” was performed in several shows at SEK International School in Barcelona, Spain. As a freelance editor and editor for Brunel Writer, who knew her childhood library visits would lead to a Theatre and Creative Writing BA? 

“It’s alive!” Proudly presenting charity student anthology ‘Myths, Monsters and Mayhem’

On By brunelwriterIn Brunel University, Creative writingLeave a comment
Cover design by Faizan Ahmed

Congratulations to all of the Creative Writing undergraduate students involved in this Summer’s anthology project.

Myths, Monsters & Mayhem is a collection of 22 flash fiction stories in the horror, science fiction, and fantasy genres.

The book is out now in Kindle e-book and paperback, and all proceeds will be donated to NHS Charities Together.

Please share the book link far and wide! http://mybook.to/MMandM

Frankenstein Its Alive GIF - Frankenstein Its Alive Happy - Discover & Share GIFs
It’s aliiive!

A book launch event with live readings by the student authors will follow this autumn (subject to Government health restrictions). Watch this blog for updates!