So, I won an award.
Longtime readers will know I’ve been writing and editing my debut manuscript Joy-Land since Autumn 2023 (that’s fall to my American readers). It was initially intended as a Novella but over time I found more to add, wrapping up and elaborating on putting a neat bow on others. The 40 odd thousand words I’ve written so far has received good feedback. Great Feedback
And now this. The first three chapters of Joy-Land have won the Northern Writers Award for Students and Alumni of Northumbria University.
I am currently finishing a MA in Creative Writing there, having graduated with a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing in 2023.
The first three chapters feature Hank Moore - a PI in a cyberpunk-esque dystopian Northeast UK – being hired for a job by a big technology corporation to recover their stolen goods. He’s not the only one after the goods, however. A local crime lord, an enigmatic local tech-wizard, and a psychotic police chief are also looking, and they know Hank’s on the job.
I first used Hank in the story Crab and Coil Guns as an unnamed assassin of crime lord Arkady and Circus Dan (a character I share with J Archer Avary after loving the name in one of his stories). That story is the jumping off point for Joy-Land though you don’t have to read it to understand Joy-Land. It’s made clear enough what happened.
I loved Hank and every bit of writing I’ve done with him has been praised by people I trust. Then he wins an award.
I can’ stress how much this means to me. How much the confidence that New Writing North has shown in me and my writing by giving me this award means to my ongoing work. It’s given me the courage and confidence to carry on and finish this story. I hope you’re all ready to read it.
The ceremony was lovely. A drinks reception of prosecco and Schloer followed by a vegetarian meal with red and white wine. As it was the 25th anniversary of the awards, we were treated to readings and speeches by previous winners and a performance by a local school choir.
I missed dessert because I was asked by David Whetsone of the QT online newspaper for a quick interview which we conducted in a back room filled with piled chairs, a setting which David rightly called dystopian in its own right.
There were no winners’ speeches at the ceremony so here I would like to thank all the people who made it possible. All the people who have helped me get from where I was to where I am and hopefully, beyond. I apologise if i misremember something or forget.
I want to thank my lecturers at Northumbria University for putting up with me and challenging me for five years. I would like to name Dr Jo Clement, Dr Richard O’Brien, Dr Toyn Williams, and Dr Andrey Crumey who have repeatedly expressed confidence in my work and helped me grow as a writer.
I wante to thank the members of the local arts and creative communities in Sunderland and Newcastle for their role in putting up with me, providing a space to grow as a creative, and to inspire the stories that go on to be published. In particular Iain Rowan, James Whitman and Helen Wilko and all the members of Holmside Writers and King Ink Spoken Word.
I want to thank my writer and creative friends who inspired me to start this journey and who continue to have confidence in me. In particular my regular partner in crime J. Archer Avary, as well as Sarah Cawkwell, Stewart Hotston and David Thomas Moore for being generally supportive people. As Stewart said to me once, “we lift each other up.”
A special mention to Richard Lumb, my oldest friend who accompanied me to the ceremony and who has been there for me.
Lastly I would like to thank my family, without who I could not do any of what I’ve achieved over the last few years.
This may be the first award I have received for writing, but it will not be the last.
I’ll see you all from the back cover of my novel, and the acknowledgement page.
Stephen
Congrats on the prize it's a pretty big deal. Awesome that Circus Dan gets a life in Joyland— may he always be entertaining in whatever worlds he inhabits and whatever iteration he takes. Circus Dan for Prime Minister!