Tag Archives: literature
2026 Fiction Competition Now Open, New Committee voted in, plus Places Now Available to Join Us.
Submissions are now invited for our annual Fiction Competition, The Frances Copping Memorial Prize 2026, named in fond remembrance of our Lifetime President who sadly passed away in 2020.
The competition is open to everyone, members of Hay Writers’ Circle and non-members too. Pieces of 500-1250 words on any fiction theme are accepted. Closing date for entries is Tuesday 2nd November, 2026. Prizes are awarded for first, second and third place… Continue reading
New Writing Sessions in Hay-on-Wye Library and a Highly Commended Competition Piece.
Write on! We begin this instalment with some exciting news. Starting Friday 25th September, between 2pm – 4pm, new and free, Write On! sessions are set to begin in Hay-on-Wye Library. Whether you write for pleasure, publication, enjoy journalling, or … Continue reading
Richard Booth Prize 2026 2nd & 3rd Placed Pieces, Plus Something from the Archives.
This week we are delighted to showcase the 2nd and 3rd place entries of our most recent competition, The Richard Booth Prize for Non Fiction 2026. To see this year’s results in full, please click HERE… Continue reading
The Richard Booth Prize for Non-Fiction 2026 Results, and Summer Lunch at The Swan Hotel, Hay-on-Wye.
We are delighted to announce the results of our annual Non-Fiction competition.
This popular competition again received a good number of entries from both inside and outside Hay Writers’ Circle, and we very much welcome external interest in all our writing competitions.
Our memorial prize, named in tribute to Richard Booth, the self-proclaimed “King of Hay”, who among many literary interests, was a keen supporter of the Hay Writers’ Circle. He sadly passed away in 2019, still in love with books, writers and his beautiful kingdom of Hay-on-Wye…. Continue reading
Make Hay Festival while the Sun Shines, More Poetry Competition Results, and Creative Writing Workshop Reminder.
The sunshine has really welcomed the crowds to Hay Festival 2026. Glorious bright days and sultry evenings are thronged with book readers, book bearers and every manner of literary lover. All are intent of meeting their author idols, soaking up the heady festival atmosphere, or strolling the short walk into town for a Castle visit, ice creams, boutiques, pubs, cafes and even more excellent book shops. Many meander back to the festival site via the Warren Walk, taking in the lush views of the River Wye. Yes, Hay is at it’s best and everyone is enjoying it… Continue reading
Workshops, Poetry Competition, and our latest Fiction Competition Winner!
Over the next few months we have two exciting writing workshops which anyone can attend (pre-booking essential)… Continue reading
Kington Writer wins Frances Copping Prize, plus New Poetry Workshop Announced
We are excited to announce the results of our Frances Copping Memorial Prize for Fiction Competition, named in fond remembrance of our Lifetime President who sadly passed away in 2020.
This popular competition again received a good number of entries from both inside and outside Hay Writers’ Circle and we very much welcome external interest in all our writing competitions. Continue reading
Tam Allen’s Book Launch Success, A Writing Exercise with Responses, and Hay Festival 2026
Congratulations to new HWC member, Tam Allen, on the recent launch of her poetry book, “Roots”, published by The Conrad Press. Tam’s poems celebrate the strength found in vulnerability and the courage to face the challenges life brings. They are heartfelt and deeply moving. Her poems deal with her own experiences of loss, grief, healing and the profound acceptance which comes from adversity. Each piece is beautifully illustrated by Sion Rees… Continue reading
**STOP PRESS** 2026 HWC Poetry Competition now OPEN and Judge Announced
Submissions are now invited for the annual Hay Writers’ Circle Poetry Competition, and we are thrilled to announce the judge for 2026 is the wonderful Lesley Saunders. The theme this year is entirely open and we hope to receive a wide variety of poems and poetry styles for this competition. The first prize winner will receive £100 prize money, with cash prizes for 2nd and 3rd placed poems… Continue reading