Writing About Music is an opportunity for new writers in the North West to have their words recognised and shared with audiences at The Bridgewater Hall, in an exciting new competition judged by acclaimed authors.

In the competition, we're looking for young people and adults to create poetry or prose poetry written for or about music.  You might write your own response to a concert you've attended, write lyrics for a new song, or explore how rhythms and themes weave their way through both verse and melody.

There will be two strands to the competition:

Adult for anyone aged 18+, judged by Louis de Bernières, author ofCaptain Corelli's Mandolin, Birds Without Wings and Notwithstanding, and Nick Mallins, General Manager of Waterstones Manchester Deansgate.

Young People in two categories for ages 12-15 and 16-18.  Judges for both age groups will be former Children's Laureate Anne Fine, author ofFlour Babies, Goggle Eyes and The Diary of a Killer Cat, and James Draper, Festival Director, Manchester Children's Book Festival.

Prizes

Adult: £100 in Waterstones vouchers plus a Waterstones goodie bag

Young people: £50 in Waterstones vouchers for the winner of each age group, plus a Waterstones goodie bag

The competition is free to enter.  All entries must be received no later than 5.00pm on Friday 14 December 2012. Full terms and conditions, and details of how to submit your entry, may be downloaded on the right.

The Writing About Music competition is supported by Manchester Literature Festival, Manchester Children's Book Festival and Waterstones Manchester Deansgate.

For more information and to send your work