Media release: Back to the future!

Scripture Union is resurrecting its famous competition for budding writers... after a 60-year break! In 1947, Scripture Union launched a competition to find new writers of Christian fiction for children, which was won by Patricia St John, with her entry, The Tanglewoods’ Secret. The book has been a continual best-seller, having been reprinted more than 20 times. 24 other novels followed and her books have been translated into 40 different languages.

Sixty years after winning the competition, Patricia St John’s books are still helping children all over the world to live God’s way. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of that first competition and the incredible ministry of Patricia St John, Scripture Union is once again running a competition to find new writers of children’s Christian fiction.

The competition is open to people of all ages and writers need to produce a 20,000 to 30,000 word novel that helps 8- to 11-year-olds to live God’s way and help them move on in their journey with Jesus. The winning novel will be published by Scripture Union alongside new editions of Patricia St John’s timeless classics in September 2007.

Terry Clutterham, Scripture Union’s Director of Publishing says: ‘We’re offering new writers the chance to get their work published and to make a valuable contribution to the vital area of children’s Christian literature. We’re really looking forward to seeing the next generation of Christian writers come through.’

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Notes to Editors

1) For more information, contact Scripture Union’s Communications Manager Adam Petrie on 01908 856161 or email adamp@scriptureunion.org.uk

2) Closing date for entries is 14 February 2007.

3) For rules and regulations, go to www.scriptureunion.org.uk/competition