WILLIAM Wordsworth once said, “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: It takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility” and the Lake District, Cumbria really is one of the best places to discover your passion for writing whilst reconnecting with nature in a truly stunning surrounding.

It’s no surprise that so many famous writers hail from Cumbria and The Lake District. With our rich history of writers including Wordsworth, Potter and Wainwright who have inspired writers for generations, The Lakeland Book of the Year Awards 2022 is a spotlight for the very best up and coming writers in our county. Entries are open until the end of the month, so it’s not too late to enter.

There are six different categories entrants can currently submit their books into, with the winner from each category being put forward to win the ultimate accolade: the Lakeland Book of the Year 2022.

As well as the Wordsworth Grasmere Prize for Literature and Poetry, the categories include the Bookends Prize for People and Business, the Striding Edge Prize for Guides & Places and the Bill Rollinson Prize for Landscapes and Traditions. The Gilpin Hotel Prize for Fiction and The Latitude Press Prize for Illustration and Presentation round off the six main categories people can enter.

All seven of the prizes will be presented at an awards afternoon on 12th July 2022 with proceeds being donated to the Women’s Community Matters charity in Barrow. Attended by authors publishers and book lovers from throughout Cumbria and beyond, the annual ceremony has previously raised thousands for well deserving local charities including St. Mary’s Hospice, The Stroke Association & Save the Children.

Michael McGregor, Director, Wordsworth Grasmere who are sponsoring the Literature & poetry category says ‘Wordsworth Grasmere is delighted to be working with Cumbria Tourism on The Lakeland Book of the Year Award, an undoubted highlight of the Cumbrian literary calendar.

“Wordsworth wrote, ‘Of youthful Poets, who among these Hills / Will be my second self when I am gone.’ We welcome the opportunity to sponsor the Literature and Poetry category of the Awards, one of the many ways in which we foster and celebrate the creativity of Cumbrian writers today.”

Former winner of the Lakeland Book of the Year Terry Abraham says, ‘I couldn’t be more thrilled to have won a prize for my book at the prestigious Lakeland Book of the Year awards. In fact, I was both stunned and emotionally overwhelmed. The book award with regards to the story of my life so far, was extremely humbling for me. I’m touched it has resonated with so many people far and wide, least of all with the judges.”

The final date for submissions is next Monday 28th February.

Entry forms are easy to download at: www.lakelandbookoftheyear.co.uk Or for more information about the event, contact Ben Melling at Cumbria Tourism on 01539 822 222.