Every year we get so excited to hear the Bradt Guides New Travel Writer of the Year shortlist because we know one day we’ll be seeing these names when putting books on our shelves. This year the entrants were invited to submit an original piece of writing of between 600-800 words on the theme ‘I’d love to go back’ focusing on the destination they most want to return to when travel opens up again, and what it is about that place that draws them back.
Hilary Bradt, Bradt Guides co-founder and director said;
“All the judges agree that the quality of the entries to the Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year competition for 2021 has been exceptional. We say this every year, but it’s never untrue – the standard just seems to get better and better, and the competition more and more fiercely fought. I think the theme “I’d love to go back” helped, since we’ve been enjoying evocative descriptions of longed-for places with wry comments on the present situation. The lockdown has encouraged people to reflect on their favourite travel moments of the past, and perhaps stirred a wanderlust that has inspired some very creative and engaging writing. It was very hard to reduce them to the four finalists – we couldn’t manage three –and each of the longlisted entries had at least one champion among the judges.”
2021 Bradt Guides New Travel Writer of the Year Shortlist:
(Click on the title to read each piece in full)
‘The Man I Met’ by Marc Jones
A return to New York and a reacquaintance with a very special piece of art in the Metropolitan Museum.
The judges said: “Vivid descriptions of New York’s appeal, with an imaginative focus and ending with a philosophical twist.”
‘Hope in Pink Meringue’ by Anita King
A young girl dancing in the doorway of an ice cream parlour in Damascus sparks a personal memory.
The judges said: “A controlled, confident piece of writing with powerful descriptive passages and a solid structure – all the more impressive considering the raw subject matter.”
‘”Who Are You?!”’ by Tom Swithenbank
Two backpackers- an Englishman and a German – are confronted by officialdom in Kazakhstan.
The judges said: “A typical travellers’ tale told with verve and economy which packs a real emotional punch at the end.”
‘585 Bury Road’ by Jennifer Thompson
A childhood trip to Bolton for a family Christmas is recalled during Covid confinement.
The judges said: “A warm and affectionate picture of a time long past, studded with small and evocative details that bring the theme alive”.
The four finalists will see their work included in a new anthology to be published by Bradt Guides later in the year. The overall winner will be crowned The Bradt Travel Guides New Travel Writer of the Year, have their piece published in Wexas’ Traveller magazine, win a £100 Bradt voucher and be presented with a handmade globe, custom made for the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards.