Writing on the Wall's Annual Pulp Idol Competition for New Novelists is Open!

WRITING on the Wall announces the launch of their Pulp Idol novel writing competition celebrating the works of new original voices competing to be published at out grand final in May 2019 during our annual festival:- 'WOWFEST.' The closing date for applications, from Sunday, 31 March 2019, at Midnight. Pulp Idol was launched to bridge the gap and gain exposure for local writers to the London publishing industry and has continued to successfully do this over the last 13 years.

Pulp idol 2017 finalist Ariel Kahn (Pictured) was published in 2018 by Bluemoose Books with his debut novel Raising Sparks, Which went on to be runner up in The Guardian newspaper's Not The Booker Prize competition. 'As a past contestant and runner up in 2018. I can attest that Pulp Idol is life changing and led to the publication of my debut novel.' Ariel Kahn.

Previous success stories include:- 2010 Pulp Idol winner James Rice, who signed a 2 book deal with Hodder and Stoughton for his debut novel Alice and the Fly.

"Pulp Idol's fantastic. I am truly indebted to this competition. The publishing industry can too often seem like this faraway, impenetrable place, but the truth is it's always searching for new writers. Pulp Idol's a great way to make this connection in person. If you're serious about writing, enter." said James Rice, Alice and the Fly (Hodder and Stoughton)

"As a publisher we are always looking to find great new talent and Pulp Idol is a fantastic event that shines a light on new writing and new writers." Kevin Duffy, Bluemoose Books and Judge

Writers can be in with a chance of getting their chapter published and getting read in front of a major publisher or agent, need to enter this year's Pulp Idol. The closing date for applications, Sunday, 31 March 2019, at Midnight. The heats will take place, from Tuesday, 23 April 2019, until Friday, 25 April 2019, from 6pm to 8pm, at Toxteth Library. The Pulp Idol winner will have their work read by an agent/publisher. All finalists will have their 1st chapter published in our book of 'Firsts,' available as an eBook available on all major online outlets. A copy will be sent out to agents and publishers across the country. For further details contact Lauren Buxton at:- PulpIdol@WowFest.UK Entry is through the festival's website.

Hundreds expected to flock to the River Mersey for the return of popular bird watching and nature cruise

PASSENGERS will witness birds take flight in their natural habitats as the Mersey Ferries 'Liverbird' Bird Watching and Nature Discovery Cruise returns for 2019. The cruises have been organised in partnership with the RSPB. Hundreds of keen nature enthusiasts and bird watchers can enjoy a different view of Merseyside's wildlife this year, as Mersey Ferries announces plans to bring back its popular:- 'Liverbird' Bird Watching and Nature Discovery Cruise. The 2 exclusive cruises, which set sail in May and October this year, will provide passengers with the chance to see a range of wildlife up close, with sightings of peregrine falcons, long tailed skuas, osprey and Atlantic grey seals being reported by passengers on previous 'Liverbird' cruises. Sailing across the river and going out into the Liverpool bay, the 3 hour cruises are ideal for families and both new and experienced bird watchers, as experts from RSPB will be on hand to answer any questions and help with the spotting of wildlife.  The RSPB will work closely with Mersey Ferries to host the cruises and provide a memorable day out for nature lovers.

Gary Evans from Mersey Ferries, said:- "Working alongside the RSPB is a great selling point for these cruises, as their experts offer our passengers a huge amount of insight and expertise into the River Mersey's array of wildlife.  We were blown away by the response to 2018's nature cruise, so we know there's a huge appetitie for this type of day out within the North West. We're expecting both of this year's cruises to sell out, so would advise passengers to book their tickets early to avoid disappointment."

Jayne Rigby from the RSPB in Merseyside, said:- "The River Mersey is a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, with the river banks being home to a wide variety of birds and mammals which we don't necessarily get to see on a regular day.  The unique cruises being offered by Mersey Ferries will provide a marvellous and rare opportunity to appreciate the wildlife of the Mersey Estuary. The whole family will be able to enjoy nature and the great outdoors, whilst also making the most of the experts on board, who can help with spotting rare animals and answer almost any question on Merseyside's bird population."

Tickets are priced at ₤16 for adults and ₤8 for children. A Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) can also be purchased for ₤44. A limited number of binoculars will also be available to hire from the RSPB during the cruise for a rental fee of ₤2. The cruises will depart on:- Sunday, 12 May 2019 and Saturday, 12 October 2019, from Seacombe, at 11am and Pier Head Liverpool, at 11.10am. The cruise will last for 3 hours, with light refreshments and snacks available for purchase on board. For more information or to book tickets, call the Mersey Ferries ticket office on 0151 330 1003, visit any of Mersey Ferries Terminals or visit the Mersey Ferries' website.