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Hosted by Dr Jack McGowan and Dr Ruth Stacey, join us to celebrate the two 2025 prize winners from the University of Worcester Creative Writing course as they launch their new books.

The prizes are awarded to the two outstanding prose and poetry assignments in the final year cohort of the creative writing course. The prize is generously supported by local presses, Black Pear Press and V.Press, and the students win the experience of being professionally edited and published. 
 
Maisie Weston Lake is a writer and illustrator, debuting her first young fiction book, The King of the Rascals after winning the Black Pear Press University of Worcester Fiction Prize 2025 and the Piet Grobler Picture Book in Society Award.

"The King of the Rascals is a very charming book, with vivid illustrations, and memorable characters and settings. It is adventurous and playful in the best way a children's book should be. The story balances charm, wit, and emotive moments so lightly that the reader is immediately pulled in. The book also conveys a message about living a life true to oneself, highlighting alternative lifestyles and education. Maisie has written an ambitious and delightful story." Ruth Stacey
 
Eleni Brooks is a writer and poet launching her first pamphlet, grown girl, after winning the V.Press Poetry Prize in 2025.

“Eleni is clever, subtly witty and honest to no fault. When poetry is this relatable, it reminds you how sharing your experiences can make another feel understood; although it’s shared and not the same, it makes you feel like you’re there again, but this time you’re not alone. Very powerful poetry.” Jemima Hughes