Alan Bissett and Michael Malone are hoping to be impressed by stories that bring to life the real impact of devastating illness
Can you write a story in just 150 words that will impress two of Scotland's leading authors?
That's the challenge the Scottish Huntington's Disease Association (SHA) is setting budding authors across the country in its latest campaign.
The charity has signed up authors Alan Bissett and Michael Malone to judge the competition and is offering a prize of £500.
It's great to see a charity exploring innovative ways of raising awareness - Alan Bissett
Creative writing enthusiasts will have to show a knowledge and understanding of the devastating impact of Huntington's disease (HD) on families in order to win the competition.
Entrants are being asked to write about a fictional or personal experience of HD in just 150 words or less, a format so brief it is known as flash fiction. The charity is also offering cash prizes for runners-up and a £100 prize for youth entries.
Alan Bissett is an established author and playwright from Falkirk and a well-known ambassador for Scottish culture. Michael is one the so-called tartan noir group of Scottish crime writers and equally well known as a poet. He is also vice president of the Scottish Association of Writers.
“It's great to see a charity exploring innovative ways of raising awareness, this writing format really challenges authors and both Michael and I are really looking forward to seeing what both established and new writers come up with,” said Alan.
HD is incurable genetic brain disorder that usually starts between the ages of 35 and 45 years. It begins with personality changes that can make those diagnosed aggressive, anxious and depressed. The disease progresses slowly, with changes to muscle control that slowly erodes mobility and the ability to talk. As it progress those affected will need 24-hour-care. It is also hereditary with each child of those diagnosed at a 50% risk of developing the disease.
The SHA works with HD families providing lifeline services, including specialist nurses, the world's only HD youth support service and a financial wellbeing team.
“It's fantastic to be able to call on the expertise of two of the county's foremost literary names. HD is a neurological condition that is still hidden in the shadows and we want to use the power of storytelling to raise awareness of the terrible toll it takes, not just on those directly affected but whole families,” said SHA chief executive John Eden.
The competition has the backing of the Scottish Association of Writers. Winners will be announced in September and authors can post their entries through the SHA website.
