INDEPENDENT Arts is launching its first creative writing competition ­— and is calling on aspiring writers to put pen to paper.

The competition, aptly named Jot, aims to encourage any Islander with a story in their head to express it and enter.

The competition, which is free to enter, comprises three age groups ­— five to 11, 11 to 18, and 18 plus.

Entries will be accepted in a wide range of formats, including video clips of performative pieces, auditory recordings or soundscapes of spoken word and, of course, the written form.

Independent Arts chief executive, Lisa Gagliani, said: “As an Island charity committed to exploring change through creativity, we hope this competition will encourage novices and experienced storytellers, young and old, to literally jot something down, or to record a few minutes of spoken word, to express themselves and connect.”

Prizes include a subscription to Writing Magazine, book tokens, a Costa Coffee gift card and tickets to the Isle of Wight Literary Festival.

Winning entries in the 18-plus age group may be published in a future issue of Brevity.

To enter, download an application form from www.independentarts.org.uk

Write a single page of a ‘work in progress’ and send your application form and your entry by email to jot@independentarts.org.uk, or post to Independent Arts, Creative Writing Competition, Suite 3, 30 Quay Street, Newport, PO30 5BA.

Applications must reach the charity no later than midnight on Friday, June 15.

Winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony on Friday, July 10, at the People’s Pop-up Gallery in Newport.