Budding writers tune up for Hot Press gig

CRANK up the computer, turn up the tunes and get writing to see if you can be Ireland’s next top music journalist.

Hot Press and Vodafone Ireland want students to submit around 400 words about any music subject of their choice, for the chance to win an internship at Hot Press.

The competition, called All Write Now, is open to all sixth year and third-level students.

Budding writers can send in a review of an album or gig, discuss music trends or simply vent their view on any aspect of music they love or hate.

The judging will be based on writing quality, originality, interest and entertainment value.

Four lucky students will win an internship at Hot Press, as well as cash prizes and a host of other goodies from Vodafone.

A number of prizes will also be given to runners-up.

Winners will be chosen by a panel of seasoned writers and musicians, including Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy; best-selling author Alex Barclay; Paul Howard of Ross O’Carroll Kelly fame; Hot Press editor Niall Stokes and deputy editor Stuart Clark.

Hot Press has been the launching pad for the careers of many of the best known names in Irish journalism, including Father Ted creators Arthur Matthews and Graham Linehan; Irish Examiner soccer correspondent Liam Mackey; Irish Times columnist John Waters and food writer John McKenna.

Entries can be posted to All Write Now, Hot Press, 13 Trinity Street, Dublin 2 or emailed to allwritenow @hotpress.ie. Official entry forms are included in the latest issue of Hot Press.

Closing date for entries is January 29, 2007.