2024 BBC Young Writers’ Award Shortlist

• “A Human, a Robot and a Gosling Walk into a Post-Apocalyptic Bar” by Basmala Alkhalaf (17, from Birmingham)
• “The Quiet” by Amaan Foyez (18, from Essex)
• “Special” by Lulu Frisson (17, from Birmingham)
• “Confession” by Vivienne Hall (17, from Bolton)
• “Nathalie’s Flatmate” by Aidan Vogelzang (15, from Elgin, Scotland)

Many of the shortlisted stories are speculative in nature, with the writers citing the works of George Orwell, Rick Riordan, and Terry Pratchett as inspiration.

The competition is open to all writers between the ages of 14-18. Shortlisted stories are read by professional actors on BBC Radio One, and the winner will receive “a personalised mentoring session with an author to enhance their writing skills.”

For more information, including links to audio of the shortlisted stories, see the announcement on the BBC website.

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