Coventry authors are being offered the chance to get their work in print thanks to the city's library service.

A scheme is being run next year that will help writers develop their skills at a series of workshops.

Professional illustrators and writers will offer help and encouragement to budding writers and poets between January and May.

Mark Williams, who is organising the event, said:

"Do you see yourself as the next Agatha Christie, Mary Wesley or maybe Benjamin Zephaniah?  Whatever your reading interests, if you feel you can write as well as these authors, or even better, why not take part in this exciting scheme?"

The scheme, which has been running for a number of years, gives amateur authors the opportunity to write a short story with the help of professional writers on any of the following topics:

• Poetry (max. 40 lines)
• Comedy
• Crime
• Memories/ Reminiscence
• Romance
• Contemporary fiction

The authors then submit their work to the library service and have the chance to see their pieces published.

Cllr George Duggins, cabinet member (Education and Library Service) said:

"The scheme which has been extremely successful in the past gives individuals the confidence to develop their talents and the opportunity to get their work published for others to enjoy."

The first round of workshops will start on 15 January and will run until 3 February and the second round of workshops start on 15 March with the closing date for all submissions 21 May 2001.