We asked , Vanessa Pope, if she'd say a few words on the blog about winning the prize, and what it's meant for her.
"The Eastside Princess" very nearly didn't make it out of Belfast to be judged for the 2010 Tony Doyle Bursary. The screenplay had been written while I was still a student and as a weighty, feature length script, careful consideration had to be given as to whether or not the postage could be afforded. Thankfully, I decided to 'splash out' and while a meagre meal of beans on toast followed, the subsequent success of the script is something that will stay with me for the rest of my career.
The script, set in modern-day east Belfast tells the story of Jenna McCoy, an eleven year old who when faced with the prospect of watching her family disintegrate around her, conjures herself a playmate to help put it all back together. At its core it is a story of loss though told, I hope, with some humour and optimism. I wanted to tell a story that was realistic and yet full of the kind of wild imagination that can only come from a child.
The idea of "The Eastside Princess" even being shortlisted for the Tony Doyle is something my adult brain never truly envisioned. Yet to do just that and then to win is something that has spurred my imagination to greater and more ambitious heights than ever before. It is a massive confidence boost and as such is already affecting the way I approach my writing. I feel less inclined to second guess myself - if I think an idea is good I am more inclined to go with it rather than spend two days running it down. The award is there like an invisible but very tangible mentor constantly acknowledging that the work I have done and the sacrifices I have made have been worth it and will continue to be so. Ego boosting aside, the prize itself; both the money and the residential seminar have been amazingly helpful. The seminar in particular - a blissful three days at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre was invaluable in introducing us to fellow writers and hearing the advice of people who actually work in the industry. Their motivation and encouragement to keep believing and to keep writing is something I don't think any other writing competitions could have matched. Needless to say, I remain thoroughly delighted that I took the chance.