University Centre Peterborough English Lecturer, Andrew McDonnell, Shortlisted for East Anglian Book Award

University Centre Peterborough (UCP) is proud to announce that Andrew McDonnell, Curriculum Leader for English, has been shortlisted in the Poetry category for the 19th annual East Anglian Book Awards for his second poetry collection, 55 Devotionals Against Erasure.

Now in their 19th year, the awards are presented by the National Centre for Writing in partnership with the Eastern Daily Press and Norwich UNESCO City of Literature, supported by the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The awards celebrate literary talent and storytelling heritage.

Reflecting on the nomination, Andrew McDonnell shared how the region shapes his creative vision: “East Anglia has been home since I came here from rural Kent to study Cultural Studies, which offered creative writing modules at Norwich University of the Arts in 1997. East Anglia powers my imagination with its landscapes and history; it is what I write with. I am thrilled and honoured to see my book on the shortlist.”

Paula Sanchez, Chief Executive and Creative Director of the National Centre for Writing, praised the high standard of this year’s contenders: “The East of England has a remarkable literary culture. From its distinctive landscapes and rich storytelling heritage to its thriving independent publishers, festivals and writing communities, it is one of the UK’s most vibrant homes for literature. This year’s shortlist reflects the extraordinary breadth of writing being produced by authors with roots in the region, from fiction and poetry to history, memoir and children’s books. I can’t wait to discover these books and celebrate the writers behind them.”

Andrew’s collection has already earned high praise from critics. Novelist and poet Tim Relf noted: “Whether it’s trained on the field mouse disturbed by a farmworker’s boot, the patio behind a bar, or the schoolmate ‘in his cardigans too big for him’, McDonnell’s forensic eye also sees what’s under the surface. In so doing, he has written a hugely insightful book with much to say about class, masculinity and family.” 

Andrew’s success reflects the high standard of teaching at UCP, where students learn directly from published authors and industry experts. With small class sizes and personal mentorship, UCP gives emerging writers the tools and support to find their voice and refine their craft.

The overall winning book across all genres will receive a £1,000 prize. Everyone at University Centre Peterborough wishes Andrew the best of luck!

To support the next generation of writers, UCP offers the Malcolm Bradbury Bursary for English students. Named after the famed author and co-founder of UEA’s Creative Writing MA, the bursary provides direct financial funding to help students focus on their craft and start their literary careers.

To learn more about studying English and Creative Writing at University Centre Peterborough or to explore bursary details, visit https://www.ucp.ac.uk/subjects/english/