Being a published writer today means being within a competitive market – trying to stand out in a crowd with your words. But one organisation has taken this notion of competitively to new heights.

Yesterday I was fascinated to watch on BBC News an item about a new phenomena in the world of writing and publishing called the Literary Death Match.

The website for the movement explains what Literary Death Match is all about:

Each episode of this competitive, humor-centric reading series features a thrilling mix of four famous and emerging authors (all representing a literary publication, press or concern — online, in print or live) who perform their most electric writing in seven minutes or less before a lively audience and a panel of three all-star judges. After each pair of readings, the judges — focused on literary merit, performance and intangibles — take turns spouting hilarious, off-the-wall commentary about each story, then select their favorite to advance to the finals.

The two finalists then compete in the Literary Death Match finale, which trades in the show’s literary sensibility for an absurd and comical climax to determine who takes home the Literary Death Match crown.

Writing is still, silent, waiting patiently on the page to be digested. But this movement is taking writing into a new arena, bringing it to life audibly in front of an audience in a lively, humorous way. It’s melding the art forms of literature and performance (with a spot of the TV talent show format mixed in).

I’m excited to see any new development that celebrates books, that widens readership and that is passionate about innovation and creativity within the arts. In addition, I love the idea of writing becoming something aural, tying in with the traditional roots of literature in fireside storytelling. One of the authors interviewed by the BBC highlighted that she loved to read her work aloud – that in fact something is lost when it’s simply words on paper. I agree. When I write, I choose words not only for their meaning and their visual appeal on paper, but for their sound – there is a rhythm, a musicality to writing, I think.

Writing is, by nature, a solitary pursuit, and the Literary Death Match is a wonderful opportunity to step away from the drafty garret and really engage with readers. But my goodness, one has to be brave to do so! It’s fast-paced, furious, witty – truly a death match. Not for the faint-hearted, but I think those who attend an event must come away very impressed with the intelligence and strength of the contending authors.

Literary Death Match is touring the world, so look out for a date near you soon. For more information, visit http://www.literarydeathmatch.com. You may also enjoy watching some videos of past events: http://www.literarydeathmatch.com/audio-and-video/.