TWO women from the Epping Forest district are hoping an Essex County Council writing competition will help unlock their potential to pen a bestseller.

Sandra Stone, from Greensted and Jacqueline Jacques from Buckhurst Hill, have both been shortlisted for the council's Fresh Talent scheme, which aims to find the most talented new writers in Essex.

Around 200 people entered the contest last autumn, with each applicant submitting a synopsis or up to 50 pages of a novel to be looked at by a panel of judges.

After careful consideration the entries were whittled down to a shortlist of 34.

Mrs Stone entered the beginning of a novel she had written as part of her masters degree course in writing at Middlesex University.

The book, entitled Unlocking the Colours, tells the tale of an Essex woman with a daughter who has a learning disability. Mrs Stone described the work as both a "mystery" and a "romance".

She said: "It's a tale of mystery and love. I used to work with people with learning disabilities some years ago, and I find it a really interesting area."

Mrs Jacques, of Osborne Road, has already had four books published, and is hoping the competition will lead her to a new agent. She has been writing for about ten years.

She said: "My previous books have all been sagas or love stories. This manuscript is a thriller called Blow Your House Down. It's about a woman who thinks she's being stalked. She's an art teacher in prisons and oversteps the mark."

The lucky 34 will have their work read by the Literary Consultancy and have been invited to an industry professional day in Chelmsford, on Saturday, January 24, when they will have the chance to mingle with industry professionals such as Essex literary agent Vanessa Holt, Literary Consultancy managing director Becky Swift, Hodder Headline talent scout Betty Schwartz and Essex literary officer Malcolm Burgess, who will offer advice and tips on making it as a writer.

Several published Essex writers will also be there.

Each manuscript will receive feedback, and, if required, advice on agents and editors.

Mrs Stone, who says it is her dream to be a published author, thinks the day is a great idea for budding novelists.

"The way to get in is to have access to publishers and agents who can give you help.

"They're professionals, and know what people are looking for."

Mrs Jacques added: "It's a great opportunity and I'm going to the day armed with my manuscript and willing to answer any questions about it."