The Young Writers Award competition is open to students from eight to 18 years who live in or attend school in the Cumberland LGA or are members of the council library service.
An opportunity for young writers and illustrators to showcase their talents, the competition will be judged across three age categories – 8 to 11 years, 12 to 14 years and 15 to 18 years.
Entries will open on Saturday, July 1, and close on Sunday, October 1.
Works could be: Short stories (maximum 500 words); Poetry (maximum 30 lines); or Graphic short story (maximum 10 pages).
All entries will complete a work using the images provided for the age groups.
Entrants can use as many of the images as they desire, with entries judged on originality, creativity, construction and use of language.
Awards will be presented to a winner, runner-up and two highly commended in each age group.
Finalists from each category will have their works published in a book that will be available to purchase and added to the library collection.
Author Ashleigh will run workshops for students who are interested in learning to write at Granville Library from July 4-11, 2.30-4.30pm.
She said everyone had a story to tell whether they knew it or not.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for future authors,” she said.
“In the workshops, we will be focusing on learning the tools to come up with ideas for plots and compelling characters.
“I will help the students craft great stories and who knows, it could ignite a desire in them to become a writer or poet.”
More info: cumberland.nsw.gov.au.
