The Great Lakes Advocate is offering aspiring young writers a unique and exciting opportunity to have their story published and at the same time win a cash prize.
Open to primary and middle school aged students, from Years 5-9, the open theme competition can be a fiction or no-fiction composition on any story which appeals to the young mind.
What about – An animal story, A day to remember, My friendship or Two years from now on – just to name a few examples.
Three prizes will be offered in each of the two categories – Years 7-9 and Years 5-6 – and awarded stories will be published in print and on-line in the Great Lakes Advocate.
Entries will be judged by local writers and GLA journalist and published children’s writer, Sally Codyre.
The judges also will provide feedback for each entry.
“Students learn at school about values and Australian culture that we all would like to cultivate,” the Tell Me A Story spokesperson said.
She said the competition encouraged students to show – in their stories – an Aussie spirit and be guided by their school’s values.
The grandmother to five aged between eight to 15 years has a passion for children’s education and their wellbeing.
“The idea of a writing competition for children has been with me for some time.
“I know that every child needs encouragement and help at various stages of their education.
“A writing competition can provide such an opportunity.”
Her son Peter was helped in his transition from primary to secondary school after entering a writing competition. By writing, one explores and discovers their own potentials, the spokesperson said.
“When you write a story, a letter or an essay, you think deeper, you organise your thoughts and then you put them on paper the best way you can.
“When practicing writing you become better at it, you find reasoning and beauty within yourself and can share it with others.”
All entries, which close on Thursday, March 8, should be typed on A4 paper, double spaced in size 12 font, and include student’s name, school, year at school, postcode, best contact followed by the story.
The competition requires up to 1000 words for those in section one, (Years 7,8,9), while students in section two (Years 5-6), up to 750 words.
Entries should be emailed to jeanene.duncan@fairfaxmedia.com.au with the subject Tell me a story.
Postal entries will be accepted and posted to The Great Lakes Advocate, Tell me a story competition, PO Box 138, Forster, 2428.
Results will be published in the GLA on April 11.
“We are hoping to see many students embarking on this exciting writing adventure.”
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
