Entries from young writers in the Bailiwick are pouring in for the popular Write Stuff competition, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year.
The WriteStuff competition, which is organised by the Guernsey Literary Festival, sponsored by Julius Baer and supported by Aurigny, invites children of all ages and abilities to unleash their imaginations through storytelling. This year’s theme, The Party, promises to inspire tales of excitement, adventure, and camaraderie.
The competition was launched on 8 January and the deadline for submissions is next Friday 8 March.
The competition attracted a record 883 entries from 26 schools last year.
And now, to help celebrate the 10 th anniversary of the competition, Literary Festival partner Aurigny is generously providing two return flights from Guernsey to London Gatwick for the 1st prize winner in each of the five categories. There will also be cash prizes and the winners will receive a signed book and an original illustration by local illustrator Sheena Le Messurier, who has been commissioned to produce bespoke illustrations of the winning stories. Up to five highly commended prizes will also be available in each category.
There are five classes, Primary (years 3-6), Intermediate (years 7-9) and Senior (years 10+), and a primary and secondary class for writers with special educational needs. The entries will be judged by top UK and international children’s book authors Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Sam Copeland, Frances Hardinge and Huw Lewis Jones.
Literary Festival partners for the competition are Aurigny, Guernsey Arts, Guille-Allès Library, Island Families and Uandus.
Aurigny CEO Nico Bezuidenhout explained why the airline felt it was important to offer the flights: “Aurigny is thrilled to partner with the Literary Festival, where the power of words and ideas converge to inspire, educate, and transform lives. Together, we look forward to fostering creativity, enriching minds, and shaping a brighter future through the magic of literature.”
The sentiments are shared by the main sponsors. Alexandra McInnes, Managing Director of Julius Baer Guernsey, which has sponsored the Write Stuff for a number of years, said: “The Write Stuff goes from strength to strength and we’re sure this year is going to be the biggest and best one yet. The young writers always bring creative thinking to the challenge and The Party is a fantastic start point for any budding young author. We can’t wait to read the entries and be involved with what is always a fantastic competition.”
The WriteStuff winners will be announced in May and the prizes will be given out during the Guernsey Literary Festival at the Competition Awards Ceremony on Saturday 4 May. This year’s Festival runs from 23 April to 5 May. The winning stories and illustrations will also be displayed at the Guille-Allès Library and local schools.
All entries should be submitted directly through the website . Further information is available by contacting education@guernseyliteraryfestival.com or calling 07781 143545. Details will also be available from the Guille-Alles Library or school libraries.
Pictured: 2023 SEND category winner Jake Donaldson receiving his prize from author Huw Lewis Jones
