Get Inspired
Read the entries to previous WriteStuff competitions.
A Writing Competition for Students of all Ages
Imagine yourself in an “Imaginary World”. Who would you be? Where would you be? Winnie the Pooh in the 100 Acre Wood, Harry Potter at Hogwarts or Long John Silver on Treasure Island- these are just a few well known examples from the world of literature.
You do not need to write a whole story; just focus on crafting an episode which really brings you and your imaginary land to life.
The judges will be looking for:
- Interesting character(s) in memorable settings
- Clever plot choices and well chosen dialogue
- The ability to create emotion
Entries are closed
Categories
Primary
Years 3/4/5/6
Intermediate
Years 7/8/9
Senior
Years 10 plus
Judges
Huw Lewis Jones
Head Judge of the WriteStuff
Huw Lewis-Jones, who was educated at Elizabeth College, is the author of books which include Imagining the Arctic, the Crossing of Antarctica and Explorers’ Sketchbooks.
Join Huw for a talk on his latest work, A Writer’s Map: An Atlas of Imaginary Lands, an atlas of the journeys that our most creative storytellers have made throughout their lives. This magnificent collection encompasses not only the maps that appear in their books but also the many maps that have inspired them, the sketches that they used while writing, and others that simply sparked their curiosity.
Ross Collins
Judge for Primary Age entries of the Write Stuff
Ross is the author and illustrator of 130 books for children, some of which have been put on stage or given enormous glittering awards. Join Ross as he draws characters and talks about his latest picture books What Does an Anteater Eat?, This Zoo is not for You, and There’s a Bear on Your Chair. Be warned- this gets very silly.
Piers Torday
Judge for Intermediate Age entries of the Write Stuff
Join award-winning author, Piers Torday, for an animated, interactive insight into how he became an author, what inspires him and the importance of sharing stories. Hear how he learned to write books through The Last Wild, the very personal story which led to There May Be A Castle and why he wrote his latest book, The Lost Magician.
Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Judge for Senior Age entries of the Write Stuff
Join bestselling, multi-award-winning author Kiran Millwood Hargrave for an interactive, engaging talk on her journey to becoming a writer, and how she crafted her stories The Girl of Ink & Stars, The Island at the End of Everything, and The Way Past Winter. Be the first to hear about what’s next, and get ideas for writing your own stories!
Fantastic Prizes
First Prize
(in each category)
£50 cash, the 2019 trophy, a certificate, and your story will be published and illustrated on the website.
Second Prize
(in each category)
£25 cash, a certificate, and your story will be published and illustrated on the website.
Third Prize
(in each category)
£25 cash, a certificate, and your story will be published and illustrated on the website.
Winning stories also be displayed in the Guille-Allès Library.
Everyone’s a winner! All commended entries will also be published on the website and each School that enters will receive a signed copy of a book by one of our Festival writers for their school library.