Local writers are invited to pick up their pens for Staffordshire Libraries’ first ever short story competition.
The competition, launched to celebrate the National Year of Reading, is open to writers of all ages (7+) . Stories must feature an aspect of Stafford, be family friendly and be within a 1500-word limit. Writers have until Thursday 30 April to submit their works to the library.
A panel of judges, including the Staffordshire poet laureate Scarlett Ward and the Staffordshire Young Poet Laureate Pearl Knight-Dutton will choose the winners. The winning stories will be published into a compilation book by former Staffordshire poet laureate Mel Wardle Woodend of Dream Well Writing, which will go onto library shelves for customers to read and enjoy.
Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
This is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring writers of all ages to put pen to paper and get their work out there on the shelves of our libraries.
There’s huge creative talent in Staffordshire and we want to give it every opportunity to flourish. And what better time than during the National Year of Reading. I’d encourage anyone with an interest in writing or who has a story to tell to send in their work.
Our libraries are community hubs and we continue to invest in them. This means looking for new activities to put on in our libraries, exploring new technologies and services to make sure we meet the needs of our customers and residents.”
People can request an application form for the short story competition by emailing stafford.library@staffordshire.gov.uk.
More information on services and events available at Staffordshire Libraries can be found on its county council webpage.
