Who's got the 'WriteStuff'?

Saturday 09 February 2019

Ahead of the 2019 Guernsey Literary Festival, young writers are being asked to create a special place from their imagination for this year’s WriteStuff competition.

It's a 300-word competition with the title 'Imaginary Worlds' and is open to all school pupils in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.

The young writers are asked to use their imaginations, to think about who they would be and where would they be in this special place of their own creation.

Pictured: The competition is now open ahead of the Literary Festival. 

Head judge for the competition will be local man, Huw Lewis-Jones, who, as an historian, explorer and best-selling author, will have plenty to talk to the children about.

The three other judges will be award-winning authors Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Ross Collins and Piers Torday. Filter judges will be Tony Booth and Rachel Wyatt.

Pictured: Huw Lewis-Jones. 

With the theme being imaginary worlds, the organisers suggest the young writers create a map of the imaginary world they come up with, and then use it as inspiration for their writing.

"It need not be complicated. Just start with a single sheet of paper, a pencil, and go from there…" they said.

"Think of Winnie the Pooh in the 100 Acre Wood, Harry Potter at Hogwarts or Long John Silver on Treasure Island."

Head judge Huw Lewis-Jones says, "Many famous writers begin with a map, and we want you to do likewise. So, imagine a world of your own and go and get lost in it. As readers, and judges, we can’t wait to go on marvellous journeys with you, to meet curious creatures and explore unknown places."

For more information on the rules, deadlines and potential prizes go to writestuff.gg or from the Guille-Alles library or school libraries.