Words out West celebrates ‘The Little Things’ with brand new competition

Avid storytellers are being encouraged to let their imagination flow, put pen to paper, and take part in the inaugural Words out West Readers and Writers Festival short story competition.

The competition aims to spark the creative flare in keen wordsmiths aged sixteen years and older, with fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said it was a fantastic way to explore your imagination and share in the wonders of Words out West.

“Our Readers and Writers Festival is a great opportunity to celebrate the storyteller in all of us, and this competition is about inspiring people to take on a challenge and explore the written word in their own way,” Cr McVeigh said.

“The theme for the competition is ‘The Little Things‘, with no limits on how the writer chooses to interpret the theme and create an engaging fictional story.”

Mayor McVeigh said it was a great chance for budding writers to flex their skills, with shortlisted entries to be judged by the Words out West keynote speakers.

“This is an exciting competition offering some awesome prizes with first place being awarded $500 and a ticket to the Writer’s Retreat at Jimbour House. Runner up will receive $300 and third place will receive $150,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to show your work to some of the greats, and I encourage people to get involved in the competition and come along to Words out West.

The short story competition closes on 14 February 2021. Please submit your story, in 3,000 words or less following the ‘The Little Things‘ theme.

Western Downs Words Out West Readers and Writers Festival will take place from 11 to 14 March, 2021, with four days of events, presentations, and workshops, suiting all ages. Keynote presenters include Jay Laga’aia, Shane Webcke, Frances Whiting, Nick Earls, Anita Heiss and plenty more. Tickets are on sale now.

For competition terms and conditions and to book your Words Out West tickets, visit wordsoutwest.westerndownslibraries.com/competitions  

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