City of Darwin Libraries are calling on aspiring young writers throughout the Northern Territory to put pen to paper and produce their very own book for entry into the annual Young Territory Author Awards (YTAA).
The YTAA writing competition is now open and residents 18 years and under across the Northern Territory are encouraged to enter.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said “City of Darwin is delighted to continue our support of the Young Territory Author Awards, now in its 29th year. The Awards have proven an invaluable platform for aspiring authors to begin their careers.”
The Awards showcase the incredible imagination and creativity of young people in the community and provide them with an opportunity to develop their writing skills and have their work nationally recognised.
Entries will close on 23rd August 2019.The overall YTAA winner will receive a generous cash reward of $500, the school entry winner will receive $500 for their school, with age group and regional winners also receiving prizes.
Manager of The Darwin Bookshop, local author and previous regional winner of YTAA, Sean Guy will be on the panel as one of this year’s elected judges.
“I’m very excited to be involved in the judging process for the Young Territory Author Awards, it’s a competition that is very close to my heart.
“One of my first writing experiences was with the YTAA, where I was honoured to win the Palmerston category three years running.
“Renowned international Author Barry Jonsberg who was the MC at the Awards ceremony in 2009 gave me some very generous feedback and advice, which I have never forgotten.”
The 2018 Young Territory Author of the Year was awarded to young author Tiger-Lily Clements for her book titled, Anathema.
The winners will be announced on 23rd of October at the Darwin Entertainment Centre, with media invited to attend the special event.
All entries will be included in the Young Territory Author Awards collection housed at Casuarina Library. Previous entries can also be viewed and borrowed by the public.
