Do you have an extraordinary story to share? Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM is encouraging both budding and experienced writers to share their stories in the 2023 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize.
The 2023 theme asks writers to explore the ‘EXTRAordinary’, and weave their ideas, experiences and imaginings on the concept into a short story or poem.
Entries in the 2023 competition are now open to adults and children, from 8 years of age onwards, who live in Blacktown City. The total prize pool for this year’s competition is $1600.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said: “The Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize is a wonderful initiative from Blacktown City Council that aims to engage and inspire writers young and old.
“The Prize allows us to showcase the passion for writing that the people of Blacktown City share.
“This year, we’re asking writers to tap away at their keyboards or put pen to paper about something ‘EXTRAordinary’ and to explore the idea of the incredible in the everyday.
“The diverse communities of Blacktown City have many stories to tell – and we can’t wait to read them.”
Submissions can be either a poem or short story, but must be works of fiction. Short stories should not exceed 500 words and poems should be no longer than 25 lines.
Works will be judged on originality, construction, the use of language, (including creative expression, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling), development of character, atmosphere or setting, creative use of language and how the entry relates to the theme.
Entries are open in the following age categories: 8 – 11 years, 12 – 14 years, 15 – 17 years and adult (18+).
Adult winners will receive $200. Winners aged 17 or younger will receive $100 and the teacher or teacher librarian who is supporting them will receive a corresponding $100.
Entries close at midnight on Monday, 2 October, 2023.
Winners will be announced at a special presentation ceremony at the Max Webber Library in December.
Entries can only be submitted online at westwords.com.au, or via email [email protected]
For more details visit: www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Awards-scholarships-and-competitions/Mayoral-Creative-Writing-Prize
The Mayoral Creative Writing Prize is run in partnership with WestWords, an organisation which celebrates and champions the stories of Western Sydney.
Picture: The winner of the 2022 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize adult poetry category, Lanuola Patiole (second from left), and adult short story category, Esha Tiwana (second from right), with Manager Library Services Joy Bourke, and Councillor Kathie Collins OAM.
