Children & Young Adult Writing Contest

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Calling young writers!

Children's & YA Writing Contest

Inspired by .. Your favorite children's book!

Ages 8-18

The Children's Festival of the Book is holding its first youth writing contest this year. Use the following prompts to spark your writing. Be creative. Be thoughtful. Be funny or serious. Write fiction, essay, memoir, a picture book, a graphic novel, or poetry. Have fun and tell the world what books have inspired you.

Imagine a picture book you loved has an alternate ending, an intriguing back story, or a sequel. Flesh it out into a short story for older readers.

Put the characters from a book you loved into a completely different scenario and turn it into a short story.

Write a piece inspired by one of your favorite books. Your inspiration might come from how the author uses language – rhythm, metaphors, word play; from the characters; from the setting (time or place); from the illustrations, or from any other part of the book.

Write an essay that makes someone feel what your favorite books make you feel.

These are just some ideas. Don't let these limit your imagination! Our theme is “Inspired By . . .” and so long as your work is inspired by a book it meets the theme.

Submissions are due by Wednesday, October 26^th.

Turn in your creative work at the Children's desk at the Bozeman Public Library or at the Country Bookshelf. Entries should be typed and may include original illustrations. Include a cover sheet with your name, address, phone number or email address, age, and the book(s) that inspired your writing. Entries will be judged by local writers, librarians, and literary professionals.

For ages 8-12, entries should be no longer than 10 pages.

For ages 13-18, entries should be no longer than 20 pages.

The winners will be announced at a special reception on Friday, November 4^th at the Bozeman Public Library.

First prize in the teen section is a one-on-one writing critique session with Janet Fox, author of Faithful and Forgiven, young adult novels published by Penguin Speak. Many other prizes provided by local businesses.

All teens are invited to the free Teen Writing Workshop with author Janet Fox on Friday, November 4^th from 4 – 5:30pm at the Bozeman Public Library.

Sponsored by Children's Festival of the Book and Country Bookshelf