The story competitions have been set up to encourage young writers and storytellers to make use of old forms, plots and story motifs in imaginative and original new ways. Every year, a different theme will be chosen and young people are invited to create their own tales or original versions of old plots. Entry is open to all children under 12. Prizes are given to the most imaginative re-interpretations as well as for skill in language and storytelling. Special prizes may be awarded to promising younger entrants. Winning entries are published on the site.

We have purposely included the term ‘storytellers’ as well as writers in the descriptions because we are keen to encourage children to tell as well as to write stories. Whilst we expect that most entries for the present competition will probably be in written form (as in previous years), it is now possible to enter a told story recorded on suitable media. Children can enter both written and told tales if they wish to.

The competition was first set up for participants in the Able Writers workshops, originally organized for children from groups of schools around the country by the poet, Brian Moses. Various professional writers and poets work for full days with able (and sometimes clearly gifted) young writers to improve their skills. Groups of local schools generally pool resources to cover costs. The workshops are now run by the National Education Trust. Teachers and others interested in this imaginative scheme can view details on http://www.nationaleducationtrust.net/AbleWriters.php

Workshops with Rob Parkinson on the current competition theme can be organized through the scheme or by contacting us