Libraries Writing Competition

To celebrate Library and Information Week we invite all Snowy Valleys youth aged between 6 and 12 years of age to enter our writing competition.

Special judge Katrina Roe, author of picture book Lily’s Balloon, will be judging entries based on the following criteria:

• A strong, clear, authentic voice (Tip: Be yourself! Don’t try to write like somebody else.)
• An original and compelling story that keeps the reader interested. (Hint: Make me care about your character and their world!)
• Inclusion of the ‘key phrase’ (this will be released on Monday 2 June 2025).

Prizes will be awarded to the winning entry and runner-up, with honorable mentions receiving a certificate.

A few extra tips from our judge:

• Try to start and finish strong – make your first and last line count.

• Consider point of view: Who is telling the story? Let the reader see the world through their eyes

• Is it believable? Do your characters behave in ways that make sense to them?

• Are things happening? Keep the story moving with surprise events, intriguing characters, mystery, danger or humour.