Share your library twist

Ever dreamed of writing a thriller? Maybe a mystery, romance or a sci-fi saga where your imagination can run wild?

The Barossa Council Public Library is making that dream a reality with the introduction of its inaugural Writing Competition.

Launched as part of the annual Libraries SA Firstival program, the competition offers three categories: Children, 12 years and under with a word limit of up to 500; Youth, 13-18 years, up to 1500 words and Adults, up to 3000 words.

Event organisers Jodie Doyle, Library Programs Officer, and Michelle Knynenburg, Coordinator Library Experience and Programs, are looking forward to reading an abundance of submissions from which they’ll shortlist finalists to be judged by an independent panel.

But like all good stories, there’s a twist in the tale for this competition.

“Your story must feature a library or librarian in some capacity, whether it be in a traditional setting or some other way,” said Jodie.

“There also needs to be a beginning, a middle and an end. ‘And she woke up’ is not an ending!” added Michelle. “You don’t have a huge number of words, so hook us in to start with and keep us entertained.”

The idea for the competition was mooted at the library’s new writing group which has been meeting on Saturday mornings for the past six months.

“We wanted to engage our creative community of writers and we hadn’t done that before other than starting our Shut up and Write group,” said Jodie.

“Members expressed an interest in expanding beyond the regular meeting, and this is our first step in doing that.”

The top three placed writers in each category will be awarded a voucher from the Raven’s Parlour in Tanunda, as well as all-important bragging rights.

The library team have a vision for the competition’s future.

“Eventually it would be really lovely if it became a regular event and we had enough quality work to create a Barossa Libraries Anthology,” said Michelle.

“We might run it every year or two and it would encourage that quality of literature and promote literacy for our young people too.

“We really hope to encourage people who are thinking about writing and maybe are a bit scared of entering some of those bigger competitions to enter ours!”

The competition is open to writers from the Barossa and further afield with entries to be submitted online here or emailed to library@barossa.sa.gov.au by 5pm, 15 August.

Winners will be announced in September. Go to barossa.sa.gov.au/events or phone 8563 8440 for more information, including terms and conditions.