Words on the Waves Writers Festival’ schools’ program, Ripples, a short story competition for budding writers and dreamers proved to be very popular.
With two categories, school Year 4 to 6 and school Year 7 to 9, Central Coast students were encouraged to write a short story inspired by the theme The Ripple Effect.
About 100 entries were received from 17 schools as well as submissions via parents.
Six prize packages totalling $1,700 in value were awarded to students with prize winners from Umina Beach Public School, Lakes Grammar School, Central Coat Grammar School, Ettalong Public School Wyong Christian School, and Green Point Christian School.
Final judging was done by Fran Carson, judge for the prestigious Children’s Book Council of Australia.
Winners were awarded prizes at a free family fun day held recently with packages including the publication of winning stories on the Words on the Waves website, a Kids Gift Card voucher, book packs, an author or illustrator visit to the winning student’s school and a one-day pass to the Words on the Waves Writers Festival 2025.
Authors Tracey Hawkins and Coral Vass will give presentations to the winning schools in the near future.
All stories were judged on criteria including characterisation, structure – beginning, middle and end – plot, originality, language and enjoyment.
The competition was sponsored by Ettalong Diggers and prizes were donated by Walker Books, Penguin Random House and Allen & Unwin.