The Burdekin Library, in partnership with the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival, is excited to launch the Sweet Days Hot Writes Short Story Competition!
This year’s theme, ‘Mystery in the Canefield’, invites young writers to unleash their creativity and imagination, crafting original stories that capture the spirit of intrigue and adventure right here in the Burdekin.
The competition is open to all children aged 5 to 17 years who reside within the Burdekin region. Budding authors are encouraged to submit a short story based around the theme, with entries to be judged on creativity, originality and connection to the topic. Winners’ stories will be published in an e-book available through the Burdekin Library’s Borrowbox app and awarded a cash prize to celebrate their writing achievements.
Word Limits by Age Group:
- 5-7 years: Up to 200 words
- 8-11 years: Up to 500 words
- 12-17 years: Up to 1000 words
The competition will close at 5:00pm on Friday 23 May 2025. The winners will be announced at the Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire on Friday 30 May at the Home Hill Showgrounds.
To enter, the Permission to Publish and Consent Form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and returned to the Burdekin Library. For more information, please contact the Burdekin Library on (07) 4783 9970 or email library@burdekin.qld.gov.au.