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Young authors invited to enter Surrey Libraries writing contest for cash, glory

It’s open to writers ages 12 to 18
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Surrey Libraries’ Young Adult Writing Contest, now in its 30th year, is calling on writers ages 12 to 18 to submit their short stories, poems, memoir or comics before July 31, 11:59 p.m. (Photo: Pixabay)

Hear ye, young authors, fame and glory await.

Surrey Libraries’ Young Adult Writing Contest, now in its 30th year, is calling on writers ages 12 to 18 to submit their short stories, poems, memoir or comics before July 31, 11:59 p.m. (now, that’s a deadline!) for a chance to win $150 (first place), $125 (second place) and $100 (third place), as well as all kinds of bragging rights.

Winners will be honoured at an awards gala in the Fall.

Judges will consider stories up to 1,500 words, typed and submitted online. The author’s name must not appear on his or her work. Poems can be no more than 36 lines, in any form, and comics must be in black-and-white and four to seven pages long. Memoir entries must be 1,500 words or less. You’ll need your own Surrey Libraries card, which is free, and the competition is free to enter. You can submit your entry here.

“New to this year, we’ve introduced a ‘memoir’ category in honour of our 30th anniversary and Canada 150,” Ellen Wu, contest coordinator, explained. “Teens can explore a memory from their past, or write about how their community has shaped them.”

Since 1987 Surrey Libraries has received more than 5,500 entries through this contest, averaging 198 per year.

Past winners have on occasion drawn interest from literary agents wanting to see more of their work.

Chief Librarian Surinder Bhopal said the competition helps teens develop confidence and “achieve their creative potential.

“We’re so proud to be celebrating our 30th anniversary this year,” she said. “The contest has been successful due to the tremendous enthusiasm and creative talent shown by Surrey teens.”

tom.zytaruk@surreynowleader.com



About the Author: Tom Zytaruk

I write unvarnished opinion columns and unbiased news reports for the Surrey Now-Leader.
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