Central Coast Council is calling on budding authors to be discovered and have their creative efforts recognised as the annual Short Story Competition kicks off today.

The competition is one of the most anticipated library events on the calendar and last year attracted over 220 entries.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the competition offered an incredible opportunity for local writers of any age to have their creative efforts recognised and published.

“Everyone has a story in them and this is your opportunity to get it out and share it with the community,” said Mr Reynolds.

“Whether it be a happy or sad story, a real life event or fake news, it’s time for all aspiring authors on the Coast to let your imagination and creativity run wild and get writing.”

Entries for the 2017 Short Story Competition will be accepted from Monday 10 July until 5pm Friday 31 August.

Stories can be up to 1500 words and there will be four categories; Junior (5-8 years), Primary (9-12 years) Young Adult (13-17 years) and adult (18+ years).

The winner of each division will win an iPad air, with second prize receiving an iPad mini, and commended entries a book prize.

“One of the key drivers of this competition is promoting the development of literacy and reading skills in our community,” Mr Reynolds said.

“It is imperative we engage with children at an early age and let them discover the enjoyment reading and writing can bring; and this competition is a great way for kids to get started.”

Winners will be announced in October and all entries will be printed in an anthology available to participants, online and in Library branches.

Download an Entry Form and View Terms and Conditions for the 2017 Short Story Competition