ISLANDERS should sharpen their pencils, charge their laptops and turn off ChaptGPT for the return of the Jersey Festival of Words Writing Competition.
The Festival’s annual writing competition – in partnership with the JEP and sponsored by Oakglen Wealth –offers opportunities for Jersey-based wordsmiths of all ages to submit poetry, flash fiction and short stories.
There are cash prizes for the top three stories or poems in each age category, and budding writers must submit by 10 August.
Judges are looking for strong original work. Language generative AI is strongly discouraged.
The winner of the poetry competition’s 17 and above category will also receive the prestigious Alan Jones Prize, named after the renowned Jersey poet, writing mentor and former Hautlieu Head of English.
Winners will further be featured in the JEP during the festival which will take place from 15 to 24 September. Plus, they will be invited to receive their awards at the Competition Awards Ceremony on Sunday 24 September.
Judges for the competition are yet to be confirmed.
Some of the competition winners from 2022, above
Announcing the launch of this year’s competition, Paul Bisson, the festival's vice chair, said: ‘The writing competition is an essential part of the festival, providing an opportunity for all Islanders to showcase their literary talents and contribute creatively to a community celebration of words. We are grateful to this year's competition sponsors, Oakglen Wealth,' he added, 'for making it possible, and look forward as ever to a high standard of entry from Jersey's writers and poets.’
JEP Editor Andy Sibcy said: ‘The JEP is proud to cement its important relationship with the Jersey Festival of Words again this year through the popular short story and poetry sections of the competition. The festival is such an important feature of the Island’s events and cultural calendar and we are very proud to help inspire people in seeking to make sense of things and to explore ideas through reading and writing. Whether you are a seasoned author or someone who has always fancied having a go at writing something for others to read, this is a great opportunity to have a go.’
Investment Director with Oakglen William Lamond said the the firm was 'delighted' to sponsor the competition, which is now in its ninth year. 'It gives islanders the opportunity to showcase their creative literary talent. Good luck to all those budding authors taking part!’
COMPETITION DETAILS
Short Story
1500 word limit
Ages 9-13 receive prizes of £25, £50 and £75
Ages 14-16 receive prizes of £25, £50 and £75
Ages 17 and above receive prizes of £50, £75 and £100
Flash Fiction
125 word limit
Open to all ages
Prize £75
Poetry
30 line limit
Ages 9-13 receive prizes of £25, £50 and £75
Ages 14-16 receive prizes of £25, £50 and £75
Ages 17 and above receive prizes of £50, £75 and £100. The winner also receives the Alan Jones Prize.
Entrants are urged not to turn to ChatGPT or other AI to produce their stories.
Entries must be submitted as an attachment to an email to writingcomp@jerseyeveningpost.com by midnight on 10 August.
Competition entrants must be born or resident in Jersey and their work must not have been previously published in any public form, print or digital, or have won a prize in any other competition. No more than two entries per person in any one category.