If the answer to any of those questions is “yes”, then enter the Upper Hunter High School Students’ Scone Literary Festival Writing Competition.

“Have a shot at $1000 worth of prizes and the opportunity to feature your writing at the Scone Literary Festival on November 11 and 12 in Scone,” Jan Sinclair said.

“One of the feature events of the Scone Literary Festival will be a writing competition for high school students across the Upper Hunter region. 

“Pupils from Scone High School, Scone Grammar School (grades 7-12), Merriwa Central School (grades 7-12), St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen and Muswellbrook High School are invited to submit their story with the theme Making Connections in 500 words or less.

“Winners will have the chance to share the $1000 prize pool, allocated by the Scone Literary Festival 2017, as well as secure the opportunity to showcase their writing at the Scone Literary Festival.

“The winner of the competition will also receive free entry tickets to Scone Literary Festival on November 11 and 12 at the Scone Arts and Crafts Hall.

“This year’s event is to feature some big names of the writing world including Rosalie Ham, author of The Dressmaker; as well as ex-Prime Minister Paul Keating’s speech writer Don Watson; Gold Walkley Award winning journalist Joanne McCarthy; and local ‘living treasure’ and ABC Radio National broadcaster Phillip Adams.

“A screening of The Dressmaker will feature on the Saturday night of the festival and be introduced by the film producer Sue Maslin and Rosalie Ham.

“So, start writing, ask your teachers and parents for their support, and see what magic you can muster for this inaugural competition for youths in the Upper Hunter.

“The Scone Literary Festival mission is: To promote books and to nurture a love of literature, learning and writing.”

For more information and updates to the program, visit www.sconewritersfestival.com.au