What do you think of when you hear the word Fifty? To celebrate Potential Plus UK’s 50th Birthday we’re holding a writing competition on the theme of “Fifty”. There are three different age brackets for entries. The closing date for all entries is Sunday 3rd September 2017.

Young Reporter Hannah Mehr is an ambassador for Movellas, a social writing platform for teenagers and young adults. Hannah will be helping to judge the entries.  Below she offers her top tips for writing for the competition.

Spark – Age 3-7

Open to all 3 to 7 year olds, we are looking for original, unpublished stories, fact writing or poetry, up to 250 words in length. Winning entries will be published in the Winter 2017 edition of our e-magazine Spark and first prize is a £25 gift voucher.

Top tips from Hannah:

  • This competition has the theme of “50”. You can use it in any way you want: 50 minutes, 50 poeple or even 50 places. Be as creative as you can but stick to the theme.
  • Keep to the word limit.
  • Think of a great title that links to your piece of writing.
  • Write what you love and love what you write!

Send your entry marked “50th birthday competition” to spark@potentialplusuk.org or by post to SPARK, Potential Plus UK, Challenge House, Sherwood Drive, Bletchely, Milton Keynes, MK3 6DP.

 

Fuse – Age 8-11

Open to all 8-12 year olds. Can you put your thoughts on FIFTY into a poem, short story or factual description of under 250 words? You can write about whatever you like! Winning entries will be published in the Winter 2017 edition of our e-magazine Fuse and first prize is a £25 gift voucher.

Top tips from Hannah:

  • The competition has the theme of FIFTY and it is vital that you stick to it. You can use it in any way but FIFTY must be a key part of your writing.
  • Keep to the word limit and edit as you go along. If a sentence doesn’t improve your writing, then delete it and move on. Removing words that you love is hard but keeping to the 250-word limit is more important.
  • Whatever you are writing, the title is the judge’s first impression of your work. Spend time thinking of a title that is relevant to your writing, eye-catching and appealing.
  • Short stories work best from a single point of view or perspective. Don’t confuse judges or yourself with swapping and changing.
  • Avoid clichés. Be original, don’t copy what’s been done before. You need to write something different in order to stand out and to have a memorable entry.
  • At the end of the day, be yourself and be true to your writing style. Write what you love and lvoe what you write!

Send your entry marked “50th birthday competition” by email to: fuse@potentialplusuk.org or by post to: FUSE, Potential Plus UK, Challenge House, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6DP.

 

Ignis – Ages 12-18

Open to all young adults aged 12-18, we’re looking for original, unpublished works of fiction, non-fiction or poetry, up to 500 words in length.  Winning entries will be published in the Winter 2017 edition of Ignis and first prize is a gift voucher worth £25.

Top Tips from Hannah:

Tip 1:       This competition has the theme of “50” and it is vital that you stick to it. You can use it in any way: 50 minutes, 50 people or even 50 places. Be as creative as you can but “50” must be a key part of your story or poem.

Tip 2:      Keep to the word limit and edit as you go along. If a sentence doesn’t add to your story, then delete it and move on. Sacrificing words that you love is hard but keeping to the word limit is more important.

Tip 3:      Whatever you are writing, the title is the judge’s first impression of your work. Spend time thinking of something relevant to the story that is eye catching and appealing.

Tip 4:      Short stories work best from a single point of view. Don’t confuse the judges or yourself with swapping and changing.

Tip 5:      Beware of clichés. It’s all been done before so try and think of something more original. You need to write something different in order to stand out and to have a memorable entry.

Tip 6:      At the end of the day, be yourself and be true to your writing style.  Write what you love and love what you write; it’s a simple as that!

Writing competitions are a great way to express yourself and get recognition for your skills and creativity. So, what are you waiting for? Get inspired and get writing.

Send your entries marked 50th birthday competition by email to: ignis@potentialplusuk.org or by post to: IGNIS, Potential Plus UK, Challenge House, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 6DP.