Going Wild About Writing in Suffolk and beyond…

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery this summer we ran Wild About Writing; a new children’s writing competition for short stories inspired by the natural environment. Wild About Writing was all about encouraging children to get outside, go wild and let their imaginations go wild.

Launched on National Writing Day and open to 7-13 year olds across the UK the competition was inspired by our love of the Suffolk countryside and our passion for stories. We took part in school assemblies and ran free story workshops in libraries across East Suffolk, all aimed at encouraging lots of children to write their own wild and wonderful tales.

We also held a ‘Get Writing’ workshop at The Halesworth Bookshop, led by Francesca Armour-Chelu, one of our Wild About Writing judges and author of Fenn Halflin and the Fear Zero, Fenn Halflin and the Seaborn and the newly published The Butterfly Circus. Francesca told us,
“I’m so delighted to be involved with Wild about Writing. Children are so often completely absorbed in computers and phones that anything which encourages them to engage with the natural environment is incredibly valuable. This project will, I think, enrich their understanding of their countryside and perhaps lead them to keep it safe in the future.”

The competition’s other judges include University of Essex Wild Writing lecturer Dr James Canton, EADT Suffolk Magazine editor Jayne Lindill and James Mayhew, celebrated author and illustrator who’s books include Katy’s Picture Show, Ella Bella Ballerina, Mrs Noah’s Pockets and Gaspard the Fox.

There are two categories for Wild About Writing entries; 7-10 year olds and 11-13 year olds. The winners in each category will win a £25 book token and have their stories published in EADT Suffolk Magazine.

Wild About Writing closed for entries on 31st August. Judging is taking place now and the winners will be announced soon!
www.wildaboutwriting.org.uk