Clare Balding and the Leeds Castle BIG Story Writing Challenge

Children all over the UK aged 5-13 are invited to join in Leeds Castle’s BIG Story Writing Challenge by writing a short story inspired by the theme of ‘One Golden Day’. To enter the competition, you’ll need to be aged either between 5 and 9 or 10 and 13. Put on your royal thinking crowns and use this golden theme to inspire you to write about anything at all, with a unique title – the more imaginative the better! Your story could be set in the past, present or future and can include anything or anyone fictional or real!

Clare Balding, the official honorary judge for the challenge, shared with Primary Times her top five story writing tips:

1. Aim for a brilliant first line. Make sure the first sentence hints at what the story is all about, and make it exciting from the very first word.

2. Be as adventurous as you can with your storyline. Try to be original - allow your imagination to run free.

3. You’re limited to 900 words but that’s an awful lot. Don't worry if you don't make even close to 900; sometimes less is more. Part of the reader’s enjoyment is building their own picture from the clever clues you provide.

4. Don’t be afraid to rewrite. If you're stuck, just write anything down and you can go back over it later. Think of the rewrite as an opportunity to polish and polish until the words gleam on the page.

5. Enjoy it - writing a story is just as fun (if not more so) as reading one. You get to completely control the plot, invent your characters, and decide the ending.

Good luck!

Stories should be an original work of fiction using no more than 900 words. Writers have until 12noon on 6 March to submit their stories. Entries must be submitted by an adult (parent/guardian or teacher) on behalf of the child, and with parental consent.

Twenty talented finalists are invited to join Clare Balding in the Castle for the Grand Awards Ceremony on 29 May. The overall winners from each age group will be announced on this very special day. The winning story from each category will win a stay at Knight’s Glamping, tickets to the Fireworks Spectacular 2020, a hamper of fun prizes and the full collection of Clare Balding’s children’s books. The winning stories will be published globally on Fonetti’s app. You could become a published author if you win the BIG Story Writing Challenge.

For further information and tips about the BIG Story Writing Challenge at www.leeds-castle.com/storywriting and on all Leeds Castle social media channels.

 

 

 

 

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