Could Your Child Be Cornwall’s Next Great Writer? Morrab Library’s 2025 Short Story Competition Now Open

Free entry, cash prizes and top writers judging – here’s how to enter

The Morrab Library in Penzance has launched its bi-annual short story writing competition for children across Cornwall – and entries are now officially open.

Open to young people aged 4 to 16, the competition is free to enter and welcomes original stories of up to 1,000 words. There’s no theme this year, giving young writers the freedom to be as imaginative as they like across any style or genre. The closing date for submissions is Friday 11th July 2025 at 4pm.

Stellar judging panel returns

Entries will be read and judged by a four-person panel made up of established writers and educators. Returning to the panel this year are Annamaria Murphy, a teacher and writer, and Peter Moffat, a double BAFTA-winning screenwriter. They are joined by two new judges: Sarah Connors, a playwright, and Peter McAllister, the Morrab Library’s current Writer in Residence, editor and co-founder of Inkfish magazine.

Peter Moffat said:

“I’m thrilled to be asked back to help judge this wonderful competition. It’s always a privilege to read young writers and discover new talents and ways of looking at the world.”

Peter McAllister added:

“West Cornwall has a long history of artistic excellence and I’m excited to read work from our current best and brightest.”

He offered this advice to those thinking of entering:

“Stories that interest me most grab a reader from the first sentence and keep them immersed in a world, feeling or situation until the very end. I love a twist, but make my heart jump and you’ll get my vote for a winner.”

Prizes and age categories

Thanks to sponsorship from library member Nigel Castle, the competition offers generous prizes in three age groups:

• Aged 4–7: £50 for first place

• Aged 8–11: £75 for first place

• Aged 12–16: £100 for first place

Second place in each category will receive a pair of AT66 HD Binoculars and book tokens, while third place will receive book tokens.

Nigel Castle said:

“I am honoured to sponsor this competition. Cornwall is a land of mystery, magic, legend and lore. Is it any wonder so many accomplished writers spent numerous years living in this delightful county? I wish all of the entrants the best of luck with their stories.”

How to enter

Entries can be submitted via The Morrab Library website, by post, or dropped off in person at the Library, which is located in the heart of Morrab Gardens in Penzance. Full guidelines and terms can be found at:
👉 morrablibrary.org.uk/shortstory2025

Writers have until 4pm on Friday 11th July 2025 to get their entries in.

Will your child’s story be the one to grab the judges from the very first sentence?