Writing contest seeks entries from youth

The “Neilson Hays Young Writers Awards 2021” is accepting entries from young writers and illustrators aged between 10-18 years, until March 15.

Held to mark the 60th anniversary of Thai-Canadian relations by Neilson Hays Library and the Embassy of Canada, the fifth edition of the competition invites students of both Thai/ bilingual and international schools to submit children’s picture books and short stories in English under the theme “Differences: Diversity”.

There are five categories — picture books (no more than 20 pages and 500 words) for students aged up to 12 from Thai/bilingual schools; picture books (no more than 20 pages and 500 words) for students aged up to 12 from international schools; picture books (no more than 24 pages and 800 words) for students aged up to 16 from Thai/ bilingual schools; picture books (no more than 24 pages and 800 words) for students aged up to 16 from international schools; and short stories of no more than 1,500 words by students aged up to 18 years from all schools.

Individuals or teams of up to three students may submit one work in the picture book category while the short story category is for individuals only.

All works must be original and should not have been previously published (online postings should be removed prior to submission).

Finalists will be selected by March 26 and they will be invited to participate in a workshop where published writers and illustrators will critique and coach the students on their work.

The winners will receive certificates and prizes worth 10,000 baht per category. The second and third runners-up will receive certificates from the library.

The entry fee is 500 baht. Visit NeilsonHaysLibrary.org or email YoungWriters@ NeilsonHaysLibrary.org.