9th Kathleen Julia Bates Memorial Writing Competition

[Stephen Whiteside]

I want to draw ABPA members' attention to this competition for poems for children.


9th Kathleen Julia Bates Memorial Writing Competition

For Australian writers only, this competition is for a poem suitable for a child aged 5 to 8 years. All entries are to have a separate title page with full contact details and to include a ssae for results. Entrants will also receive a score sheet. Entry fee $10 per poem: money order or cheque payable to Di Bates. Payment can be made online c%dibates@pacific.net.au but no email entries, thank you. Prizes are $150 first prize, $100 for second prize and $50 for third prize plus certificates for winners and short-listed entries. Winning and commended entries might be chosen for inclusion in an anthology, with payment made as well by a major publisher. Entries must be received 13 July. Results announced in Buzz Words (All the Buzz about Children’s Books) www.buzzwordsmagazine.com Send entries to Di Bates, PO Box 2116, Woonona East NSW 2517.

[Zondrae]

Thanks For this Stephen,

You are sending in a couple I would imagine. I think I only have two poems that might fit in this category. Might have to put the old thinking cap on for a while. mm Trouble is modern kids are not all that taken be traditional 'Boy's Own' adventure type poems, books etc. Now if it was a game to go in the DX they'd trip over themselves to get their grubby little hands on it.

[Stephen Whiteside]

Don't sell 'modern kids' short, Zondrae. My experience is that they enjoy rhyming verse much more than the average adult. Of course, humour helps. So does 'yukkiness'. And you don't want to write anything too long - though you'll get away with it if it's good enough.