Competitions
Be involved in the excitement of Words Out West Fest from anywhere! This year we’re running a number of events and activities open to anyone and everyone throughout the Western Downs region and beyond.
Short Story Competition
Everybody’s got a different way of telling a story, we want to hear yours.
Words Out West is delighted to introduce our inaugural short story competition.
The Winners!
Winner
Title: The Rhythm of Small Things
Author: Bernadette Whisson
Location: Toowoomba
Synopsis: Things noticed and unnoticed make up our days. The small things slip by but the big moments are cocooned in them.
Runner Up
Title: All the little things
Author: Lisa Shannon
Location: Boondooma
Synopsis: This story reflects the difficulty rural people face when they become unable to live unassited as they age. I refected on my personal experience having seen all 4 of my grandparents experience the transition with difficulty.
Third Place
Title: Peace in Endings
Author: Ashley Collard
Location: Tara
Synopsis: Things noticed and unnoticed make up our days. The small things slip by but the big moments are cocooned in them.My life hasn’t been spectacular, it hasn’t even been long. But in my years, fear has accompanied me for most of my days. But this is the end of it, I won’t put myself through it any longer. I want to find my peace, without him.
Here's the gist
- Competition closes on Sunday 14 February 2021
- Word limit: 3000 words
- Stories must be fiction and written on the theme of the little things.
- Judging will be finalised by Monday 1 March
- Winners will be officially announced and prizes awarded at Library After Dark on Saturday 13 March
The finer details
- Entrants must be 16 years or over as of date of entry.
- Judging criteria will include writing proficiency, application of the theme, strength of the narrative and engagement of the characters.
- This competition is open to non-professional* fiction writers who are Queensland residents. Entries are free and limited to one per person.
- All entries should be in English submitted as a Word document. Formatting must be in the style of Calibri or Arial, double line spaced with page numbers. Entrants can choose their own title. Entries that exceed the word limit will be deemed ineligible.
- Entries are to be made through the submission portal below.
- Full terms and conditions can be read here.
* A non-professional writer means a person who has never received a fee for their work, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. Prize money received for a story is not considered a fee.
Prizes
Winner
$500
Ticket to the Writers Retreat at Jimbour House
Runner Up
$300
Third Place
$150
Caption Competition
We’re looking for a clever, comical or otherwise compelling caption for this photo and we think you’re the crowd to provide it.
Here's the gist
If you’re lucky enough to be attending Words Out West, the Caption Competition will be a fun way to flex your creative writing skills for all your peers to see.
On the day there will be a beautiful photo printed that will serve as both the subject and the prize.
Write your caption across the wall to be judged by all who pass it by – literally, winners will be decided on public vote! Keep an eye out on our socials for a sneak peek at your muse.
Photographers of the Western Downs!
If you would like to submit your photo to be at the centre of this competition click below.
Terms and Conditions apply.