Arts Gloucester Quills and Ink writing competition winners announced

THE winners of the inaugural Arts Gloucester Quills and Ink writing competition were announced on Saturday, 13 June.

The competition grew from an idea by Arts Gloucester committee member James Hooke, who wanted to promote writing within the community.

“I want writers to be valued, admired and nurtured,” said James.

More than 60 entries were received from writers around Australia, with the competition open to all ages and genres.

The entries were judged by a panel of three:

Michael Duffy, a crime novelist and former publisher;

Poet and writer Alison Gorman;

And librarian and English teacher Tess Nolan.

The judges praised all the writers who entered, noting that submitting work takes courage.

The judges also noted that comparing different genres was interesting, and although it made judging more difficult, it was a unique element of the competition.

Linda Kovacevic won first prize with her children’s story, Tap Dancing Toby.

Second prize went to John Hogan for the short story ‘The Clutches of the Sea’.

Gloucester High School Year 11 student Crystal Sneyd took third place with a story titled ‘Butcher in the Woods’.

“I love writing; it allows you to express yourself. I do like writing about the dark side of life. I write a bit at school, but I mostly write in my free time,” Crystal told News Of The Area.

Highly commended writers were Marilyn Sanderson, Deb Pugh and 10-year-old Eva Brooks.

“Writing is so much fun, you can make anything up,” Eva said.

Each judge was asked for one piece of advice for writers.

“Keep writing,” said Michael Duffy.

“Read as much as you can,” said Alison Gorman.

“Really look at the mechanics of your writing and learn how to manipulate language,” said Tess Nolan.

Arts Gloucester is enthusiastic about fostering a love of writing and looks forward to seeing the competition expand in the future.

By Wendy BUSWELL