Such is the power of writing

PROMOTING AND EMBODYING THE LOVE OF WRITING... Local author, Suellen Drysdale (right) has not only written and published two novels and a children's book, Forgetful Gran's Muddle Rhymes , she has also been The Furphy Literary Awards' Junior Short Fiction judge for the past seven years. Blown away by the calibre of young writing talent in the region, Suellen is excited about another year of competition. Suellen is pictured above with her daughter, Brittany, who endorses her mother's children's book as an all time favourite. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

By Natasha Fujimoto

CALLING down the corridors of time, once again to entice writers of all ages to pen a good yarn or to compose an engaging piece of poetry is the ‘Father of the Australian novel,’ Jospeh Furphy.

Having published, Such is Life in 1903 and famous for touting, ‘everyone can write at least one good story,’ The Furphy Literary Awards were established in 1992 in the author’s honour and have since gone on to be one of the most esteemed and lucrative writing competitions in the country.

PROMOTING AND EMBODYING THE LOVE OF WRITING… Local author, Suellen Drysdale (right) has not only written and published two novels and a children’s book, Forgetful Gran’s Muddle Rhymes , she has also been The Furphy Literary Awards’ Junior Short Fiction judge for the past seven years. Blown away by the calibre of young writing talent in the region, Suellen is excited about another year of competition. Suellen is pictured above with her daughter, Brittany, who endorses her mother’s children’s book as an all time favourite. Photo: Natasha Fujimoto

With submissions already being accepted for the Open Short Story category until Sunday, April 30, entries for the four youth categories have also opened, closing on Wednesday, May 31 at 11.59pm.

The four categories for young writers include Junior Short Story for writers 12 and under, Youth Short Story and Youth Poetry for writers 13-17 years.

Avidly judging the Junior Short Story category for the last 17 years, local author and president of the Goulburn Valley Writers Group, Suellen Drysdale said, “Every time I sit down to read the entries I’m blown away by the imagination and creativity of young people.

“Sometimes, I have to stop myself and think, was this really written by someone who’s 12 or under?”

Reading every submission, Suellen said entries customarily reflect ideas ranging from fantasy and space adventures to real life dramas of school, family, friends or pets as well as historical events fictionalised through a single viewpoint of one character.

When asked what makes a contender for the short list, Suellen said, “I look for a polished story, one with a good storyline, a fascinating idea and good characters, brought full circle to a satisfying conclusion.”

To enter, you can visit www.furphyliteraryaward.com.au/junioryouth

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