Event W02: BookFest YA, Writing Masterclass
Part of June’s multi-event BookFest YA series for 11 to 17-year-old book lovers and aspiring writers!
Sign up for a Sunday Creative Writing Masterclass and/or enter a First Chapter writing competition.
About BookFest YA
BookFest YA is here to ignite imaginations, offering:
- In-school visits from authors Patrice Lawrence, Tasneem Abdur Rashid, Lucas Maxwell and Bryony Thomson.
- First Chapter writing competition – free entry, great prizes!
- Inter-school Student Librarian Conference at Chichester University
BookFest YA: First Chapter
A Creative Writing Competition for young people aged 11-17. Got a story in your head? A hero, a world, a voice no one’s heard yet? This is your moment!
Write the opening chapter of one of the following: a Young Adult novel, a verse novel or graphic novel in any genre. No minimum words, but the maximum is 500. Just the first chapter. Make us want more!
We warmly welcome creative entries from SEND young people, including recorded spoken word/poetry, scaffolded writing/poetry and found poems/stories. Need some ideas? Go to childrensbookfest.com
Shortlisted writers will be invited to read their work at a special prize-giving evening at Chichester Assembly Rooms in September. Winners will receive book voucher prizes and be published in the Chichester Observer!
How to enter: Send us your stories by July 31 2026.
Email your entry to nicola@childrensbookfest.org or hand in a paper copy to your school or Chichester Central Library. Remember to include your name, year group and the name of your secondary school (or give your parent/carer’s contact email if you’re homeschooled).
BookFest YA: Masterclass: Keep an eye on our website for more details: childrensbookfest.com
